Did you know there’s a National Park Passport???? Heck ya there is! And here’s why you absolutely need one….
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Sightseeing the the US will never be the same once you have one of these bad boys!
Looking back, I wish we would’ve known about these when my son was younger. They are easily the best way to collect “souvenirs.” Keep reading, and I’ll tell you why…
What is the National Park Passport?
In mid-1986 the Passport to Your National Parks program was established. The main goal of the program is to help preserve the memories of visiting our National Parks, Battlefields, Trails and so much more. All proceeds from the purchase of the Passport go back into the National Parks.
Why you need one
Because, I said so…no, just kidding. However, if you are anything like me, I love touristy souvenirs. But, I am the first to admit, eventually we all run out of room for all those shotglasses and decorative spoons/bells. And we are all guilty of hoarding t-shirts from everywhere we’ve been.
I know, they are your memories, but let me show you how the Passport will make remembering so much easier.
As an added bonus, you can personalize your Passport by not just adding the cancellation stamp; just add stickers, lot the trails you hike, log who you were with…you get the idea.
Wait, What? Did she say Stickers??
Heck ya I did, lol! There are “stickers” (really they’re called stamps, but if it’s sticky paper then to me it’s a sticker…anyhow) sold individually or as a set. You can purchase stamps at the Visitor’s Center (if available) or online (not all locations are available online). They offer the region stamp to put in your Passport as well as there is new a Stamp Series each year that includes a stamp from each of the nine regions and the National Stamp.
I know, I know, it sounds confusing, but stay with me here. These are the stamps I’m talking about…
Now, Back to the Passport…
Which Passport Should You Buy?
This is going to come down to personal preferences here…the size of the book and how you want to use it… Check out my other posts in this series for posts on each book.
There are four official books available:
1. Your Passport to the National Parks, Personal
2. Your Passport to the National Parks, Collector’s Edition
3. Your Passport to the National Parks, Deluxe Edition
4. Junior Ranger Edition
How do You Get a National Park Passport?
Easy, Peasy. There are three ways to get one:
1. The Park Visitor Center – pick it up when you visit
2. The Website – order ahead, have it delivered, so you can start planning your visit
3. Amazon (prices are slightly more here) – again, order ahead, have it delivered, so you can start planning your visit
What’s the catch??
Absolutely no catch…really, it’s a one time purchase to begin our passport journey through the National Parks. Unless you choose to purchase the regional stamps, additional pages or an upgraded book. The Park cancellation stamps are FREE!! Who doesn’t love free?! That’s what I thought, lol.
Where do you get your passport “stamped”?
There’s two ways to find the cancellation stations…
1. Check in your Passport – use the map that was included with your passport. It will have a list of cancellation stations.
2. The National Park website – this is the most up to date list of locations
So you bought a Park Passport, how do you use it?
1. First (and always, just my advice)…. Research.
Research the park you want to visit:
Where’s the Visitor Center?
When is the Visitor Center be open?
How big is the park?
Are there walking trails? bike trails? waterfalls? anything else of interest to me?
2. Find the Visitor Center
Once you arrive at the park, head on over to the Visitor Center to get you cancellation stamp. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have, any “insider” recommendations and to pick up the junior Ranger booklets for the kiddos.
Now, Get Ready, Here Comes the Moment You’ve Been Waiting For….STAMP Your Passport!
- Find the cancellation station in the Visitor’s Center
- Next, find the correct region in your book (If you are using the Collector’s Edition, you will need to find the specific page it belongs on)
- Always use one of the sample sheets to test the stamper
- Go ahead, stamp it in your book! Felt good, didn’t it?
Two Tips:
1. Another option is to stamp the round stickers (available to purchase), take it home and put it in your Passport….just be careful not to misplace it before you get there.
2. Double check which stamp you are using. There are “special” stamps at some locations. So, you can either choose the stamp you want to use…or use them all, lol.
Don’t forget about the Junior Ranger Program. This program is completely optional for the kiddos….but they’ll love it.
What now? You have your stamp….so now what do you do?
GO EXPLORE you silly!! Make some memories!! And most of all…HAVE FUN!!
Sooooo….Inquiring minds want to know…..
Have you heard about the Passport Program before? Have you used one? If you have, which one did you use? Where have you visited?
Don’t you absolutely love the Program? Or did I scare you off?
Throw me some comments below on what you think of the program…I’d love to hear your thoughts
And it would be a blessing if you would remember to share this post…Thanks so much
Some suggested reading 🙂
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