National Park Nerd

BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY OPEN!
We snapped this shot along the Beartooth Highway (US Route 212), with its classic snow drifts on both sides of the road early in the season. This world-famous scenic road opened this Friday of Memorial Weekend, which has been the traditional opening date for as long as we can remember. It looked a little questionable as major snow storm blasted through the area, but the highly skilled snow plow crews made it happen regardless. This breathtaking byway reaches an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet as it climbs up and over the massive Beartooth Range between Red Lodge, Montana and Cook City, Montana, near Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance. For more info click here: https://enjoyyourparks.com/montana/top-things-to-do-in-montana/beartooth-highway/. Have you driven the Beartooth Highway?
LET US PLAN YOUR NATIONAL PARK VACATION:
www.EnjoyYourParksTravel.com

Looking for a flexible, family‑friendly activity this weekend? Mammoth Cave National Park will offer the Discovery Tour free of charge on Monday, May 25. Experience the world’s longest cave at your own pace on this half-mile, self-guided cave tour. Rangers are stationed along the route to answer questions and explain underground features.

No reservations are required for this fee-free opportunity which will be available from 10 a.m. — 3 p.m. CDT. Please note this tour does include navigating 100+ stairs and a steep hill climb. Learn more at: https://ow.ly/ypPa50Z3c8z

Mammoth Cave National Park does not charge an entrance fee. This fee-free opportunity is offered in commemoration of Memorial Day, a 2026 NPS entrance fee-free date. Learn more at: https://ow.ly/HTUr50Z3c8x

⚠️ Visitor Safety Notice ⚠️
Following the recent launch vehicle incident on Florida's Space Coast, visitors may encounter debris along area beaches in the coming days.
For your safety, please do not touch, move, or collect any suspected launch-related debris. Such materials may be hazardous.
If you encounter debris that appears related to a launch operation, maintain a safe distance and notify park staff immediately.
Thank you for helping us keep our beaches safe.

100 years ago today, important steps were taken toward creating Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

While the Smokies weren't officially established until 1934, it was on May 22, 1926, that President Calvin Coolidge signed the bill authorizing its creation.

Whether you come to the Smokies to hike the 848 miles of trails, drive the eight scenic auto tours, discover the 22,000+ documented species, or learn about the region’s rich cultural history, thank you for being part of the Smokies story. Your love for this place helps us protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the next 100 years and beyond.

BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY SCHEDULED TO OPEN TODAY, SORT OF!
(See travel update in comments).
Each year, the world-famous Beartooth Highway is slated to open the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend. Today is that day for 2026, HOWEVER there is a winter-like storm blasting through, which we believe will delay the Wyoming side by one day. Check the official road reports before travelling!!!! This legendary scenic road runs between Red Lodge, Montana and Cooke City, Montana (Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone Park). Between these two towns towers the massive Beartooth Range. The highest point along the road is 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass Summit, and dozens of peaks over 12,000 feet surround this breathtaking drive. It's truly one of the most scenic roads in North America. For more info click here: https://enjoyyourparks.com/montana/top-things-to-do-in-montana/beartooth-highway/. Have you driven the Beartooth Highway?
LET US PLAN YOUR NATIONAL PARK VACATION:
www.EnjoyYourParksTravel.com

Can you believe that shade? No, really, head for that tree.

No matter the season, but especially as we head into summer, staying hydrated outdoors is vital. In fact, drink before you even feel thirsty, and remember that your water needs increase if you’re hiking, running, or even just trekking from the car to the trailhead (and back again two minutes later). It’s perfectly fine if you decide to skip the hike.

What’s a simple way to stay hydrated? Bring a reusable water bottle! Refill it at visitor centers, picnic areas, or campgrounds.

Bonus: reusing bottles helps the environment, and staying hydrated keeps you from being once again labeled “overly dramatic” by friends and family. You just need a snack, that’s all.

Learn more ways to avoid the drama and beat the heat at: https://www.nps.gov/articles/heat-illness.htm

Image: Screenshot of a post with the text, “TIP: If you drink a lot of water, you won’t have time for other people’s drama because you’ll be too busy looking for a bathroom.”

❄⚠️ ROAD CLOSURE ❄⚠️

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed at Upper Lehman Creek Campground due to snow. There is no estimated time of reopening.

🌾 The Prairie Acadian Cultural Center in Eunice is bursting with excitement next week! Bring the family and dive into hands‑on history, music, crafts, and more. All programs are free and open to the public!

📍 Location: 250 Park Ave., Eunice, LA 70535

📅 Wednesday, May 20

• 12:30–1:00 pm — Chalmette Battlefield Film Screening As Memorial Day approaches, we reflect on the history within our park and the Americans who fought for the freedoms we honor today.

• 1:00–2:30 pm — Saints & Souls Talk Explore the wide‑ranging grieving traditions practiced by southern Louisiana’s cultural communities.

• 2:30–3:30 pm — Candle Making Join a ranger to make candles using historic methods dating back to Louisiana’s colonial era.

📅 Thursday, May 21

• 12:30–1:00 pm — Chalmette Battlefield Film Screening

• 1:00–2:30 pm — Saints & Souls Talk

• 5:00–5:30 pm — Throwback Thursday Photo Archive Help rangers sort, label, and organize photos from the center’s past—your memories might solve a mystery!

• 5:30–6:30 pm — Rendezvous in the Prairie (ft. Forest Huval) Enjoy a free live acoustic music set.

📅 Friday, May 22

• 10:00–10:30 am — Chalmette Battlefield Film Screening

• 10:30–11:30 am — Candle Making

• 11:30 am–12:30 pm — Card Making & Letter Writing Celebrate and practice the tradition of handwritten messages.

• 1:00–2:00 pm — Reading Rainbow Launch Party! Kick off a summer of reading with our new program. All ages welcome!

• 2:00–3:00 pm — Get Ready With Me (Summer Edition) Learn how people prepared for summer 250 years ago and compare it to your own routine.

• 3:00–3:30 pm — Historical Tea and Coffee Explore how your favorite beverages have changed over time—and enjoy a taste!

• 3:30–4:00 pm — Chalmette Battlefield Film Screening

📅 Saturday, May 23

• 10:00 am–2:00 pm — Quilt Documentation Project Bring your quilt to be documented and added to the state and national archive.

• 1:30–2:30 pm — Cooking Demonstration Taste and learn about both traditional and modern dishes of southern Louisiana.

• 3:00–4:00 pm — Rendezvous in the Prairie (ft. Cajun Accent Trio)

🌾 Come learn, play, and celebrate Cajun culture with us!