Obama's visit to Yellowstone this weekend to highlight national parks

 - Last chance for Fee Free Weekends -

President Obama and the First Family will visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks this Saturday, Aug. 15.

The Obamas’ quick day trip will follow a visit to Bozeman, Mont., which is intended to rally support for the administration’s health care effort, and precede a visit to the Grand Canyon. During his tour of the West, President Obama plans to highlight our national park system, as well as this weekend’s final fee-free deal at national parks—(Aug.15 and 16).

In light of President Obama’s visit to the area, I’d like to highlight Togwotee Mountain Lodge, often considered the gateway to Yellowstone. Togwotee translates to “from here you can go anywhere” in the language of the Mountain Crow Indian tribe. True to this meaning, Togwotee Mountain Lodge lies in close proximity to the Grand Loop, which includes Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The central location of Togwotee Mountain Lodge allows for easy access to summer activities such as horseback rides, fishing, whitewater and scenic float raft trips, mountain biking, and hot air balloon rides.

For travelers on the way to Yellowstone this summer, Togwotee invites guests to stop by the lodge and experience the Togwotee Trail the old fashion way—via “horse” power. Togwotee Mountain Lodge, which was built in 1923 during the construction of Togwotee Pass and is tucked away in the depths of the Bridger Teton National Forest, offers guests a piece of history with its “Trek the Togwotee Trail to Yellowstone” package* for just $89 per person—at least a 20 percent savings! Available now through Sept. 25, 2009, this package includes a one-night stay at Togwotee Mountain Lodge, dinner and a national park map. Guests that book this package will receive the additional benefits of two horseback rides for the price of one (any length) and/or gas priced at $1.99 per gallon at the Angle Mountain Gas Station at the lodge. Guests must use promo code: TREKTOG.

In addition, national park travelers can also take advantage of the last chance for free entry into all national parks and concessioner deals, as listed below for various parks:

Lake Powell and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

• Full-day Rainbow Bridge Scenic Cruise: Buy one ticket and receive the second ticket at a 50% discount. To make a reservation, call (888) 486-4665 or visit www.lakepowell.com for more information.

Denali National Park and Preserve

• Denali Park Resorts’ Denali Natural History Tour: Buy one ticket and receive the second ticket at a 50% discount.+ To make a reservation, call (866) 296-0327 or visit www.denaliparkresorts.com for more information.

+Note: Visitors who have made advance reservations for park campgrounds, shuttle bus seats, or a bus tour have already paid an entrance fee and will not receive a refund. The no-refund policy is being applied across the country. Visitors who arrive at Denali without an advance reservation will have the entrance fee waived when they obtain their campsite or bus ticket on any of the six fee-free days.

Shenandoah National Park

• Skyland Resort: Guests who stay Saturday night at the regular rate will have the option to book a second night on Sunday at a 50% discount. To make a reservation, call (800) 778-2872 (promotion code: NPSDAYS) or visit www.visitshenandoah.com for more information. Valid dates: August 15 and 16, and September 26 and 27, 2009.

Olympic National Park

• Lake Quinault Lodge, Kalaloch Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort: Receive a free souvenir water bottle with retail purchase of $35 or more. To make a reservation, call (866) 297-7367 or visit www.visitwashingtonparks.com for more information.

Mesa Verde National Park

• Receive a free children’s souvenir water bottle with retail [Back to Press Releases Main]