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The National Park Service is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a string of events.
At the quarterly meeting of the Keweenaw National Historical Park’s Advisory Commission, the public got a look at what the park has planned.
It all starts this week, as part of National Park Week.
Events include a Geocache Tour and Instameet on Saturday and then the National Park Rx Day on Sunday.
Keweenaw National Historical Park Acting Superintendent and Chief of Interpretation & Education Kathleen Harter said, “This is a national event that’s happening for the first time with the park service and it’s really about getting people outdoors and active, and that it’s all part of our prescription for health, to be doing fun, engaging activities that get us moving and what better place to do that than a national park setting.”
What makes this year extra special is that Calumet Township is also celebrating their sesquicentennial in August, the same week as the 100th anniversary of the park service.
Harter said, “That’s within the boundaries of the Keweenaw National Historical Park and we work very closely together, with the township, with the village, to help celebrate the rich copper mining history that occurs throughout this area, but also the greater Keweenaw Peninsula and region.”
With so many activities planned, the best way to keep up with all of the events is by visiting the park’s Facebook page.
Here’s the press release from the KNHP:
Celebrate National Park Week at Keweenaw NHP!
National Park Week is America’s largest celebration of national heritage. It’s about making great connections, exploring amazing places, discovering open spaces, enjoying affordable vacations, and enhancing America’s best idea—the national parks!
National Park Week—April 16th to the 24th— offers visitors a wealth of activities and opportunities to celebrate your national parks, including free admission to parks throughout the nation. Keweenaw National Historical Park is offering activities right here at home, too! Two dates to keep in mind are Saturday April 23 and Sunday April 24.
On Saturday April 23, a park ranger will lead people to various geocache locations around Calumet for a Geocaching and Instameet from 2:00pm – 3:30pm. Meet at Park Headquarters on the corner of Red Jacket Road and US-41 in Calumet, and don’t forget to bring your camera so you can share the fun on Instagram! Tag your favorites with #keweenawnps.
There’s also a lot taking place on Sunday, April 24. Come to Agassiz Park (or the Calumet Visitor Center if the weather doesn’t cooperate) for a special “Step into History” open house, and focus on your health and local history at the same time! There will be four stations with activities for the whole family, including yoga with professional yoga trainer Amy Ostereich, core strength with Stacy Bussiere of Aspirus Keweenaw Fitness and Rehab, a gardening station, and a session on how spending time with pets can have a positive impact on your health. Complete 3 of the 4 activities to enjoy a healthy snack, courtesy of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.
This event is part of the national Park Rx Day, which encourages everyone to improve their health in our national parks and protected areas.
NPS Rangers will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer your questions about National Park Week, the NPS Centennial, and the Find Your Park campaign, which encourages every American to get out there and find their park!
