Free on Father's Day: Maine State Park Admission

Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that all Maine State Parks and Historic Sites will treat Maine residents to free admission on Father's Day, which is this Sunday, June 21. This annual gesture is meant to show appreciation for Maine residents for their continued support of Maine State Parks and Historic Sites. All vehicles bearing Maine license plates on Father's Day will be granted free-admission at all 48 state-owned and operated locations, according to Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's (DACF) Bureau of Parks and Lands.

"I encourage Maine families to visit and enjoy Maine State Parks and Historic Sites this summer and throughout the year," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "There is a lot to see and experience, and all visits are affordable every day, especially Father's Day."

Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb was equally enthusiastic. "Governor LePage issued a Proclamation designating June as Great Outdoors Month' and Maine State Parks get you out there," said Whitcomb. Park staff and volunteers have everything ready for visitors to have a memorable experience this Father's Day and throughout the whole summer."

DACF Bureau of Parks and Lands Operations Director Ron Hunt encouraged Maine residents and visitors alike to explore the many offerings provided by Maine State Parks. "Each of our state parks and historic sites has programs suited for all ages and cover a wide range of outdoor interests. Many are using our Maine State Park Passport program as an incentive to visit all the parks, and our geocaching feature continues to be very popular," said Hunt.

The details of the free parks admission are:

- Maine Residents Day, 9 a.m.- closing, Sunday, June 21; all vehicles bearing Maine license plates will be allowed free entrance to Maine state parks and historic sites. No rain date will be available. The open admission does not apply to the AWW, Baxter State Park, the Maine Wildlife Park, Peacock Beach, Scarborough Beach, Swan Island, or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, though admission to Fort Knox State Historic Site will be free that day.

For more information about Maine State Parks and Historic Sites, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf