Enjoy free state park admission on Father’s Day

Get outside on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 17, if you forgot). Maine state parks and historic sites are recognizing Maine residents for their continued support with a free-admission day. With 48 state-owned and -operated destinations, Mainers have a lot to choose from.

Look up state parks and historic sites near you at www.parksandlands.com.

“Maine Resident’s Day” will start at 9 a.m. on Sunday, and end at 6 p.m. All vehicles bearing Maine license plates will be allowed free entrance to Maine parks and historic sites. Please note that the open admission does not apply to Baxter State Park or the Penobscot Narrows Observatory in Prospect, though admission to Fort Knox Historic Site Will be free that day.

“The forecast is for warm, sunny weekend weather, and we’re expecting a strong turnout,” said Will Harris, director of Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands in a press release.

Last year, more than 2.4 million people visited Maine state parks and historic sites for day use and camping; and so far this year’s park attendance and camping use is about 33 percent higher than last year, according to BPL statistics.

“We want to say thank you to all Maine residents who year after year support our beautiful state parks and historic sites with a special day just for them,” said Harris. “We hope many Mainers will come out and enjoy a wonderful, fun day outdoors with their dads and granddads and great granddads.”

Aislinn Sarnacki

About Aislinn Sarnacki

Aislinn is a Bangor Daily News reporter for the Outdoors pages, focusing on outdoor recreation and Maine wildlife. Visit her main blog at actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.