Between the recently announced free weekends at national parks and discounts and freebies being offered by park partners, our national parks are shaping up to be an ideal summer vacation destination for budget-conscious travelers.

In conjunction with the National Park Service’s Fee-Free Weekends, taking place on June 20 and 21, July 18 and 19, and August 15 and 16, 2009, companies in the parks that operating lodging, dining, shopping and recreation tours will also be offering discounts.

Denali National Park and Preserve
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.

Glacier National Park
Gift Shop Discounts: Enjoy buy-one-get-one-free promotions on eight-ounce packages of wild huckleberry jellybeans and a pre-designated souvenir T-shirt. For more information call (406) 892-2525 or visit www.glacierparkinc.com.

Dessert of the Day: Indulge in local specialties with buy-one-get-one-free dessert promotions at restaurants located in many park hotels. For more information call (406) 892-2525 or visit www.glacierparkinc.com.

Horseback Rides: Book a Family Pack to receive 10% off standard rates for children riding with a parent or guardian or the Group Pack to receive $5 off per rider for groups of six or more. There are also special discounts for Montana residents. For more information and discount restrictions, call (877) 888-5557 or visit www.swanmountainoutfitters.com/glacier.

Grand Canyon National Park
Discount Voucher: Receive a coupon for $5 of a $25 purchase at retail locations, food and beverage venues, recreational activities or tours. To receive your coupon and to learn more, visit www.ParkSpecialOffers.com.

All-American Dessert Special: Stop in the El Tovar restaurant, the Arizona Room restaurant and the Bright Angel Lodge Dining Room for a special dessert. For more information call (928) 638-2631 or visit www.grandcanyonlodges.com.

Free Reusable Shopping Bag: Stop in the gift shop at the Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim to receive your free reusable eco-friendly shopping bag. For more information call (877) 386-4383 or visit  www.grandcanyonlodgenorth.com
 
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.

Houseboat Rides: Take a free ride aboard a luxury houseboat on Lake Powell from Antelope Point Marina on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. For additional information and directions visit www.ForeverHouseboats.com.

Olympic National Park
Free Souvenir Water Bottle: Receive a free water bottle with a retail purchase of $35 or more at Lake Quinault Lodge, Kalaloch Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. For more information call (866) 297-7367 or visit www.visitwashingtonparks.com.

Free Reusable Shopping Bag: Stop in the Fairholme Store at Lake Crescent to receive your free reusable eco-friendly shopping bag. For more information call (360) 928-3211 or visit www.lakecrescentlodge.com.

Sequoia National Park
Discount Voucher: Receive a coupon for $5 of a $25 purchase at retail locations, food and beverage venues, recreational activities or tours. To receive your coupon and to learn more, visit www.ParkSpecialOffers.com.

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.

Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks
Discount Voucher: Receive a coupon for $5 of a $25 purchase at retail locations, food and beverage venues, recreational activities or tours. To receive your coupon and to learn more, visit www.ParkSpecialOffers.com.

There are several other discounts and freebies being offered at national parks across the country. An extensive list of offers is available online. Most of these offers will only be valid during the Fee-Free Weekends, so don’t miss out!