National Parks: ‘America’s Best Idea’ Specials

Like (or love) national parks? Already have your DVR programmed to record the new six-part Ken Burns documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea,” which starts on September 27?

Many hotels and lodges in and near national parks are coming out with “America’s Best Idea” specials to celebrate the spotlight. Here are some of them:

• Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks: The Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa has a bunch of specials, including the “Celebrate Our Parks” Package, which offers 20 percent off three nights’ accommodation, a seven-day park pass to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, a guidebook, a complimentary video camcorder, plus the new Ken Burns’ documentary. Package rates start at $217 per night.
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: The Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge are offering two-night packages with a bag lunch and a scavenger hike book for 20 to 30 percent off, with rates starting at $255 for the package through fall 2010.
• Mesa Verde National Park: The Far View Lodge has a two-night package with tickets for a half-day ranger tour and the DVD set of the documentary starting at a discounted rate of $349. The package is available through October 21, and then again between April 22 and June 6.
• Olympic National Park: The Lake Quinault Lodge, Kalaloch Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs resort are offering a themed gift with a night’s stay through April 30 (though Sol Duc closes for the season on October 24). Discounted rates start at $119 per night, and you can get an additional night at another property for $99.

More packages are available at or near other parks, including Denali. And Yosemite is still running its 50-percent off deals at a range of properties.

Will you be headed to a National Park anytime soon? Share your big plans with other below!