MaMaLiRZ

My cell signaled an incoming email. Ding ding. And like Pavlov’s dogs, my reaction was immediate. I flipped the phone over and searched for the latest announcement. Incoming from recreation.gov. The reminder from recreation.gov that it’s time to buy our tickets for the Wind Cave National Park, Garden of Eden tour. Whoot whoot! The only way into the caves, is with tickets. So I needed to purchase a set to make the trip fruitful and check that puppy off.

It read “notice that 14 other people received this same notification. Sign in to purchase tickets.” Hurriedly, I did. Luckily I got the three remaining tickets for the 2 pm tour on Monday. Boy does even a little bit of planning pay off.

How did I know that I had to buy tickets only three days in advance? The National Park Service app told me so. My answer to most things at this point to “how did you know”, will be, I read it on the NPS App! The App has a wealth of information from visitors centers opening and closing times to Ranger talks/tour availability. As you go to the hinterlands of our country it’s all the more important to memorize or take screenshots of the Ranger walks because it’s highly likely your cellular access may be aloof right when you need it. Additionally, the app will point you in the direction of recreation.gov, to book tours, excursions, etc. Think of it as the NPS App gives you all the free information and recreation.gov sells you stuff to include camping and tours.

As just mentioned, I highly recommend you peruse recreation.gov. The website, allows you to set up email reminders to purchase the tour you want when it becomes available. This was critical for me tonight. I would have forgotten amongst the school pick ups and football practice, dinner and homework. During peak seasons and heavy traffic Parks I could see this being invaluable. All tickets are first come, first serve. Additionally, you’re able to book camping sites, paid-for tours and see critical information about future timings of park closures. It seems to have slightly more up-to-date information than the NPS app.

Thirdly, Xanterra.com. For the more adventurous, or those that want to appear more adventurous, turn to this site. It only applies to some National Parks where the company offers excursions. Check their website to help structure your adventure of the parks where they provide service. For instance, I booked our Grand Canyon mule ride and round-trip train ride from the Grand Canyon and back through Xanterra. An extra benefit, the specialist that answers the phone is also a fountain of knowledge to talk through your intentions and desires so she/he can offer the best options to make your dreams come true and maybe even check off a bucket list item or two.

South Dakota will also take us to The Badlands National Park where Berin will finally be able to see his stars. Ironically there will be a meteor shower on Monday night, so God willing we’ll visit the Cave’s Sunday and Monday, then travel out to the Badlands just in time to see a sunset and the following meteor shower. Fingers crossed the weather agrees and we have a beautiful, clear night sky!

Be sure to share your favorite National Parks Sites in the comments below and help me plan all our future trips!