Grand Canyon National Park celebrated its 6 millionth visitor as its final National Park Service Centennial event.

The distinction went to the Johnson family from Las Vegas, Nevada. Delighted to be part of the celebration, James and Abigail Johnson and their kids Sophia and Elijah were first time visitors to Grand Canyon National Park. “At first I didn’t think it was real”, exclaimed Sophia, “but I’m really happy we’re the 6 millionth!”

In honor of those that serve and have served in the United States military, Grand Canyon National Park will offer everyone free entrance on Veterans Day Friday, November 11.

Fee-free designation applies to entrance fees only and does not affect fees for camping, reservations, tours, or use of concessions. Park entrance stations will have the Interagency Senior and Annual passes available for those who wish to purchase them. Visitors who plan to spend time in the park beyond November 11 will need to pay the regular entrance fee the remainder of their stay.

On Wednesday, November 9, Grand Canyon National Park will host a Native American Indian Heritage Celebration with special presentations and demonstrations. Grand Canyon visitors and residents are invited to participate in this special day to recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices made by First Americans.

North Rim operations will begin seasonal shut-down of most visitor services on Saturday, October 15. The North Rim will remain open to day-use visitors and overnight campers, until Thursday, December 1 unless heavy snowfall closes State Highway 67 earlier.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with free entrance to Grand Canyon National Park Saturday, September 24. National Public Lands Day promotes enjoyment and stewardship of our nation's public lands. As part of the festivities, visitors can participate in an inaugural ride on the Greenway Trail or attend a lively story-filled evening program.

Grand Canyon National Park invites bird enthusiasts of all levels to participate in a weekend of birding fun and excitement including a LIVE radio broadcast with Talkin' Birds Radio.

This mosaic of the entire Grand Canyon from Lake Powell to Lake Mead was assembled from photos taken by Jeff Williams, current commander of the International Space Station, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the US National Park Service. To see his photos of other national parks from space, go to http://www.space.com/33851-us-national-parks-from-space-photos.html.

Grand Canyon Music Festival begins this Thursday, August 25. http://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/

Events at Centennial Central (the Historic Train Depot)

Thursday, August 25th

9:00 am - Amtrak Exhibit Train Opens, Historic Train Depot
9:00 am - Centennial Central Opens, Historic Train Depot
9:00-11:00 am - Naturalization Ceremony, Mather Point Amphitheater
10:30-11:00 am - Ed Kabotie, Hopi Artist and Musician Cultural Demonstration, Centennial Central
11:45 am - Grand Canyon Railway Steam Train Arrives, Historic Train Depot
Noon-12:30 pm - Ed Kabotie, Hopi Artist and Musician Cultural Demonstration, Centennial Central
12:45 pm - Grand Canyon Railway Diesel Train Arrives, Historic Train Depot
1:00 pm - Opening Ceremony of Amtrak Exhibit Train, Centennial Central
1:30 pm - Birthday Cake Cutting, Centennial Central
2:30-3:00 pm - Ed Kabotie, Hopi Artist and Musician Cultural Demonstration, Centennial Central
4:00-4:30 pm - Ed Kabotie, Hopi Artist and Musician Cultural Demonstration, Centennial Central
5:00 pm - Centennial Central Closes
6:00 pm - Amtrak Exhibit Train Closes

The National Park Service (NPS) is turning 100 years old on August 25, 2016 and to celebrate the anniversary, Grand Canyon National Park will waive entrance fees August 25-28.

To join in on the centennial celebration, visitors can explore Centennial Central, visit the Amtrak Trails and Rails Exhibit, and attend free ranger programs.Grand Canyon will also host a naturalization ceremony for new United States citizens on August 25. All centennial events are free and open to the public.