What Texans Should Know Before Visiting a National Park

(Mix 93-1)  Like many Texans, my family and I are in the process of planning our summer vacation. We know this year's trip will be more expensive due to inflation and other factors, but we're going to press on because we've earned it!

Besides the higher price for travel, food, and lodging, there's also going to be something else millions of Texans and Americans are going to have to endure, and that's an extended wait at many national parks and museums this year.

With the government's efforts to reduce expenses through the Department of Government Efficiency office (DOGE), many national park staff have been slashed to save money.

These budget cutbacks may have many families rethinking their vacation plans to a National Park because they could endure longer lines just to get into the park, less interaction with knowledgable Park Rangers, less assistance in the case of an emergency, and in some cases some buildings, museums and exhibits could be closed for an extended period of time.

READ MORE --> Road trip to one of the 12 National Parks near Tyler, Texas

Don't cancel your plans to visit a National Park

A little planning can go a long way in creating some great memories with your family. Take care of park admission before arriving. Pack in all of your essentials, but make sure you take your trash with you. Enjoy yourself and take in the beauty with what our great land has to offer.

The US National Parks have an app that will give you a lot of information about each park, its activities, operating hours, expectations, historical information, and much more. There are more than 400 National Park sites across the US. Texas has two national parks, five national historic sites, and other national preserves, memorials, and seashores to visit.

You'll be like your own honorary park ranger!

Pack some patience as you head off to a National Park for your summer vacation. While in the lines waiting to get into the park, look around and keep your eyes out for wildlife and other beautiful creations.

My family and I will be doing just that when we visit a prominent National Park this summer.

Get our free mobile app