FLORIDA KEYS, Fla. — Visitors planning a special summer trip can explore Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park free on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14-15.

Entrance fees at the two parks will be waived during the “fee-free weekend” announced by Acting Superintendent Keith Whisenant.

“We encourage visitors to take this opportunity to come enjoy the beauty, and experience these awesome resources," said Whisenant.

During the free weekend, staff at both Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Park are to be on hand to answer visitor questions and help them plan a great day in either park.

Everglades National Park, an expanse of approximately 1.5 million acres, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and features many rare and endangered species.

Dry Tortugas National Park, located nearly 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, is made up of a cluster of seven small coral and sand islands as well as their surrounding waters. It also includes the massive Civil War-era Fort Jefferson.

For more information about the parks and the “fee-free weekend,” call 305-242-7700 or visit nps.gov.