It looks like the weekend of April 20th is going to be when Montana may be officially coming out of hibernation. There are a lot of event taking place over that weekend. Across the nation "Record Store Day" happens to fall on Saturday 4/20. That day is also the "unofficial holiday" for people who use cannabis.

Read More: Get Ready To Spark Up: The Hi-Fi Soiree Returns to Missoula for 4-20

Saturday, April 20th, is the kickoff to "National Park Week". To start the week of festivities, visitors to the nation's National Parks will be able to get into the parks for free. All fees are waived on that Saturday as part of their "Discovery Day". For those interested here are the dates for the rest of 2024 where the park's entry fees will be waived.

  • June 19th- Fees are waived for the recognition of Juneteenth.
  • August 4th- Anniversary of the "Great American Outdoors Act"
  • September 28th- National Public Lands Day
  • November 11th- Veterans Day

Some Yellowstone Roads Will Be Opening Just In Time

If you are planning on going to Yellowstone National Park for "Discovery Day", there are some roads that will be opening just in time for the day. According to a press release from Yellowstone National Park, depending on the weather, the following roads will be open to the public on Friday 4/19.

  • West Entrance- West Yellowstone, Montana to Old Faithful
  • Mammoth Hot Springs to Old Faithful
  • Norris Junction to Canyon Village

Being able to enjoy our National Parks for free is a very cool thing. Having one of those days in April, before the height of Montana's tourist season is an added bonus. Enjoy the parks and be safe.

Stunning Photos of Yellowstone National Park in the Fall

Take a "virtual visit" to the Park in autumn. Photos courtesy of the Nationa Park System and photographer Diane Renkin.

LOOK: Stunning animal photos from around the world

From grazing Tibetan antelope to migrating monarch butterflies, these 50 photos of wildlife around the world capture the staggering grace of the animal kingdom. The forthcoming gallery runs sequentially from air to land to water, and focuses on birds, land mammals, aquatic life, and insects as they work in pairs or groups, or sometimes all on their own.

Gallery Credit: Nicole Caldwell