Olympic National Park will celebrate the 98th birthday of the National Park Service by waiving its normal $15 entrance fee onMonday, Aug. 25.

“Birthdays are a time to celebrate and we invite our neighbors and visitors to join the party,” Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said. “National parks belong to all Americans and offer something for everyone, so we welcome people to visit Olympic and enjoy its many facets, from its mountain scenery, to a walk through the rain forest or simply watching the waves from a Pacific Ocean beach.”

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the world’s first national park. There were 37 national parks in the United States when President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 1916.

Today there are 401 national parks throughout the country and each one tells an important part of the American story. Some commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn. Plan a visit at www.nps.gov.

Last year, more than three million park visitors enjoyed the park’s many features and facilities, adding over $245 million to the area economy and supporting nearly 3,000 area jobs.

The mission of the National Park Service also extends beyond park boundaries. Community partnerships help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. To see what is happening the rest of Washington, go to www.nps.gov/WA.