So, I’m sitting here plotting my Kentucky State Vacation, when it hits me. I’ve had an “America the Beautiful Access Pass” for so long, I don’t remember when I got it. More importantly, I don’t remember telling any of YOU about the Access Pass. Well, then! Here’s ya some info…

In many areas of the USA, the federal government owns huge amounts of land. But there’s no single government agency with oversight of it all. Instead, these lands are a patchwork of properties owned by different federal agencies. Each of these agencies has its own mission, policies, and approaches to managing public land. And they are all competing for your tax dollars.

So, I find it rather surprising that they have come up with a single pass that can be used across SIX separate federal agencies. And yet, they have! The “America the Beautiful” pass is honored at national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and many more U.S. Government-owned places. In addition to free admission, the card can often be used for deep discounts on activities and events.

For example, I will be visiting Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. I plan on taking three of their many cave tours. Each tour costs around $30. With my “America the Beautiful” pass, I get 50% off this price. But wait, there’s more!

There are multiple flavors of “America the Beautiful” passes. Any legal U.S. resident can get the ‘standard’ pass. This is an annual pass that’ll cost ya $80. The good news for YOU is that there is also the “America the Beautiful Access Pass”. This is available only to legal U.S. residents who are permanently disabled. And Parkinson’s is indeed considered a permanent disability.

At this point, you may be asking what the big deal is with the “America the Beautiful Access Pass”. You MAY be. I don’t know. As I’ve pointed out before, I can’t hear you. But the big deal is that this pass is “free” (you pay $7.50 shipping), and it’s valid for the rest of your life! No annual renewal process or fees required.

There are also special variants of the “America the Beautiful” pass for military families, seniors, 4th graders, seniors enrolled in 4th grade, and more. For a full list, click here. TTFN, y’all. The next time you hear from me, I may be in Kentucky!