National Parks to See Changes in Fee-Free Days Amid Policy Shifts
Visitors planning trips to national parks may notice a significant change in the calendar of entrance fee-free days next year. The National Park Service (NPS) has announced alterations to this list, notably omitting Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, while adding President Donald Trump’s birthday. This decision aligns with the administration’s ongoing efforts to address the narrative surrounding the country’s historical sites on federal lands.
In addition to the newly added date, which coincides with Flag Day on June 14, the revised list includes the 110th anniversary of the NPS on August 25, Constitution Day on September 17, and President Teddy Roosevelt’s birthday on October 27. These changes are set to be implemented starting January 1.
However, international visitors will not enjoy the same benefits on these fee-free days. Under a new “America-first pricing” policy, non-U.S. residents will face additional costs, with entrance fees increasing by $100 at 11 of the most frequented national parks. The cost of an annual pass for international tourists will rise to $250, while U.S. residents can purchase an annual pass for $80.
This policy update comes on the heels of a July executive order from the White House, which aimed to impose higher fees on international visitors and to give American citizens and residents priority access to recreational amenities.
Describing the changes as “patriotic fee-free days,” the Department of the Interior praised the initiative, emphasizing “Trump’s commitment to making national parks more accessible, more affordable and more efficient for the American people.” Despite requests, the Interior Department has yet to comment further to NPR regarding these adjustments.
Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Interior, remarked in a statement: “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
This updated list of fee-free days follows previous actions by the Trump administration to reshape U.S. history, which included encouraging park patrons to report signage at national sites that they believe portrays past or present Americans negatively.
