The National Park Service has announced significant changes to its schedule of fee-free admission days, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the calendar while adding Flag Day, which coincides with President Trump’s birthday on June 14.
The revision marks a departure from policies established during the previous administration and comes alongside broader changes to the park system’s fee structure, including substantial increases for international visitors.
The updated schedule maintains several traditional fee-free days centered on American patriotic observances. Visitors will continue to enjoy complimentary admission on Presidents’ Day, February 16; Memorial Day, May 25; Independence Day weekend, July 3 through 5; Constitution Day, September 17; and Veterans Day, November 11.
Two additional dates honor the National Park Service itself: August 25, marking the service’s 110th birthday, and October 27, celebrating the birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt, widely regarded as the founder of the modern National Park Service.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth had been designated as fee-free days under the Biden administration’s direction. Their removal from the calendar represents one of the more notable policy shifts in the current administration’s approach to managing the nation’s public lands.
The changes to free admission days accompany more substantial alterations to the park system’s overall fee structure. The administration has announced that visitors who are neither United States citizens nor permanent residents will face a new $100 nonresident fee at eleven of the nation’s most popular parks. This fee applies in addition to standard entrance costs and will be required even on designated free days for American citizens.
Currently, approximately 100 of the nation’s 400 parks collect entrance fees, with costs varying considerably depending on the specific location and its amenities. The new nonresident surcharge targets high-traffic destinations that have historically drawn significant international tourism.
Looking ahead to 2026, the administration plans to implement further increases for international visitors. An annual pass that presently costs $80 for all visitors will carry a $250 price tag for nonresidents beginning next year, more than tripling the current rate.
Park Service officials have stated that the fee adjustments aim to ensure that American taxpayers, who fund the maintenance and operation of these national treasures, receive priority access and benefits. The revenue generated from increased nonresident fees is expected to support infrastructure improvements and conservation efforts across the park system.
The policy changes have drawn attention from various quarters, with supporters arguing that the modifications appropriately prioritize American citizens and align free days with patriotic occasions that celebrate the nation’s founding principles and history. The inclusion of Flag Day, they note, reinforces the parks’ role as symbols of American heritage.
As these changes take effect, millions of visitors who plan their trips around fee-free days will need to adjust their schedules accordingly. The National Park Service has indicated that the new calendar of free admission days is now in effect, and visitors should consult official park websites for specific information regarding fees and entrance requirements at their intended destinations.
Related: Mandela Barnes Enters Wisconsin Governor’s Race With Controversial Record in Tow
