New National Park Fee-Free Days Exclude MLK Jr. Day and Juneteenth
The National Park Service has announced a revised schedule for fee-free days in 2026, notably excluding Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list. Instead, the updated calendar now includes President Trump’s birthday, coinciding with Flag Day on June 14, as a fee-free day. This change aligns with a broader initiative by the Trump administration to modify the recognition of historical events on federal lands.
Alongside Trump’s birthday, the National Park Service’s new fee-free schedule features 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.
Under a newly introduced “America-first pricing” policy, non-U.S. residents will face increased entrance fees on these dates. At 11 of the most frequented national parks, international visitors will incur an additional charge of $100 beyond the standard entrance fee. The annual pass for international visitors will increase to $250, while U.S. residents will pay $80 for their annual pass.
This move follows a July executive order from the White House, aimed at boosting fees for non-American visitors and prioritizing access for citizens and residents concerning recreational rules, including permits and lotteries.
The Department of the Interior described the revised fee-free days as “patriotic fee-free days,” emphasizing their commitment to enhancing national park accessibility and affordability for Americans. The Interior Department has not yet responded to NPR’s request for comment on the matter.
In a statement, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum remarked, “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 change in the fee-free day calendar is part of a broader agenda by the Trump administration to reshape U.S. history, encouraging visitors to national parks to report any signs that portray Americans in a negative light.
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