National Park Service Revises Fee-Free Days to Include Trump’s Birthday
The National Park Service has announced major changes to its free entrance calendar for 2026, adding President Donald Trump’s birthday as a fee-free day while removing long-standing free admission dates tied to Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth.
MLK Day has historically been one of the marquee fee-free dates across U.S. national parks, and Juneteenth was added in 2024. Both have now been removed. The shift comes as Trump continues emphasizing the rollback of federal diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
In 2026, visitors will get free park entry on Trump’s June 14 birthday, which also falls on Flag Day, along with several other added dates: Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, three days over the July 4 weekend, the National Park Service’s 110th birthday on August 25, Constitution Day on September 17, and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday on October 27. Roosevelt is widely regarded as the father of modern conservation and helped expand the National Park System.
Several previously free days have been eliminated, including the first day of National Park Week, National Public Lands Day, Great American Outdoors Day, and more. Veterans Day will remain free for all visitors.
The new policy also introduces an “America-first” fee structure. Beginning January 1, 2026, international visitors will pay standard entrance fees plus an additional $100 at 11 of the country’s most visited national parks. Non-U.S. residents will also see annual pass prices increase to $250, compared to the $80 pass American visitors will continue to pay.
