National parks eliminate free entry for MLK Day, include Trump's birthday

Starting in 2026, the National Park Service will offer free entry to U.S. national parks on President Donald Trump's birthday, June 14, but will no longer provide free access on Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This update was announced via the National Park Service's website.

In the past, Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day were part of the list of federal holidays that allowed free entry into the 116 national parks managed by the NPS. Juneteenth, a federal holiday recognized since 2021, marks the end of slavery in Confederate states, a day of historical significance that has been observed for over 150 years.

Additionally, the National Park Service will introduce new "patriotic fee-free days" for 2026, which will include Trump's birthday on June 14, the Independence Day weekend, and the 110th anniversary of the NPS on August 25.

In 2024, the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis recorded 2.6 million visitors. The NPS also unveiled plans to increase fees for international visitors without an annual pass, starting in January 2026, charging an extra $100 to access the 11 most popular parks. These changes align with an executive order designed to make national parks more accessible to Americans while limiting certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Starting next year, free entry will only be available to U.S. citizens and residents, as stated by the NPS.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum explained in a statement, "These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already fund the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors help support the upkeep of parks for future generations."

Free Entry Days in 2026

• Presidents Day: February 16
• Memorial Day: May 31
• Flag Day/President Trumps Birthday: June 14
• Independence Day Weekend: July 35
• 110th Anniversary of the National Park Service: August 25
• Constitution Day: September 17
• Theodore Roosevelts Birthday: October 27
• Veterans Day: November 11

Entry Fees for National Parks

While some national parks offer free entry, many charge a fee, typically no more than $35 per vehicle.

Author: Noah Whitman