US National Park Service eliminates free admission on MLK Day and Juneteenth

The United States National Park Service (NPS) will no longer offer free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. This change is part of the Trump administration's plans to "modernize" the park system, which includes adjustments to pricing that prioritize American citizens over international visitors, beginning in 2026.

While the two holidays honoring civil rights and the end of slavery are being removed from the fee-free calendar, Flag Daycoinciding with President Trumps birthdaywill be added as a free-entry day, designated for patriotic celebration.

The NPS stated that non-US residents will continue to pay entrance fees on these fee-free dates. For the 2026 calendar year, American residents will have complimentary access on President's Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day/President Trump's birthday, Independence Day weekend, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, and Veteran's Day.

Previously, the Biden administration had included Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth among the fee-free dates. Under the new rules, US residents will still pay $80 for an annual park pass, while non-residents will face a $250 annual pass fee. Visitors without the pass will pay $100 per person at 11 of the most-visited parks, in addition to regular entrance fees.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized that the policy prioritizes American families, stating that these measures allow US taxpayers to maintain affordable access while ensuring foreign visitors contribute to park maintenance and improvements for future generations.

The Department of the Interior projects that the surcharge on international visitors could generate over $90 million annually. This move is consistent with previous Trump administration actions targeting MLK Day and Juneteenth. Earlier in the year, an executive order restricted federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, affecting the celebration of holidays related to civil rights.

Despite the removal of free access, both Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth remain recognized national holidays. In June, the administration hosted a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the US Armys 250th anniversary, coinciding with Flag Day and President Trump's birthday.

Author: Harper Simmons