The National Park Service (NPS) in the United States has announced that in 2026, they will increase the number of free entry days, such as Flag Day on June 14, Independence Day weekend on July 4, and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the park system.
The Park Service has introduced a new policy called “America First” based on the presidential executive order to “allow more Americans to visit national parks” and to reduce the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policy directive.
Starting from January 1, 2026, the NPS will charge an additional fee of $100 per person for foreign visitors who do not have an annual pass when entering the top 11 most visited national parks in the United States.
According to information on the NPS website, beginning in 2026, free entry days will only apply to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated in a press release, “These policies ensure that American taxpayers – who have supported the national park system through their taxes – can continue to enjoy affordable tour services, while also allowing international visitors to contribute their part in maintaining and improving America’s parks for the benefit of future generations.”
Dates for free entry days in 2026 include:
– Presidents’ Day: February 16
– Memorial Day: May 31
– Flag Day: June 14
– Independence Day weekend: July 3 to July 5
– 110th Anniversary of the National Park Service: August 25
– Constitution Day: September 17
– Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday: October 27
– Veterans Day: November 11
Some national parks are free to enter, while others charge admission fees, typically not exceeding $35 per vehicle.
According to the NPS website, starting in 2026, there will be no free entry on Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, requiring payment for entry during those times.
Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 during the Biden administration. This day commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the Confederate states shortly after the end of the Civil War.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year. He was a prominent leader in the civil rights movement, advocating against racial segregation and discrimination, famously delivering the speech “I Have a Dream.”