National Parks Honor Trump’s Birthday; Drop MLK Day, Juneteenth from Free Days
Recent changes in free admission days at U.S. National Parks have resulted in the removal of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the list of fee-free days. This decision comes shortly after the Trump administration announced a substantial increase in entrance fees for non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Updated Free Admission Days
As part of the revised schedule, June 14, coinciding with Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, has been designated as a free day. Previously, these dates were recognized as fee-free days under the Biden administration. The current list reflects a trend where most free days are associated with patriotic themes.
List of National Parks Free Days
- Presidents’ Day: February 16
- Memorial Day: May 25
- Independence Day Weekend: July 3-5
- Constitution Day: September 17
- Veterans Day: November 11
- National Park Service 110th Birthday: August 25
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday: October 27
Non-resident visitors will still be required to pay entrance fees on these days, as the park service indicates that roughly 100 out of 400 national parks charge entrance fees. This financial structure aims to ensure that non-U.S. citizens and residents contribute to park maintenance.
Fee Increases for Non-Residents
The Trump administration has introduced a $100 non-resident fee for 11 popular national parks. Additionally, a new policy effective in 2026 will raise the annual pass fee for non-residents from $80 to $250.
Financial Implications
This fee revision follows an executive order from July, which mandated that national parks increase entry fees specifically for international tourists. The Department of the Interior estimates that these new surcharges could generate over $90 million annually, helping subsidize park operations.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that these adjustments ensure U.S. taxpayers maintain affordable access while foreign visitors give back to the national parks. According to the U.S. Travel Association, national parks attracted over 14 million international visitors in 2018.
Recent data from Yellowstone shows a decline in international visitors, with only 15% of its guests coming from abroad in 2024, down from 30% in 2018.
