The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has recently revised its list of free days, eliminating Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth from the lineup. This announcement comes just weeks after the Trump administration revealed plans to increase fees for visitors who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Notably, June 14—which coincides with both Flag Day and President Trump's birthday—will now be included as a free day for park visitors.
Under the Biden administration, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth were designated as fee-free days. The revised schedule focuses primarily on patriotic holidays, including Presidents' Day on February 16, Memorial Day on May 25, Independence Day weekend (July 3-5), Constitution Day on September 17, and Veterans Day on November 11. Additionally, the 110th birthday of the National Park Service on August 25 and the birthday of President Theodore Roosevelt on October 27—who is often regarded as the founder of the National Park Service—are also included as free days.
Despite the free days, visitors who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will still be required to pay entrance fees and applicable non-resident fees on these dates, as clarified by the NPS. Approximately 100 out of the nation's 400 parks charge an entrance fee, which varies depending on the location. As part of the recent policy changes, non-residents will face a new $100 fee at 11 popular parks starting in 2026, while an annual pass will rise from its current price of $80 to $250 for non-residents.
This announcement follows a July executive order issued by President Trump, which directed the NPS to raise entry fees for international tourists. Furthermore, the order emphasized giving U.S. residents preferential treatment concerning recreational access rules, such as permitting and lottery systems. The Department of the Interior's budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year anticipates that this surcharge on international visitors could yield over $90 million annually.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum took to social media to express that these changes ensure that U.S. taxpayers continue to enjoy affordable access to national parks while requiring international visitors to contribute their fair share toward the maintenance and enhancement of these treasured sites for future generations.
According to the U.S. Travel Association, national parks and monuments attracted more than 14 million international visitors in 2018. Yellowstone National Park noted a significant decline in international visitors, reporting that only 15% of its 2024 visitors were from outside the country, a decrease from 30% in 2018.
As these changes take effect, it is crucial for both domestic and international visitors to stay informed about the new fee structures and free days to plan their visits accordingly.