By Sam StevensonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberAmerican residents can visit National Parks free of charge next year on eight specific dates dubbed "patriotic fee-free days," the Department of the Interior (DOI) has announced.
It comes as part of a raft of major changes being implemented to the National Park System, affecting how Americans and international visitors access some of the nation’s most valued public lands.
Why It Matters
The DOI’s changes aim to modernize park access and prioritize affordability for American families, reflecting President Donald Trump’s America-first policy on public lands.
...What To Know
On November 25, the DOI announced a modernization initiative for national park access, launching January 1, 2026.
These updates include new digital passes, higher entrance costs for nonresidents, and expanded motorcycle access.
U.S. citizens and residents will benefit from digital America the Beautiful passes, new annual pass artwork for the country’s 250th anniversary, and special "resident-only patriotic fee-free days" offering free admission to parks on key federal holidays and historic dates in 2026.
All fee-free days are for U.S. citizens and residents only; international visitors will pay standard entrance fees plus any new nonresident surcharges.
This move follows the new America-first fee structure, which sets the annual pass for U.S. residents at $80 and introduces a $250 annual pass for nonresidents.
Additionally, nonresidents entering 11 of the most visited national parks—including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon—will pay a $100 per-person surcharge in addition to the park’s normal entrance fee.
The parks also include Acadia National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Everglades National Park, Glacier National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Zion National Park.
The 2026 changes also see the launch of digital passes, available for purchase and immediate use through Recreation.gov.
Passes will be stored on mobile devices and offer digital validation for faster entry. Annual passes for seniors (age 62 and older) will remain at $20 for the year or $80 for a lifetime; active-duty military, 4th graders, and people with disabilities will continue to receive free passes.
Additionally, all America the Beautiful passes will now be valid for up to two motorcycles, improving access and affordability for motorcycle riders.
Full List of 'Patriotic Fee-Free Days'
- President’s Day: February 16, 2026
- Memorial Day: May 25, 2026
- Flag Day/ Trump’s birthday: June 14, 2026
- Independence Day weekend: July 3—5, 2026
- 110th birthday of the National Park Service: August 25, 2026
- Constitution Day: September 17, 2026
- Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday: October 27, 2026
- Veterans Day: November 11, 2026
What People Are Saying
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said: "President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first. These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations."
What Happens Next
Interior officials emphasize that revenue from fee changes will be reinvested in park improvements and maintenance.
The department stresses its commitment to keeping national parks accessible for Americans as they celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, while budgeting for long-term park sustainability.
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