Visitors to America’s national parks will now have one more opportunity for a complimentary entry, as President Donald Trump has added his birthday to the list of free entrance dates.
“Free days at the U.S. National Parks have been changed to no longer include Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, just weeks after the Trump administration announced it would be raising fees for visitors who are not American citizens or permanent residents,” CBS News reported.
“June 14, which is both Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, will be included, according to a list shared by the NPS,” the outlet added.
(Video Credit: ABC7)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, and National Public Lands Day will not be on the 2026 calendar, while free entrance will now be granted on Constitution Day, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, and the birthday of Theodore Roosevelt.
The Department of the Interior announced a “modernization” of access to national parks, including digital America the Beautiful passes and new fee schedules.
“Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Annual Pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, ensuring that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit. Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee,” the Department noted in a press release last month.
🚨 BREAKING: Doug Burgum rolls out new America First policies for national parks in 2026
U.S. citizens will pay lower fees, including 10 fee-free days, while foreigners will pay TRIPLE.
New park pass designs include Trump, Washington, and Teddy Roosevelt.
Amazing. 🔥 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/0OavQ3iI45
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) November 25, 2025
“Revenue generated from new fee policies will be invested directly back into America’s national parks, supporting upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and improved services nationwide,” the Department of the Interior said.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said. “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.”
National Parks are now free on Trump’s birthday, but not on MLK Jr. Day or Juneteenth https://t.co/pPQId097rm
— Axios (@axios) December 5, 2025
Naturally, not everyone is happy with the changes, and many blasted Trump and his administration for removing certain free days.
“Let’s be clear here: both MLK Jr. Day and Juneteenth were free entry days last year,” Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) wrote on X. “The President didn’t just add his own birthday to the list, he removed both of these holidays that mark Black Americans’ struggle for civil rights and freedom. Our country deserves better.”
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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