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Starting January 1, 2026, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) introduced a major change to fee‑free days at parks that normally charge entrance fees. These days are now labeled “patriotic fee‑free days” and are only free for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, marking a shift from previous years when international visitors also benefited. Non-U.S. visitors must pay regular entrance fees plus any non-resident surcharges. The new policy focuses on national holidays and historic observances, providing Americans free access on eight specific dates throughout 2026.
1. Presidents Day : February 16, 2026
Presidents Day, celebrated on February 16, 2026, marks the birthday of George Washington and serves as a patriotic fee‑free day exclusively for U.S. citizens and residents. On this date, entrance fees are waived at fee-charging parks nationwide, encouraging Americans to explore national treasures. Non-U.S. visitors, however, must still pay the standard entrance fee plus any additional non-resident surcharges. This change highlights the NPS’s new focus on prioritizing access for American taxpayers while still offering opportunities for international tourists who purchase passes.
2. Memorial Day : May 25, 2026
Memorial Day, on May 25, 2026, honors the U.S. military personnel who died in service and is designated a resident-only patriotic fee‑free day. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can enter a fee‑charging national parks at no cost, making it an ideal time for families and veterans to explore outdoor spaces. International visitors must still pay full entrance fees and surcharges, which can be significant at popular parks during peak holiday travel. This date underscores the NPS’s focus on patriotic observances while encouraging Americans to celebrate history and natural beauty.
3. Flag Day / President Trump’s Birthday : June 14, 2026
June 14, 2026 combines Flag Day, celebrating the adoption of the U.S. flag, with former President Donald Trump’s birthday. This date is part of the eight resident-only fee-free days. U.S. citizens and residents gain complimentary access to all parks that normally charge entrance fees. International visitors, however, remain subject to standard entrance charges plus non-resident surcharges. This date replaces several previous fee‑free days that honored civil rights and conservation milestones, reflecting a shift in the NPS’s criteria for patriotic holidays and national observances.
4. Independence Day Weekend : July 3–5, 2026
The Independence Day weekend, July 3 through July 5, 2026, is a three-day resident-only fee‑free period. U.S. citizens and residents can enter fees‑charging parks without paying any entrance fees, encouraging domestic tourism during summer. International visitors are required to pay all applicable fees, and popular parks may experience heavy crowds due to peak travel season. By reserving free access for U.S. residents on this patriotic weekend, the NPS promotes family outings and local exploration while prioritizing access for taxpayers who fund the park system.
5. 110th Birthday of the National Park Service : August 25, 2026
August 25, 2026, marks the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, and it is also a resident-only patriotic fee‑free day. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can explore parks that normally charge entrance fees at no cost. This day celebrates more than a century of conservation, recreation, and education, encouraging Americans to connect with public lands. Non-U.S. visitors must pay regular entrance fees plus non-resident surcharges. This update emphasizes national pride and encourages Americans to engage with the heritage and natural beauty preserved by the NPS.
6. Constitution Day : September 17, 2026
Constitution Day, observed on September 17, 2026, commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 and is one of eight resident-only fee‑free days. On this day, U.S. citizens and permanent residents enjoy waived entrance fees at fee-charging parks. International visitors must still pay the park’s entrance fee and any surcharges. Constitution Day joins other historically themed fee‑free dates, linking American history with access to public lands and national parks, while reinforcing the NPS’s new policy of prioritizing patriotic holidays that celebrate national heritage.
7. Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday : October 27, 2026
October 27, 2026, is designated as a patriotic fee‑free day in honor of Theodore Roosevelt, a conservationist president who expanded the U.S. National Park system. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can visit parks with waived entrance fees, celebrating Roosevelt’s conservation legacy. International visitors must pay standard fees plus non-resident surcharges. This day highlights the NPS’s focus on patriotic observances tied to historic figures, ensuring Americans have opportunities to access and appreciate protected lands that Roosevelt helped preserve over a century ago.
8. Veterans Day : November 11, 2026
Veterans Day, November 11, 2026, concludes the 2026 patriotic fee‑free schedule. On this day, U.S. citizens and residents can enter a fee‑charging national parks without paying any entrance fees, honoring all military veterans. International visitors continue to pay standard entrance fees plus non-resident surcharges. These eight resident-only fee‑free days replace previous free holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, reflecting a new America-first approach to park access and ensuring patriotic holidays receive special recognition within the U.S. National Park system.
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