National Parks Shake Up Free Entry Days, Sparking Debate

The U.S. National Parks have recently updated their list of fee-free days, causing quite a stir.

Key Changes

• Removed Days:
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Juneteenth

• Added Day:
• President Trump's birthday (also Flag Day)

Background

This change comes right after the Trump administration announced higher fees for visitors who aren't U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Current Fee-Free Days

Most of the free days now focus on patriotic themes, such as:

• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day

Additionally, there are free days for:

• National Park Service's birthday
• Theodore Roosevelt's birthday (founder of the National Park Service)

Important Notes

• Even on free days, non-U.S. citizens or residents still have to pay entrance fees and any extra non-resident fees.
• Around 100 out of 400 national parks charge an entrance fee, with varying costs for each park.

New Fees for Non-Residents

The Trump administration has introduced:

• A new $100 non-resident fee for 11 popular parks.
• Starting in 2026, an annual pass that currently costs $80 will cost non-residents $250.

Reasoning Behind the Changes

These changes stem from a July executive order by Trump, aimed at:

• Increasing entry fees for foreign tourists.
• Giving U.S. residents better access to parks.

Statements from Officials

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that these changes ensure:

• U.S. taxpayers can still enjoy affordable access to the parks.
• International visitors help maintain and improve the parks for the future.

Visitor Statistics

• In 2018, national parks and monuments saw over 14 million international visitors.
• Yellowstone reported that in 2024, nearly 15% of its visitors were from outside the country, down from 30% in 2018.