The National Park Service (NPS) announced the 2026 schedule of fee free days and the changes are controversial. Two long standing free days that honored Black history and civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth National Independence Day, have been removed. In their place is Donald Trump’s birthday on June 14, also celebrated as Flag Day.
Some critics say this reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to remove recognition of Black history and diversity from government programs and public spaces. Removing civil rights holidays from free entry days at national parks is seen as part of this pattern. SFGate notes that the change prioritizes holidays tied to presidents over holidays honoring Black Americans.
2026 Free Entrance Days for U.S. Residents
- February 16: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
- July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
- August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17: Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
These days replace previous free days such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, First Day of National Park Week, the Great American Outdoors Act anniversary and National Public Lands Day.
Other 2026 Fee Changes to Note
- Entrance fee free days will only apply to US citizens and residents. Nonresidents will be required to pay entrance fees and applicable nonresident fees.
- America the Beautiful passes will now cover entrance fees for up to two motorcycles.
- A new nonresident America the Beautiful pass will cost $250.
- Certain iconic parks (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and more) will charge a $100 nonresident fee per person in addition to standard entrance fees.
Visitor Tips
- If you planned to visit on MLK Day, Juneteenth, or other removed free days, expect to pay.
- Check the 2026 free day calendar before planning a trip.
- Be aware of changes to passes and fees, especially for non-residents.
- My trick is to go when there are not a lot of people. It’s best to visit in the off season, very early in the morning and not on free days.
This is more than a calendar change. It changes which parts of America’s history are recognized.
