Washington, DC – US media outlets reported that the US government has made sweeping changes to the free admission days at national parks. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and June 19th have been removed from the list of exemptions. This comes shortly after the Trump administration announced an increase in admission fees for non-US citizens and non-permanent residents.
Add Trump’s birthday to the list of free days
The National Park Service revealed that June 14, Flag Day and President Trump’s birthday, is now a day with free admission. This was according to the newly published list.
Revoking exemptions associated with the previous Biden administration
CBS News reported that the Biden administration had designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day and June 19th as free holidays. However, these were removed from the recently approved amendments.
Free days at US national parks for 2025
According to CBS, most exemption days are linked to major national events, including:
Presidents’ Day – February 16
Memorial Day – May 25
Independence Day Weekend – July 3-5
Constitution Day – September 17
Veterans Day – November 11
110th Anniversary of the Parks Authority – August 25
President Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday – October 27
The agency clarified that non-American or non-resident visitors will continue to pay entry fees even during these days.
New entrance fees for national parks
Reports indicate that approximately 100 of the more than 400 parks in the United States charge entrance fees, which vary from location to location. An update announced by the Trump administration will impose the following:
$100 per non-resident visitor at 11 major parks
$80 annual fee for non-residents starting in 2026
The new decisions are in response to presidential directives.
The changes came after an executive order issued by Trump last July, which called for raising entry fees for foreign tourists and giving American citizens preferential access to recreational facilities. This includes permits and lottery systems at some parks.
Huge financial returns are expected from the new fees.
In its 2026 budget, the U.S. Department of the Interior projected that the new tolls could generate more than $90 million annually. This would contribute to supporting maintenance and development efforts in national parks.
Interior Minister: International visitors will pay their “fair share”
Interior Minister Doug Burghom emphasized that these changes ensure continued affordable access to parks for all citizens, while international visitors contribute to “protecting and improving the parks for future generations.”
