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In a move highlighting ongoing political tensions over public lands access, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Friday that over 200 state parks will offer free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026. The decision comes in direct response to the Trump administration’s recent removal of MLK Day from the national parks fee-free calendar.
Last month, President Trump’s administration revamped the schedule of free-entry days at national parks, eliminating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, and National Public Lands Day. These dates were replaced with historically themed occasions, including Flag Day—which coincides with Trump’s birthday—Constitution Day, the National Park Service’s 110th anniversary, and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday.
“While Trump works to erase Dr. King’s legacy, California will honor it,” Newsom said in a press release announcing the initiative. “Dr. King taught us that ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.’ While the Trump administration tries to erase his legacy and turn national parks and monuments into places of exclusion and fear, California answers with light.”
The California initiative will offer free vehicle day-use entry at participating state parks on January 19, 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Black History Month. The program is being funded by the California State Parks Foundation rather than taxpayer dollars, according to the governor’s office.
Democratic leaders in California have framed this decision as a deliberate counterpoint to the federal changes. State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson emphasized the cultural significance, stating, “As the federal government eliminates fee-free park days for holidays that celebrate Black history, California continues to revel in the glory of our civil rights pioneers.”
The ongoing dispute reflects deeper divisions over how public lands should be managed and which historical figures and events merit commemoration. The Trump administration’s changes to the free-entry calendar raised significant criticism from civil rights organizations and environmental groups when announced last month.
California’s park system, one of the largest in the nation, includes diverse natural areas ranging from coastal beaches to ancient redwood forests. Among the parks offering free entry will be Big Basin Redwoods, Half Moon Bay, Sugarloaf Ridge, Doheny, Wildwood Canyon Park Property, Folsom Lake, Bidwell Mansion, and Lake Oroville.
Some exceptions to the free admission policy include off-highway vehicle recreation areas, parks with per-person or tour fees such as Hearst Castle, and locations operated by partner organizations.
This state-level response to federal policy changes highlights the increasing tendency of states like California to chart independent courses on environmental and social justice issues when they conflict with federal directives. It also underscores how public lands management has become another arena for political disagreement in an already polarized national landscape.
The California State Parks Foundation, which is funding this initiative, views the investment as supporting both immediate access and long-term connection to California’s natural and cultural resources. Their support enables the parks to remain operational while encouraging public engagement with these spaces.
Newsom encouraged all Californians to “get outside on MLK Day, spend time in nature, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all,” positioning the free park access as both a recreational opportunity and a chance for civic reflection.
A complete list of participating parks is available through the California state parks website at parks.ca.gov/MLKDay2026.
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9 Comments
Newsom’s move to make California state parks free on MLK Day is a powerful statement in defiance of the Trump administration’s efforts to diminish Dr. King’s legacy. Providing open access to parks on this important holiday upholds the values of inclusion and equality that King fought for.
It’s encouraging to see California taking a stand and honoring Dr. King’s vision, even as the federal government tries to erase his impact. Public lands should be accessible to all, not just on select occasions.
Kudos to Newsom for taking this stand, even if it’s a bit of political theater. Protecting public lands access and honoring important figures like Dr. King should be priorities regardless of party affiliation. Hoping this move inspires more bipartisan collaboration on these issues going forward.
I’m curious to see how this plays out – will the Trump administration try to challenge California’s move or will they let it stand? Seems like a bold political statement from Newsom, but an important one to uphold the values of inclusion and equal access that Dr. King championed.
It will be interesting to see the federal government’s response. Newsom is clearly taking a principled stand here, even if it means defying the Trump administration’s agenda. Protecting public lands and honoring civil rights leaders like Dr. King should be non-partisan issues.
Interesting that the Trump administration removed MLK Day and other inclusive holidays from the national parks fee-free calendar. Seems like a politically-motivated move to limit access and marginalize certain communities. Kudos to Newsom for stepping up to keep California’s parks open and free on this day.
Agreed, the Trump administration’s decision looks like an attempt to undermine the importance of MLK Day and public lands access. It’s good that California is taking the initiative to honor the holiday and Dr. King’s legacy.
While I appreciate Newsom’s gesture in keeping California’s state parks free on MLK Day, I wonder if this is more of a symbolic political move than a substantive action. Will it actually increase park visitation and engagement with Dr. King’s legacy, or is this just grandstanding? Curious to see the real-world impact.
That’s a fair point. Symbolic gestures can be important, but they need to be backed up by meaningful change. It will be worth monitoring if this free park access leads to greater participation and education around MLK’s civil rights work, or if it remains more of a symbolic protest against the Trump administration.