Trump Administration Revamps National Park Free Entry Days, Sparks Controversy

The Trump administration has announced a significant overhaul of fee-free entry days at national parks, introducing President Donald Trump’s birthday as a new free-entry day while removing several established dates, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. The changes, which take effect in 2026, have already drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers.

The revised calendar marks a substantial departure from the 2025 schedule, which emphasized longstanding public lands celebrations and civil rights observances. Gone are Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, National Public Lands Day, and the opening day of National Park Week.

In their place, the administration has added historically themed dates, including June 14 (Trump’s birthday), Constitution Day, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service, and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday. The schedule also incorporates better-known federal holidays such as Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and a three-day Independence Day weekend. Veterans Day remains the only date carried over from the previous calendar.

Civil rights leaders have voiced opposition to the changes, particularly the elimination of MLK Jr. Day. Kristen Brengel, spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed concern over the removal, noting that the day had become a popular time for community service projects in national parks.

“Let’s be clear here: both MLK Jr. Day and Juneteenth were free entry days last year,” Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) posted on social media. “The President didn’t just add his own birthday to the list, he removed both of these holidays that mark Black Americans’ struggle for civil rights and freedom. Our country deserves better.”

The free-day calendar changes are part of a broader modernization initiative for national park access beginning January 1, 2026. The Department of Interior is transitioning to fully digital America the Beautiful passes that can be purchased and displayed on mobile devices through Recreation.gov. The digital passes – including annual, military, senior, fourth-grade and access versions – can be activated instantly and still linked to physical cards if desired.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum framed the changes as beneficial to American families: “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first. These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”

The administration is also implementing a new fee structure that creates a significant price difference between U.S. residents and international visitors. While the annual pass will remain $80 for Americans, foreign visitors will pay $250. Additionally, non-resident visitors without passes will face a $100 per-person surcharge at eleven of the most visited national parks.

Other changes include redesigned annual passes featuring new patriotic artwork and expanded access for motorcyclists, with all America the Beautiful passes now covering two motorcycles instead of one.

Department officials say the increased revenue from higher non-resident fees will be directed toward facility improvements, maintenance projects, and enhanced visitor services throughout the national park system. They also maintain that updated validation tools and new training for park staff will streamline entrance procedures and improve visitor experiences.

The changes reflect a significant shift in how the administration approaches both public access to national parks and which days it chooses to commemorate through fee-free entry opportunities.