The Trump administration has made some noteworthy changes to the national park entrance fee calendar. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth will no longer be free entrance days. Instead, Trump’s birthday on June 14 will be added. Other significant dates now include the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS) on August 25 and Constitution Day on September 17.
These changes, effective January 1, reflect a shift towards promoting a more “patriotic” narrative. The NPS has labeled the fee-exempted days as “patriotic fee-free days,” claiming they make parks more accessible for Americans.
However, the alterations also come with a new policy that affects international visitors. Non-U.S. residents will face higher fees. Popular parks will charge an additional $100 for foreign visitors on these days. The annual pass for non-residents will jump to $250, while residents can still get theirs for $80.
According to a recent executive order from July, the intention is to prioritize access for citizens while asking international visitors to contribute more. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized that these policies are designed to ensure U.S. taxpayers, who already support national parks, get the best value.
Public reactions to these changes have been mixed. Some see it as a necessary step toward ensuring that the parks remain sustainable. Others criticize the exclusion of important historical dates, suggesting it could erase parts of the nation’s history that need recognition.
For context, these adjustments come on the heels of similar moves by the administration to reframe perceptions of American history within national park narratives. This shift may impact visitor experiences and the stories told in these iconic spaces.
As national park policies evolve, they reflect ongoing discussions about history, equity, and who gets privileged access to America’s natural treasures. You can learn more about this issue at The National Park Service.
