Washington, D.C. — Visitors to national parks across the United States will see changes to the days they can enjoy free admission in 2026. The Trump administration has designated specific dates to celebrate U.S. history, most notably marking Trump’s birthday on Flag Day while removing previous commemorative days such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth.

The Department of the Interior, in a recent announcement, has labeled these new fee-free days as “resident-only patriotic fee-free days.” In addition to Trump’s birthday, the Fourth of July weekend and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday will now offer free access for residents. Conversely, notable days like the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act and National Public Lands Day have been omitted from the calendar.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum revealed the updated fee structure alongside the announcement of the free access days, aimed at making national parks more affordable for U.S. residents. Included in next year’s calendar are notable holidays such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day.

While Veteran’s Day has historically been designated as a fee-free day, another omission from the updated list is the first day of National Park Week, which had also previously allowed free admission. This change has raised concerns among park enthusiasts who value access to the country’s natural spaces.

Previously, the National Park Service indicated on its website that everyone would be granted free admission on designated days. However, updated guidelines for 2026 clarify that these fee waivers will now apply exclusively to U.S. citizens and residents.

While representatives from the White House and associated agencies have yet to comment on the changes, these adjustments follow a year of scrutiny regarding content related to diversity and inclusion on national park websites. Earlier this year, the National Park Service faced backlash after removing material related to key historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, sparking conversations about representation in national narratives.

In a broader context, these changes are occurring amid ongoing discussions regarding the administration’s policies and their implications for public engagement with history and culture. As national parks serve as both recreational spaces and educational resources, many advocates stress the importance of inclusive narratives that reflect the diversity of the American experience.

The alterations to fee-free days are expected to impact attendance at national parks, which have seen fluctuating visitor numbers influenced by both policy and public sentiment. As citizens prepare for upcoming changes, the long-term effects on park accessibility will be closely monitored by community leaders and advocates.