U.S. National Parks: 10 Days of Free Admission in 2026
In 2026, the U.S. National Park Service is significantly updating its free entry program, expanding the list to 10 days exclusively for U.S. citizens and residents. The new calendar of “patriotic” dates includes Presidents' Day (February 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Flag Day (June 14), the three-day weekend in honor of Independence Day (July 3–5), the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service (August 25), Constitution Day (September 17), Theodore Roosevelt's birthday (October 27), and Veterans Day (November 11). This change allows the country's residents to visit more than 400 natural areas and historical sites for free, including popular destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, saving on standard fees. When planning trips, it is important to note that MLK Day and Juneteenth holidays are excluded from the list of free days, and international tourists will need to pay full entrance fees starting January 1, 2026, including possible additional fees at the most visited parks.