National Park Service Changes Free Admission Days, Igniting Debate

The National Park Service (NPS) will revise its free admission days for 2026, removing access on two significant civil rights holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. In their place, the NPS will introduce free entry on President Donald Trump’s birthday, which coincides with Flag Day, sparking criticism from civil rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers.

The changes, announced recently by the NPS, will take effect next year. Free admission days have traditionally aligned with national holidays or events of historical significance. While adjustments to these dates have occurred in the past, the removal of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth has raised major concerns among advocates for civil rights.

Kristen Brengel, a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed disappointment, stating that the elimination of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is particularly troubling. The day has become a vital occasion for community service, with numerous groups using the opportunity to volunteer in national parks.

Democratic lawmakers have also voiced their objections. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada remarked, “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.”

In addition to the changes regarding free admission days, the NPS is implementing a fee increase for international visitors. Starting in 2026, foreign tourists will pay a surcharge of $100 at eleven major parks, while U.S. residents will retain the $80 annual pass rate. The Interior Department emphasizes that these adjustments aim to ensure affordable access for Americans while allowing international visitors to contribute to park maintenance.

A spokesperson for the National Park Service did not provide immediate comments on the reasons behind these changes when approached by The Associated Press. As public backlash grows, many are concerned about the implications of prioritizing one holiday over others that represent significant milestones in American history.

The decision to eliminate free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, highlights ongoing tensions surrounding representation and acknowledgment of civil rights issues in national policies.