MLK Day Removed from National Parks Free Days

In a significant policy shift, the National Park Service (NPS) has announced changes to its free admission calendar for 2026, removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth while adding President Donald Trump's birthday as a fee-free entry day. The move has sparked immediate debate and highlights the administration's broader focus on revising federal holiday observances and DEI-related policies.

The Policy Change: What's In and What's Out

For 2026, the list of "resident-only patriotic fee-free days" for national parks has been substantially altered:

• Removals: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 20) and Juneteenth (Jun 19) are no longer included as free entry days.
• Additions: President Donald Trump's birthday (Jun 14), which also coincides with Flag Day, is now a free entry day.
• Other Free Days: Presidents' Day (Feb 16), Memorial Day (May 31), Independence Day weekend (Jul 3-5), the NPS's 110th Birthday (Aug 25), Constitution Day (Sep 17), Theodore Roosevelt's birthday (Oct 27), and Veterans Day (Nov 11) remain free.

Previously, MLK Day had been a free entry day for years, and Juneteenth was added as a free day in 2024 following its recognition as a federal holiday in 2021 under the Biden administration. The NPS website now explicitly states that fee-free admission will "only apply to US citizens and residents."

Context Behind the Removals

The removal of MLK Day and Juneteenth from the free entry schedule comes amid a broader campaign by the Trump administration targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. President Trump has previously criticized "non-working holidays," including Juneteenth, claiming they cost billions.

"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."

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum

The changes also coincide with other NPS actions, including the removal of DEI-related content from park websites and a new "America-first" pricing structure. Starting January 1, 2026, international tourists will face a $100 surcharge at the 11 most-visited parks, and annual passes for non-residents will triple in cost.

The New Addition: Trump's Birthday

The addition of Trump's birthday as a free entry day is notable. It falls on June 14, which is also Flag Day. The NPS has framed the revised list as focusing on "patriotic" holidays. Theodore Roosevelt's birthday is also included, highlighting his historical role as a conservationist president who significantly expanded the national park system.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

The policy changes have drawn criticism from those who view the removal of MLK Day and Juneteenth as diminishing the recognition of civil rights milestones and African American history within the national park system. Supporters argue the changes prioritize "traditional American holidays" and reduce perceived government spending on "non-working" days.

This overhaul is part of a larger pattern of the administration revising federal observances and policies related to DEI. Earlier in 2025, the NPS faced criticism for briefly removing content about Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, though it was later restored.

What This Means for Travelers

For U.S. residents, the revised list means fewer opportunities for free park visits during specific holidays. International visitors will face significantly higher costs starting next year. Parks that normally charge an entry fee (typically up to $35 per vehicle) will require payment on MLK Day and Juneteenth for the first time in recent years.

The NPS emphasizes that the changes aim to ensure "fair share" contributions from international visitors while maintaining affordable access for taxpayers. However, the symbolic impact of removing MLK Day and Juneteenth from the free calendar remains a point of contention.

As the 2026 season approaches, these changes represent a clear shift in how national park access and federal holidays are framed, reflecting current administration priorities in cultural and economic policy.