MLK Day and Juneteenth No Longer Fee-Free:: The National Park Service has removed MLK Day and Juneteenth from its list of days with free admission.
Trump's Birthday Added:: President Trump's birthday (June 14), which is also Flag Day, has been added as a free admission day.
MLK Day Still a Federal Holiday:: MLK Day remains a federal holiday, so post offices and banks will be closed.
Limited Free Days:: With the changes, there are only eight fee-free days at National Parks in 2026.
Why this matters: These changes affect access to national parks, potentially increasing costs for visitors on MLK Day and Juneteenth. While MLK Day remains a federal holiday with closures, the change in park access impacts recreational and travel plans.
President Trump issued an executive order affecting the administration of federal holidays for 2026. This order allows the U.S. Department of the Interior to modify fee-free days at national parks. MLK Day, observed on the third Monday of January (January 19, 2026), commemorates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Juneteenth (June 19) celebrates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Visitors planning to visit national parks on MLK Day or Juneteenth in 2026 will now have to pay the standard entrance fees. The annual pass for U.S. residents costs $80, while nonresidents will pay $250. Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per-person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.
The following days will offer free admission to national parks:
President’s Day: Feb. 16
Memorial Day: May 25
Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday: June 14
Independence Day weekend: July 3–5
110th Birthday of the National Park Service: Aug. 25
Constitution Day: Sept. 17
Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday: Oct. 27
Veteran’s Day: Nov. 11
As MLK Day is a federal holiday:
Mail will not be delivered, and post offices will be closed.
Banks will be closed.
The Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange will be closed.
Bond markets will be closed.
UPS will not offer pickup or delivery.
FedEx will be open but with modified service.
Is MLK Day still a federal holiday?
A:: Yes, MLK Day is still a federal holiday. It was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.
Will I get mail on MLK Day?
A:: No, mail will not be delivered, and post offices will be closed.
Are banks open on MLK Day?
A:: No, banks will be closed for the federal holiday.
What if I want to visit a national park on MLK Day?
A:: You will have to pay the standard entrance fee, as it is no longer a fee-free day.
Plan ahead for National Park visits on MLK Day and Juneteenth, considering the entrance fees.
Be aware of closures for mail, banks, and other services on MLK Day.
Consider purchasing an annual National Park pass if you frequently visit national parks.
Remember that MLK Day remains a federal holiday, honoring the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., despite the changes in park access.
What are your thoughts on these changes to National Park access? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
Do you think this trend will last? Let us know!
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