U.S. residents will be able to enter national parks, such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, for free on President Donald Trump’s birthday, but will have to pay on two previously free civil rights memorial dates. In addition to these changes, which take effect January 1, the National Park Service (NPS) will also increase entrance fees for non-residents.
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A statement from the Interior Ministry says there will be eight days considered “patriotic” in 2026, almost all of which will be different from the previous two years.
In addition to June 14, 2026, which coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday and Flag Day, the calendar includes Presidents’ Day, February 16; Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May in honor of American soldiers killed in action; Independence Day Weekend, July 3-5; Constitution Day, September 17; and Veterans Day, November 11, in honor of veterans.
Martin Luther King Day (January 19, 2026) and Juneteenth (June 19), which mark the end of slavery, are usually included in the list of free entry dates, but have been removed.
Critics say the changes serve to promote the president while downplaying America’s history of slavery and the fight for civil rights.
“The president not only added his own birthday to the list; he removed the two holidays that commemorate the struggle of African-Americans for civil rights and freedom. Our country deserves better,” lamented Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto on X.
Additionally, starting in 2026, free admission for selected eight days will be restricted to U.S. citizens and residents only. “Non-residents will pay the regular admission price and applicable non-resident fees,” the NPS said.
The cost of an annual pass will be US$80 (R$434) for residents and US$250 (R$1,356) for non-residents. Those who do not have this pass will pay US$100 (R$542) per person to enter 11 of the most visited parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.
This year, Trump already took advantage of his 79th birthday, which coincided with the 250th anniversary of the American army, to organize an unusual military parade in downtown Washington.
The United States has 63 national parks, protected areas designated by Congress and under government control. Last year, more than 330 million people visited them.
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