This year the National Park Service is letting nature enthusiasts get a bigger bang for zero bucks by offering an extra day of free admission to its more than 400 national parks, monuments, and historic sites across the United States. Outdoor lovers should mark their calendars as the first free entrance day has already swung by on January 15, in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as reported by Thrillist.
Breaking new ground, the NPS has added Juneteenth to its roster of fee-free days, a day that pays tribute to the end of slavery in the US. With the weather warming and the sun extending its stay in the sky, visiting a park without opening your wallet is a no-brainer. Arizona residents, for example, can pick from 25 stunning sites, including the Grand Canyon and the Petrified Forest to explore without an admission fee, as 12news highlighted.
If you missed the January date, there are still five more chances to enjoy the National Park Service's generosity. Upcoming fee-free days include April 20 for National Parks Week, June 19 for Juneteenth, August 4 for Great American Outdoors Day, September 28 for National Public Lands Day, and November 11 for Veterans Day. "The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country," said NPS director Chuck Sams, in a statement shared by Thrillist.
With some parks charging an entrance fee ranging from $10 to $35, the free admission days present not just an opportunity to save money, but also to revel in the country's natural splendor. However, remember that if you plan to camp, join a paid tour, or participate in other amenities, normal user fees will still apply. The collected entrance funds, staying 80 to 100% within the park where they are collected, contribute to enhancing the visitor experience, and wildlife habitats and ensuring facilities are up to par, as gleaned from Thrillist.
For those who can't make it on the free days, don't forget that more than 300 national parks offer free admission year-round.
