The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has announced significant changes to its fee-free days calendar for 2026, notably excluding Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, both of which are recognized as federal holidays. These holidays were previously included in the fee-free calendar during the Biden administration but have been removed under the current administration's initiative described as a "modernization" of the park service.

In place of these civil rights holidays, the updated calendar will designate Flag Day, which aligns with President Trump's 80th birthday, as a fee-free day. Other fee-free days will include Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day weekend, the 110th birthday of the National Park Service, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday, and Veterans Day. Critics, including advocates for social equity, have expressed concern that the removal of fee-free days associated with civil rights sends a troubling message about inclusivity in national parks, which already face accessibility challenges for communities of color.

The Department of the Interior has stated that these changes are part of an executive order aimed at increasing access for U.S. residents while generating revenue from international visitors. Starting January 1, 2026, non-residents without an annual pass will incur an additional fee of $100 to enter eleven of the most visited parks, with a new annual pass for non-residents priced at $250.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has characterized the changes as a matter of fairness, asserting that U.S. taxpayers should have affordable access to national parks, while international visitors contribute to their maintenance. However, this rationale has been met with skepticism, as critics argue that the removal of historically significant fee-free days complicates access to important sites of education and commemoration.

The National Parks Conservation Association has raised concerns about operational challenges that may arise from the new residency checks at park entrances, warning that this could lead to confusion and strain on park staff. Furthermore, the financial implications of these changes have alarmed tourism groups, who fear that increased costs may deter international visitors and negatively impact local economies reliant on park tourism.

Despite the administration's focus on revenue generation, advocates are calling for clarity on how the NPS will implement these changes, particularly regarding the logistics of residency verification at remote park locations. The broader implications of these policy shifts on public access and representation in national parks remain a significant point of concern.