National Park Service Offers Free Entry to Celebrate Special Days in 2024
The United States National Park Service (NPS) has made a significant announcement for 2024, revealing that it will waive entrance fees on six special days. This initiative is part of a broader effort to make America’s natural and historical treasures more accessible to everyone.
Free Access to Over 400 Parks
In 2024, more than 400 national parks will open their gates to the public free of charge on selected days. This move provides a fantastic opportunity for people to explore new landscapes or revisit favorite spots, particularly in parks that usually require an entrance fee.
Scheduled Free Entry Days
The National Park Service has designated the following days for free entry:
- January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 20: First day of National Park Week
- June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 28: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
Fee Waivers and Exclusions
It’s important to note that while the entrance fees are waived on these days, this does not extend to other costs such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours. The intent is to remove any financial barriers to entry, encouraging more visitors to experience the national parks.
NPS’s Commitment to Accessibility
Kathy Kupper, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, expressed the organization’s commitment to making parks accessible. Recognizing that entrance fees can be a barrier for some, these fee-free days are intended to encourage people to visit parks they haven’t explored before.
A Majority of Parks are Free Year-Round
Kupper also highlighted that the majority of the 400-plus national parks are already free to enter every day, with about 109 parks currently charging entrance fees.
Annual and Discounted Passes
For frequent visitors, the NPS offers the $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, granting unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks with entrance fees. Additionally, there are free or discounted passes for seniors, current military members, families of fourth-grade students, and disabled citizens.
Reinvesting Entrance Fees
The revenue from entrance fees is reinvested into the National Park Service. At least 80 percent of these funds remain in the park where they were collected, supporting maintenance and improvement projects.
In conclusion, the NPS’s initiative to offer free entry days in 2024 is a commendable effort to promote greater access to the nation’s natural and historical wonders, encouraging more people to explore and appreciate these invaluable public lands.