The National Park Service has officially unveiled its entrance-free days for 2024. Every year, hundreds of NPS sites allow visitors in for free to experience these spaces’ natural and historic significance.
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The fee-free days in 2024 are:
- January 15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 20 – First Day of National Park Week
- June 19 – Juneteenth
- August 4 – Great American Outdoors Day
- September 28 – National Public Lands Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
“National parks are places that awaken senses, inspire curiosity, encourage reflection, and foster joy,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in their press release. “The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country.”
There are 425 National Park Service units, with 63 designated national parks. Entry fees usually range from $10 to $35 and can last from a day to a week, depending on the location you’re visiting.
Buying an Annual Pass
The NPS offers the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for those frequently visiting national parks. The $80 pass allows access to multiple sites, including every national park. However, in 2024, the pass is changing. There will only be one line for a signature for a pass holder. In the past, two people could use the pass to enter a park. Now, that one person who purchases the pass must be in the entering vehicle when accessing a park.
The change has left some people upset. Some say it’ll force families to buy two passes if a spouse isn’t traveling with their significant other or in similar situations. An unexpired pass from 2023 will remain valid in some situations, like two separate motorcycle riders.
You have until the end of the month to purchase a 2023 pass, valid through next year.
Did you know that fourth graders have the opportunity to get a free park pass?
There are also opportunities for those serving in the military.
