This Saturday, visitors to national parks can gain access for free. November 11 marks Veterans Day, one of five days a year when everyone is allowed free visits to National Park Service sites.
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“National parks are the living memory of our nation, the conscience of America, and many of them have direct relevance to the U.S. military and the sacrifices of those who served,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams in a press release. “Visits to national parks while I was a young sailor in the Navy were incredibly meaningful and formative. Seeing treasured natural and cultural landmarks firsthand connected me to our country’s shared history and provided inspiration to serve and defend.”
To go a step further, many NPS sites with military ties will hold special events to honor veterans. These events include:
- Tour a WWII Military Bunker and Searchlight Shelter at Cabrillo National Monument.
- Living History Day with 18th Century American Militia and Weapons Firing Demonstrations at Cowpens National Battlefield.
- Free Guided House Tours at Eisenhower National Historic Site.
- Free Lighthouse Tours for Veterans at Fire Island National Seashore.
- “War’s Over!”: Armistice Day and the Origins of Veterans Day at Fort McHenry National Monument and Shrine.
- Military Living History Timeline and Demonstrations at Fort Necessity National Battlefield.
- Veterans Day Living History Event at Fort Pulaski National Monument.
- Artillery Demonstrations at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
- Poplar Grove National Cemetery Luminary at Petersburg National Battlefield.
- Free Bus Tours for Veterans of Shiloh National Military Park.
Free Passes for Military Members and Veterans
Current active military members and their families can obtain a free annual park pass at any time of the year. Meanwhile, Veterans and Gold Star Family members are eligible for a free lifetime pass. You can find additional details here.
In 2023, the NPS held five free access days, including:
- January 16: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 22: First day of National Park Week
- August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
- September 23: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
