Explore National Parks for Free This Memorial Day Weekend
Skip the fees! Millions can visit Grand Canyon and other parks for free this May
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
On Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, U.S. citizens can visit 11 major national parks, including the Grand Canyon in Arizona, without paying entrance fees. This initiative by the National Park Service aims to honor military service members and promote access to natural heritage.
- 01Free entry to 11 national parks for U.S. citizens on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026.
- 02International visitors will still face a $100 surcharge in addition to standard fees.
- 03Participating parks include the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.
- 04The initiative is part of the National Park Service's fee-free program.
- 05Valid government-issued photo ID is required for U.S. residents.
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On May 25, 2026, U.S. citizens can enjoy free entry to 11 popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon in Arizona, as part of the National Park Service's (NPS) annual fee-free day program. This initiative coincides with Memorial Day, a time to honor those who served in the U.S. military. The participating parks are among the most visited in the country, typically generating millions in entrance fees. To qualify for free entry, U.S. residents must present a valid government-issued photo ID at park entrances. However, international visitors aged 15 and older will still be subject to a $100 surcharge in addition to regular admission fees, as established by a new pricing policy. This fee-free day is part of the NPS's broader effort to enhance public access to national parks and raise awareness of America's natural and cultural heritage.
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This initiative allows millions of U.S. residents to explore national parks without the financial burden of entrance fees, promoting outdoor activities and tourism.
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