National park visitors in 2026 will have the chance to celebrate President Donald Trump’s birthday with a free trip to Michigan’s National Park Service sites, but the same is no longer true for key civil rights holidays.
The administration eliminated five free-entrance days for 2026, notably Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth, federal holidays recognizing African American history, for 2026, the NPS website shows.
However, the federal agency added seven new dates, including Trump’s birthday, which coincides with Flag Day. Both days are recognized on the NPS website.
There will be eight entry free days to national parks and sites in 2026, in contrast to six in 2025. National park fees normally vary by park.
In addition to the change in dates for 2026, free entry days will be limited to U.S. citizens and residents, the NPS said.
Here’s what to know about changes to free entry days.
The Trump administration removed two free entry days at national parks in 2026, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 20, and Juneteenth, June 19, the NPS website shows.
The elimination of free entrance on two federal holidays honoring African Americans represents a reduced emphasis on Black American history.
The Trump administration added several free entrance days next year, including Trump’s birthday, which coincides with Flag Day, the NPS website shows.
The following free entry days will be in effect in 2026, the NPS said:
In addition, Veterans Day will include free entry to parks. Veterans Day also was free in 2025.
Also starting in 2026, free entrance days will no longer be open to all NPS visitors. The Trump administration will limit free entry to U.S. citizens and residents, the NPS website says.
Michigan features the following national sites:
The U.S. National Park Service is a federal government agency that manages national parks, monuments, lakeshores and preserves throughout the United States.
U.S. citizens and residents will be able to visit National Park Service sites across Michigan free of charge, the typical entrance fee waived for the day, the park service said. Activities at the national parks may require fees such as reservations.
Regular park entrance fees can be found on the NPS website.
Beginning in 2026, the NPS will charge a $100 nonresident fee for individuals ages 16 and older who are not U.S. citizens or residents, in addition to the standard entrance pass, the NPS website said.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
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