The fee-free entrance day is one of eight that the National Park Service has planned this year.
WASHINGTON — The National Park Service is waiving entrance fees Monday to commemorate Memorial Day.
Parks across the U.S. are hosting services and ceremonies to honor and remember U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. A list of those events is available on the National Park Service website.
In addition to managing natural recreation sites, the National Park Service also preserves dozens of historical sites, such as battlefields, and includes monuments and memorials.
Additionally, the agency oversees 14 national cemeteries that serve as the final resting place for many U.S. service members.
“[Memorial Day is] traditionally a time to reflect on American values by learning about our natural and cultural heritage, visiting historic places, and enjoying the great outdoors,” the park service stated on its website.
AAA estimated that roughly 45 million Americans would be traveling at least 50 miles from home for Memorial Day weekend, starting the Thursday before the holiday until Monday.
The federal holiday is generally considered the start of the summer travel season.
The fee-free entrance day is one of eight that the National Park Service has planned this year. Here are all dates the agency has planned for free admission to parks across the U.S. in 2026:
- Feb. 16: President’s Day
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day
- July 3-5: Fourth of July weekend
- Aug. 25: 110th birthday of the National Park Service
- Sept. 17: Constitution Day
- Oct. 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- Nov. 11: Veterans Day
The fee-free entrance days are only available for U.S. citizens and residents, according to the National Park Service. Nonresidents are exempt and must pay regular entrance fees. Details about park fees, including season passes and discounts, are listed on the agency’s website.