US national parks to offer free entry for residents on 25 August
The White House has announced that entry to the more than 400 national parks and monuments across the United States will be free for residents on 25 August, marking the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service.
The US President has announced that national parks will be open free of charge to US residents on 25 August, a date chosen to coincide with the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service’s establishment in 1916. The move is framed as a milestone celebration for the agency, which was created to protect the nation’s natural resources, historic landmarks, and landscapes.
In a presidential message published by the White House, the administration highlighted its commitment to conservation and the preservation of the more than 400 national parks and monuments across the country. The statement noted that these sites, ranging from coastal landscapes to rugged forests, serve as hallmarks of the American spirit and draw visitors seeking historical significance and natural wonders.
The announcement cites two key legislative and executive initiatives as the foundation for current conservation efforts. The President referenced the Great American Outdoors Act, signed during their first term, which was described as addressing maintenance backlogs and critical infrastructure needs in national parks and public lands.
Additionally, the message pointed to the Make America Beautiful Again Executive Order, signed upon the President’s return to office. This order established a commission dedicated to promoting voluntary stewardship, expanding outdoor access, and recovering imperiled species while aiming to reduce regulations and grow the economy.
The resulting Make America Beautiful Again report calls for partnerships between the federal government, private businesses, and non-profit groups. The administration stated that these collaborations are intended to ensure the nation remains beautiful, successful, and secure as it approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence.
While the announcement confirms free entry for residents on the specific date, the presidential statement does not explicitly define whether "residents" includes only citizens or permanent residents, nor does it specify if the waiver applies to every single site within the National Park Service system.
