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Looking for a Presidents Day Activity? You Can Explore National Parks for Free

On Monday, Feb. 16, the National Park Service is kicking off the first fee-free day of 2026 by allowing all U.S. residents free entry to national parks in honor of Presidents Day.
This year, the waiver is limited to American legal residents, unlike past years, and foreign visitors will still pay much higher fees.
Check recreation.gov for timed-entry reservations and park-specific rules, as camping, reservations, and special-use permits still incur fees even on fee-free days.
Eligible visitors can save up to $50 by visiting on fee-free day, but winter conditions and some paid services will limit access at certain parks, including Yosemite, Lassen, and Kings Canyon.
The next fee-free day is Memorial Day, May 25, and the waiver covers U.S. Department of the Interior-managed areas beyond national parks, with additional 2026 dates including June 14.

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Get into national parks free on Feb. 16 — but there’s a catch

If you want to get outdoors, note that this year, Presidents Day falls on Monday, Feb. 16, when all national parks will be free to enter. But things are a bit different than in past years. This year, the freebie days are only for American legal residents. Foreigners will pay much higher fees. These freebies can save you $50, but you should definitely plan in advance and get up to go at the crack of dawn, before it gets crowded with sleepyheads. …

6 hours ago·Baltimore, United States

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