MLK Day To Be Restored To National Parks Fee-Free Days Under New Plan

Source: Newsweek

Published Dec 17, 2025 at 05:57 AM EST updated Dec 17, 2025 at 07:03 AM EST


Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) and Juneteenth are among dates that would be restored as fee-free admission days at U.S. National Parks under a new legislative proposal. The U.S. Department of the Interior told Newsweek it would not comment on proposed or pending congressional actions.

Why It Matters

It comes after the Trump administration removed these holidays—which honor Black history—from the parks' annual list of fee-free days, prompting significant public and legislative response.

What To Know

Democratic Senators Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Ron Wyden of Oregon, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Adam Schiff of California have introduced the Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act.

The bill would codify six permanent fee-free days at all National Parks and federal lands: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/mlk-day-restored-national-parks-fee-free-days-11225402