The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a modernization initiative for national parks, aimed at improving visitor access and affordability as part of the celebration of America's 250th anniversary in 2026. The initiative includes the introduction of several fee-free days throughout the year to encourage more Americans to visit national parks.
Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) commented on the changes, stating, “By offering up a digital pass option, ensuring motorcycle fairness, and announcing fee-free days for Americans, the Trump administration is undeniably improving access to our national parks, making it easier than ever before for Americans to visit. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, I thank President Trump and Secretary Burgum for taking this bold step to make family vacations to our beautiful public lands more affordable and enjoyable. I look forward to working with the administration and my colleagues to codify many of these actions into law.”
The new measures are in line with President Trump’s July 3 Executive Order titled “Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks.” Under the initiative, annual passes for U.S. residents will remain at $80. However, fees for international visitors will increase to $250. The additional revenue from nonresident fees will be used directly for maintenance, visitor services, and facility improvements on public lands.
The Department of the Interior is also implementing digital versions of America the Beautiful passes to streamline entry into national parks. This move builds on provisions from Chairman Westerman’s EXPLORE Act—outdoor recreation legislation that was passed during the 118th Congress—and supports legislative priorities put forward by members of the House Committee on Natural Resources such as Representatives Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Celeste Maloy (R-Utah).
Expanded access for motorcycle visitors and eight fee-free days specifically for U.S. residents have also been announced as part of preparations for the semiquincentennial celebrations.
