The Department of the Interior announced on Mar. 20 that National Park Week will be held from Aug. 22 to Aug. 30, commemorating both the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service and the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.
The weeklong celebration is part of a broader effort to honor America’s heritage and encourage public engagement with national parks across the country. The event will feature hundreds of programs, family activities, and patriotic events under the theme “Celebrate America’s Story.”
Entrance fees at all national parks will be waived nationwide on Aug. 25 in recognition of the National Park Service’s birthday, making it easier for families to visit historic sites and natural landscapes.
“America’s national parks preserve the places where our nation’s story was written and where it continues to inspire future generations,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “As we celebrate the 110th birthday of the National Park Service and mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Trump administration invites everyone to visit their national parks and experience the history, beauty and spirit that make our country exceptional.”
Jessica Bowron, Comptroller exercising delegated authority as Director of the National Park Service, said: “America’s 433 national parks tell the story of the United States — from the battlefields where the nation was forged, to the landscapes that shaped our identity, to the historic sites that honor the people and events that built the country.”
National Park Week will begin with National Junior Ranger Day on Aug. 22, offering young visitors hands-on activities and opportunities to earn Junior Ranger badges. Throughout this period, parks nationwide will host guided tours, educational exhibits, and other programs designed to connect visitors with America’s past, present, and future.
The celebration supports Executive Order 14189 issued by President Donald J. Trump for America’s semiquincentennial in July 2026. The order calls for "a grand celebration worthy of the momentous occasion." Special programs tied to America’s founding are planned throughout this year at many historic locations.
For more information about National Park Week events, readers can visit www.nps.gov.
