Skip the fees! Millions can visit Grand Canyon and other parks for free this May

Millions of visitors will be able to explore some of the United States’ most well-known national parks, that includes the Grand Canyon, without paying entrance fees this Memorial Day.

The National Park Service (NPS) has confirmed that U.S. citizens will get free entry to 11 famous national parks in the country on Monday, 25 May 2026, as part of its yearly “fee-free day” program.

A statement issued on the NPS website describes:

“Memorial Day in May is a time of remembrance for those who lost their lives while serving in the US military,” cited a statement on the NPS website.

Which parks are included?

The free-entry policy applies to many high-traffic destinations, which includes:

• Acadia (Maine)
  
• Bryce Canyon (Utah)
  
• Everglades (Florida)
  
• Glacier (Montana)
  
• Grand Canyon (Arizona)
  
• Grand Teton (Wyoming)
  
• Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
  
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon (California)
  
• Yellowstone (Wyoming/Montana/Idaho)
  
• Yosemite (California)
  
• Zion (Utah)
  

These locations are among the most frequently visited sites in the national park system and normally generate millions of dollars in entrance revenue each year.

Who gets free entry?

To qualify for the waiver, U.S. residents must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the park entry points.

The National Park Service has clarified that the benefit applies only to citizens and residents, while overseas tourists will still be required to pay standard admission charges.

New charges still apply for international visitors

Despite the Memorial Day exemption, a new pricing policy launched earlier in 2026 will remain in place.

The NPS confirmed that a $100 entry surcharge launched for non-U.S. citizens at 11 significant parks will still apply on fee-free days. This charge is applicable to nonresidents aged 15 or older and is included on top of regular entry charges.

International visitors aged 16 and above who do not hold an annual pass will therefore still face both the standard entry fee and the additional surcharge. All revenue collected is directed back into park maintenance and operations.

Part of wider “fee-free” program

Memorial Day is one of several “Patriotic Fee-Free Days” in the national park calendar, alongside holidays such as Presidents Day and Independence Day. These occasions are intended to make national parks more accessible to the public while promoting awareness of the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.

Source: The U.S. Sun

FAQs:

Q1. What is the Memorial Day park offer?
U.S. residents can enter 11 national parks for free on 25 May 2026. It is part of a national fee-free program.

Q2. Which parks are included?
Parks include the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, and others. These are among the most visited in the country.