2021 National Park FREE Days!

The 2021 National Park free days have been set. Visitors will have 6 select days to enjoy some of our nation’s best sights completely free of charge. The National Park Service will waive entry fees, some of which can range up to $35, for all visitors.

• January 18: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• April 17: First day of National Park Week
• August 4: Great American Outdoors Act Anniversary
• August 25: National Park Service’s Birthday
• September 25: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

You can visit the National Park Service website for a complete listing, or you can also check out a few of our recommendations below:

Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia National Park includes Mount Desert Island, other coastal islands, granite peaks, ocean shoreline, woodlands and lakes along Maine’s North Atlantic coast. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the East Coast of the US is also located at the park. Visitors can enjoy hiking on 158 miles of trails, beach combing, biking, picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming, climbing and wildlife viewing.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Bryce Canyon National Park features the largest collection of hoodoos in the world.  It’s not a single canyon though, but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of a plateau. The elevation of the plateau ranges from an elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet. There are approximately 60 miles of trails to explore throughout the park. There’s also a scenic drive that traverses the entire length of the main park road (18 miles). Outdoor recreation includes hiking, biking, backcountry hiking/camping, horseback riding, stargazing, picnicking and viewing nature.

Glacier National Park, MT

Glacier National Park includes 1,583 square miles of spectacular wilderness in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. It features glacier-carved peaks and canyons that extend to the Canadian border, as well as over 700 miles of hiking trails. The park is also famous for its pristine forests, alpine meadows and spectacular lakes. Popular outdoor recreation includes backpacking, hiking, cycling, camping, fishing, boating, picnicking and photography. There is also a variety of wildlife to see including grizzly bears, deer, mountain goats and other forest creatures.

Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the world’s most precious and renowned natural treasures. It includes 1,904 square miles, encompassing the desert climate of the inner canyon, the still eroding walls up to the rim, and the forests on the North and South Rims. The (Grand) Canon itself is a giant chasm cutting a vertical mile deep into a low mountainous region call the Kaibab Plateau. Both the Colorado River and erosion formed the canyon over the past six million years.  Today, the Colorado River flows some 277 river miles through Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Teton National Park, WY

Grand Teton National Park includes over 310,000 acres of spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure in northwestern Wyoming. The park includes the peaks of the Teton Range, as well as the northern valley area and Jackson Hole. It is also just 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park. Popular outdoor recreation includes backpacking, hiking, boating, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, mountaineering, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, CO

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve features the tallest sand dunes in North America at 750 feet (230 m) tall.  The park also has beautiful alpine lakes, six 13,000 foot mountains and old growth forest to explore. If you’re there at the right time, you can also hang out at the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The park and sand slopes are open year round, so grab your sandboard and hit the slopes! Just remember, there are no sand lifts – it’s all hike up and board down.

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Joshua Tree National Park is located in Southern California and includes over 1,235 square miles of rugged rock formations and desert landscapes. In addition to the twisted Joshua tree, there are also a variety of other plants and animals that make their homes in two distinct desert ecosystems.Popular outdoor recreation includes camping, hiking, rock climbing, backpacking, biking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.

Shenandoah National Park, VI

Shenandoah National Park spans 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the southern Appalachians.  The Park has over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. There are numerous creeks, lakes and waterfalls to explore.  Outdoor recreation activities include camping, hiking, biking, fishing, exploring historic sites and wildlife viewing.  The Park also has several visitor centers, bookstores, restaurants and exhibits.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is where the Great Plains meet the Badlands in western North Dakota. The 110 square mile park is a habitat for bison, elk and prairie dogs. It is also where President Roosevelt once lived in the “Maltese Cross Cabin”.  The colorful Painted Canyon is also a popular attraction as is the Scenic Loop Drive which winds past several overlooks and trails.

Yellowstone National Park, MT, WY, ID

Yellowstone National Park includes almost 3,500 square miles of spectacular wilderness area and features many unique hydrothermal and geologic wonders. The park is mostly located in Wyoming, but also has ares in Montana and Idaho. It actually sites on top of an ancient volcanic caldera which is the source of hot springs, mud pots and famous gushing geysers. It is also home to spectacular canyons, scenic rivers, lush forests and a variety of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see bears, bison, elk, antelope, wolves, fox and many other forest creatures.

Yosemite National Park, CA

Established as a National Park in 1890, world famous Yosemite National Park offers spectacular scenery and amazing wonders that boggle the imagination. Yosemite Valley is the central tourist  attraction of the park. The majesty of the granite cliffs rising above the forested floor, spectacular waterfalls, and tranquility of the Merced River have combined to mesmerize visitors since the Park first opened. Outdoor recreation includes hiking, backpacking, biking, kayaking, photography, climbing, rock climbing,  fishing, nature exhibits, museums, camping and wildlife viewing. Horse stables are also located near Upper Pines campground with trail rides available to the public. You can also rent a raft and float the Merced River through the Valley. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-county skiing and snowshoeing in the Valley.