SCOOP: Interior Department announces America First pricing for National Parks
The Interior Department's "America the Beautiful" passes will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents.
Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum and the Department of Interior (DOI) gave Americans a Thanksgiving present with new “America First pricing” at American national parks, DOI announced.
The move is “the most significant modernization of national park access in decades,” the Interior Department said — and it will kick off on the first day of 2026, during which Americans will be celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States.
Under the new policies, Americans will pay significantly less to visit national parks, while foreign visitors will pick up an increased portion of the tab. The Interior Department’s “America the Beautiful” passes will be available for purchase. The passes will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. This ensures “that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit,” the department noted.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Burgum said following the announcement. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
In addition to discounted prices for Americans, the Interior Department also announced that ten days in 2026 will be free for Americans as part of its “patriotic fee-free” day programming. Those days include President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and more.
The announcement is also a boon to American motorcyclists; under the new policy, two motorcycles are covered per pass.
The millions of dollars that these passes are likely to generate will be “invested directly back into America’s national parks, supporting upgrades to visitor facilities, essential maintenance, and improved services nationwide,” per the Interior Department.