Oregon — The U.S. Department of the Interior this week announced a nationwide modernization initiative designed to expand visitor access to national parks and public lands while lowering costs for American families ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The effort introduces eight “patriotic fee-free days” in 2026, new digital America the Beautiful passes, and expanded access for visitors traveling by motorcycle.
The initiative follows President Trump’s July 3 Executive Order, “Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks.” Under the new framework, the annual pass for U.S. residents will remain at $80, while the price for international visitors will increase to $250. Interior officials said the additional revenue from nonresident fees will remain within the national park system to support deferred maintenance, visitor services, and facility improvements.
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) praised the administration’s approach, saying the changes will make parks more accessible and affordable for American families.
“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,” Westerman said. “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.”
Interior leaders said the modernization effort builds on the EXPLORE Act—bipartisan outdoor recreation legislation enacted during the 118th Congress—and aligns with other Republican-backed proposals, including measures from Reps. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), to expand access for recreation users.
The Department said the combination of digital pass availability, updated fee structures, and no-cost entry days is intended to encourage broader public engagement with parks during the 2026 semiquincentennial year.
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