National parks cut free entry for MLK Day, add Trump’s birthday
Americans will get free admission to national parks on President Donald Trump’s birthday but no longer on Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
President Donald Trump announced changes to two federal holidays in 2026 that will affect Mississippi residents and travelers.
The National Park Service eliminated Martin Luther King Jr. Day, along with the Juneteenth federal holiday, from its calendar of free admission days for sites that charge entrance fees.
Instead, the new lineup of fee-free days will include Trump’s June 14 birthday, which is also Flag Day but not a federal holiday.
Will mail and packages be delivered? Will banks be open? Here’s what you need to know about MLK Day 2026.
When is MLK Day 2026?
This year, it will be on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is always scheduled to take place on the third Monday in January.
King was born on Jan. 15, 1929.
Is it a federal holiday?
Yes. President Ronald Regan signed the bill creating the holiday into federal law in 1983. It was first observed in 1986. It would take an actual act of Congress to change it.
What did Trump change?
Trump can issue executive orders, effective for a year, that change the way federal holidays are administered.
This year, Trump used his powers to change the observance of MLK Day and Juneteenth. The U.S. Department of the Interior confirmed the cancellation of fee-free days at all national parks for MLK Day and Juneteenth.
This means you will have to pay the full entry fee to national parks on those federal holidays.
How many national parks are in the US?
There are 63 national parks in the United States, with the largest concentration of them in the western part of the country.
In Mississippi, the National Park Service runs or maintains several national parks and monuments:
What does an annual national park pass cost?
Entrance fees vary by park and for how long you plan to stay, but there’s an annual pass that give you access to all national parks year-round.
“Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents, ensuring that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit,” read part the interior department’s alert.
Nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.
What days are free for national parks in 2026?
As MLK Day and Juneteenth have been removed from the interior department’s list of fee-free days, there are only eight days in the year with free admission.
- President’s Day: Feb. 16
- Memorial Day: May 25
- Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday: June 14
- Independence Day weekend: July 3–5
- 110th Birthday of the National Park Service: Aug. 25
- Constitution Day: Sept. 17
- Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday: Oct. 27
- Veteran’s Day: Nov. 11
Will I get mail on MLK Day?
Mail will not run for MLK Day, and post offices will be closed.
Will package delivery like FedEx and UPS deliver?
UPS will not offer pickup or delivery on MLK Day, and UPS Stores might be closed. Check your local one’s hours of operation. UPS Express Critical is available all 365 days a year.
FedEx will be open but have some modified service, according to the company’s holiday schedule.
Will banks be open on Jan. 19?
Banks will be closed for the federal holiday.
Will stock markets be open?
The Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange will close on the federal holiday. Both will reopen as normal on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
According to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, bond markets will be closed on Monday but will reopen the next day.
Will schools be closed for King-Lee Day in Mississippi?
Mississippi is one of two states that celebrate a state holiday honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on MLK Day.
Public schools usually close. Check your child’s school calendar to be sure.
What are federal holidays in 2026?
There are 11 federal holidays in 2026. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2026 holidays are:
- Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
- Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday
- Monday, Feb. 16: Washington’s birthday
- Monday, May 25: Memorial Day
- Friday, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Friday, July 3: Independence Day
- Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day
- Monday, Oct. 12: Columbus Day
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day
- Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day
- Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at [email protected].
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at [email protected].
