The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has published the free visit days for public lands and national parks in 2025, providing the public with a great opportunity to access over two thousand federally managed recreational venues.
The announcement states that the Department of the Interior is committed to ensuring that everyone can use and enjoy the benefits of green spaces and public lands. Each state and most major metropolitan areas have at least one site managed by the DOI, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Each free day corresponds to an important occasion.
In 2025, the 8 free days (or days when free passes can be obtained) are as follows: January 20th – Martin Luther King Jr. Day; April 19th – National Park Week Day; June 19th – Juneteenth (a day commemorating the emancipation of slaves); July 16th – Bureau of Land Management Founding Day; August 4th – Great American Outdoors Day; September 27th – National Public Lands Day; October 12th – National Wildlife Refuge Week Sunday; November 11th – Veterans Day.
For further details, you can visit the Department of the Interior’s website or the national park you wish to visit.
Individuals aged 62 and above, fourth-grade students, active-duty military personnel and their families, Gold Star Families and Veterans, individuals with permanent disabilities, and volunteers with over 250 hours of service can obtain national park passes at a reduced price or for free. The annual pass for seniors is $20 (plus a $10 processing fee). The regular annual pass costs $80 (plus a $5 processing fee). If you purchase online, it is recommended to do so at least three weeks in advance to ensure timely receipt of the pass.
Established in 1849, the Department of the Interior manages 507 million acres (approximately 2.05 million square kilometers) of land across the United States, accounting for about one-fifth of the country’s land. Its subordinate agencies include the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation. The department oversees 433 national parks, monuments, and historic sites, as well as 544 national wildlife refuges. ◇