National Park Service Founders Day

National Park Service Founders Day is celebrated annually on August 25. In 2026, this date falls on a Tuesday. This annual observance honors the establishment of the National Park Service (NPS) and its ongoing mission to preserve America’s most treasured natural and cultural places.

History of National Park Service Founders Day

The National Park Service was established in 1916, created to protect and manage the nation’s growing collection of parks, monuments, and historic sites. Before the NPS, individual parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite were managed by separate agencies with inconsistent standards. The creation of a unified service allowed for coordinated conservation, education, and public enjoyment of these special places.

National Park Service Founders Day began as an annual observance to mark the anniversary of the agency’s founding. Over time, it has grown into a celebration that includes free admission to parks that normally charge entrance fees, special ranger programs, and family activities. The day also falls within National Park Week, a larger celebration that in 2026 ran from August 22 to 30, honoring both the NPS’s 110th birthday and the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Why is National Park Service Founders Day important?

National Park Service Founders Day recognizes the superior conservation and preservation efforts of the National Parks System. The NPS protects more than 400 parks across the United States, from iconic landscapes like the Grand Canyon to historic sites that tell the story of the nation. These places offer opportunities for education, recreation, and inspiration for millions of visitors each year.

The day also highlights the NPS’s commitment to preserving America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for future generations. By waiving entrance fees and hosting special programs, the NPS makes it easier for families to explore and connect with these national treasures.

• Entrance fees are waived at all NPS sites that normally charge them on August 25.
• Special ranger-led programs and educational activities are offered at many parks.
• National Junior Ranger Day often coincides with the celebration, inviting kids to earn badges.
• The day is part of the broader National Park Week, which includes hundreds of events nationwide.
• It inspires public support for conservation and stewardship of America’s natural and cultural heritage.

How to Celebrate National Park Service Founders Day

Visit a national park and enjoy free admission on August 25. Check the NPS website for special events at parks near you, including guided hikes, educational talks, and family-friendly activities. If you cannot travel, explore virtual tours and online resources offered by the NPS to learn about parks from home.

Share your national park experiences on social media using hashtags like #NationalParkWeek and #NPSBirthday. Consider supporting the National Park Foundation or volunteering at a local park to help preserve these special places for future generations.

• Plan a trip to a nearby national park and take advantage of free entrance.
• Join a ranger-led program to learn about the park’s history and ecology.
• Earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing activities at a park or online.
• Share photos and stories from your visit using official hashtags.
• Donate to the National Park Foundation or volunteer for a park cleanup event.

National Park Service Founders Day Dates