The National Park Service (NPS) encourages Americans of all ages to enjoy their first-ever Great American Outdoors Day! Take advantage of free admission to all national parks on August 4. This new initiative marks the fifth anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act This landmark law provides a historic investment in protecting and maintaining public lands across the country.
Signed into law on August 4, 2020, the GAOA represents “the single largest investment in public lands in U.S. history.” The administration created the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (GAOA LRF). This fund is intended to address the pace and scale of backlog maintenance needs across our national parks, public lands, and in Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded schools. The act is intended to guarantee that all Americans can benefit from the fruits of many GAOA projects.
To commemorate this significant legislation, the NPS will waive entrance fees to all parks, including those that typically require an entry pass. This offer rejoices in the improvements GAOA hath wrought. Visitors will get the opportunity to experience these improvements in person.
Entrance fees will be waived on August 4, 2025, in honor of the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act. “Everyone to appreciate parks and enjoy the benefits of GAOA projects,” National Park Service representatives said.
The Department of the Interior ( DOI ) makes it clear that solving maintenance backlogs is a top priority. A DOI spokesperson told me that “By reducing our maintenance backlog, we keep visitors and employees safe and comfortable. This is true as they visit our national parks, public lands, roads, national wildlife refuges and BIE-funded schools.
While GAOA is a huge win for public lands, it offers a tremendous boost for educational opportunities in BIE-funded schools. Together, it is a powerful force for transformative, place-based learning, deepening stewardship for all our lands from the ground up with every new generation.
In addition to free admission on August 4, 2025, the NPS encourages everyone to explore their local parks and appreciate the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available nationwide. This implementation of free parks would not cover parks still charging entry passes or fees on all non-designated days. Visitors are encouraged to consult individual park websites for more information before visiting.
