National Park Service sites that charge entrance fees will waive those fees for U.S. citizens and residents on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day. The one-day waiver is available to eligible visitors regardless of military service. Veterans and eligible Gold Star family members also have a separate option that lasts beyond the holiday: a free lifetime military pass.
What the Veterans Day waiver covers
The National Park Service’s entrance pass guide lists Veterans Day among the agency’s 2026 fee-free dates. The agency says nonresidents pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fee. A waived entrance fee also does not cover camping, timed-entry reservations or special-use permits. Visitors should check the individual park’s website before leaving, particularly if it uses a separate reservation system.
Which military passes are available year-round
The Park Service lists a free lifetime pass for veterans and eligible Gold Star family members. It also lists a free annual pass for current U.S. military members and their dependents. These are separate from the Nov. 11 entrance waiver. The agency’s pass guide explains how to obtain a pass and links to details on acceptable documentation and what the pass covers.
The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a separate roundup of Veterans Day offers at museums, attractions and businesses. Its roundup describes park admission broadly. The Park Service’s own 2026 guidance specifies the citizenship or residency restriction, so visitors should use that guidance when planning a visit.