Dec. 10, 2025, 11:38 a.m. ET
Foreign tourists who wish to visit U.S. national parks in 2026 will miss out on free entry days, and — at some national parks, will face an additional $100 fee on top of the usual entry price.
The Trump administration eliminated free entry days for foreign tourists and added a $100 nonresident fee at certain national parks for 2026, the National Park Service website shows. The change prioritizes American visitors at national parks, the U.S. Department of the Interior said in a Nov. 25 news release.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in the release. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
Many national park sites do not charge entrance fees. Those that do list prices on the National Park Service website.
In Michigan, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore charges $15 per person, $25 per vehicle or $25 for an annual pass. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore fees are $25 per vehicle and $45 for an annual pass. Isle Royale National Park charges $60 for an annual pass.
The park service’s new pricing structure will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Here’s what to know about upcoming foreign tourist costs at national parks.
How much will a national park visit cost foreign tourists?
Beginning in 2026, the NPS will charge a $100 nonresident fee for individuals ages 16 and older who are not U.S. citizens or residents at certain national parks, in addition to the standard entrance pass, the NPS website said.
The fee will be in place at the following national parks:
- Acadia National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Glacier National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
- Yellowstone National Park
- Yosemite National Park
- Zion National Park
Will foreign tourists get to enjoy free entry days?
No, starting in 2026, eight entrance-fee days will be limited to U.S. citizens and residents, according to the NPS website.
What other changes will foreign tourists face?
The park service will sell a new America the Beautiful non-resident annual pass for $250 in 2026, according to the NPS website. Those who purchase the annual pass won’t face the $100 nonresident fee, the NPS said.
When do the new fees take effect?
The nonresident fee and restrictions on free entry days will begin Jan. 1, 2026, the park service said.
What are the national sites in Michigan?
Michigan features the following national sites:
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Michigan features miles of sand beach, lush forests, clear inland lakes, unique flora and fauna, towering bluffs, an island lighthouse, coastal villages, picturesque farmsteads and more.
- Isle Royale National Park encompasses all of Isle Royale in Lake Superior. The one of the nation’s least-visited parks is closed through April 15. The rugged islands offer opportunities for backpacking, hiking, boating, paddling and diving.
- Keweenaw National Historic Park encompasses sites throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula features heritage sites on the area’s copper mining history. It is headquartered in Calumet; check with individual sites regarding entry fees.
- North Country National Scenic Trail spans eight states, including more than 1,100 miles in Michigan through urban and rural areas in the upper and lower peninsulas.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore features the sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula from Munising to Grand Marais, along with sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forests, waterfalls, beaches and wild shoreline. There are opportunities for camping, hiking, sightseeing and more.
- River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe honors the history of the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812 and their aftermath. There are opportunities to visit historical sites, a museum, walking and biking trails, kayaking and more.
What is the National Park Service?
The U.S. National Park Service is a federal government agency that manages national parks, monuments, lakeshores and preserves throughout the United States.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].
