Gates of the Arctic Joins Redwood, Mesa Verde, Mammoth Cave, Indiana Dunes and Congaree National Park in Fee-Free Days Redesign, the Best Dates to Visit for U.S. Tourists

Published on December 13, 2025

The America First National Parks policy is shaking up the way U.S. tourists can experience some of the nation’s most iconic natural wonders. Starting in 2026, significant changes to the entry fees and access schedules will impact visitors at national parks across the country. Among these are six beloved destinations: Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve (Alaska), Redwood National and State Parks (California), Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado), Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky), Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana) and Congaree National Park (South Carolina).

These parks will all participate in the redesign of fee-free days, giving U.S. visitors more opportunities to enjoy these unique natural havens for no cost. Let’s dive deeper into the implications of these changes and the best times to plan your trips to these parks.

What is the America First Policy?

The America First policy, announced by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), marks a significant shift in how the U.S. government structures access to its national parks. The goal is to prioritize American families and ensure that U.S. residents benefit from affordable access to the country’s iconic national parks.

The major change introduced by this policy is the restructuring of fee-free days, which are now more selective and resident-oriented. This means that U.S. residents will enjoy more fee-free days, while non-U.S. residents will face higher entry fees to national parks starting in 2026. In addition, an annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents but will increase to $250 for non-U.S. residents, creating a notable price difference.

Importantly, the changes to fee-free days also affect how tourists plan their visits to U.S. national parks. In this article, we will explore the revised fee-free days for six important parks: Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve (Alaska), Redwood National and State Parks (California), Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado), Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky), Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana) and Congaree National Park (South Carolina).

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve (Alaska): A Remote Gem

Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve is one of the most remote national parks in the United States and one of the few that has no entrance fee. Located deep within the Arctic Circle, this park offers an untouched wilderness, with no paved roads or visitor facilities. Instead, the park relies on hikers, adventurers and nature enthusiasts to explore its expansive lands.

How the “America First” Policy Affects Gates of the Arctic

Unlike many other national parks, Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve (Alaska) has remained free to all visitors. Under the new America First policy, no changes will be made to the park’s fee structure. U.S. residents and non-U.S. residents alike will still have free access to the park.

Visitors to Gates of the Arctic National Park can continue to explore the wild beauty of the park without paying for entry. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a cost-free experience in one of the most pristine environments in the country. However, visitors should be prepared for its remote location and difficult accessibility.

Best Dates to Visit Gates of the Arctic

While Gates of the Arctic remains fee-free, visitors should plan their trips between June and September to enjoy the park in its best weather. These months offer the best opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, with 24 hours of daylight in some areas during the summer months.

Redwood National and State Parks (California): Majestic Sequoias and Redwoods

Redwood National and State Parks in California are famous for their towering trees, which include some of the world’s tallest living organisms. Visitors come from all over the globe to stand in awe beneath the ancient redwoods, which can be over 300 feet tall.

How the “America First” Policy Affects Redwood National and State Parks

Redwood National and State Parks (California) is part of the National Park System and it is not among the 11 parks that will implement the $100 surcharge for non-U.S. residents. This means that Redwood National and State Parks will remain fee-free for U.S. residents on the new fee-free days, as part of the America First National Parks policy.

Best Dates to Visit Redwood National and State Parks

To see the best of the majestic redwoods, visitors should plan their trips during the spring and summer months, particularly between May and September. These months bring the best weather for hiking, with lush green landscapes and mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Avoid winter as many roads may be closed due to heavy rain.

Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado): A Peek Into Ancient History

Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) is home to ancient cliff dwellings built by the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived in the region from A.D. 600 to 1300. This UNESCO World Heritage site draws history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

How the “America First” Policy Affects Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) is part of the fee structure of the National Park System, but it is not included in the group of parks that will see the $100 surcharge for non-residents. As such, the entrance fees will remain unchanged and U.S. residents will still enjoy fee-free days at the park. Non-U.S. visitors will pay the usual fees for entrance.

Best Dates to Visit Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is a year-round destination, but the best months to visit are May through October. These months offer the warmest weather and give visitors the opportunity to explore cliff dwellings and hiking trails without snow blocking the paths.

Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky): Underground Wonders

Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky) is famous for having the longest cave system in the world, with over 400 miles of underground passages. Visitors to the park can explore the labyrinth of tunnels, go on guided tours, or simply enjoy the hiking and camping options above ground.

How the “America First” Policy Affects Mammoth Cave National Park

Like Mesa Verde, Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky) also operates under a standard fee structure. However, the $100 surcharge for non-residents does not apply to this park, as it is not on the list of high-traffic parks under the new pricing rules.

Best Dates to Visit Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave National Park is open year-round, but for the best experience, visit in spring or fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. The park is particularly popular in summer when families and tourists explore the caves, but fall offers a quieter, more intimate experience.

Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana): The Great Lakes Escape

Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana) offers beautiful sand dunes, beaches and lakefront views along the shores of Lake Michigan. This urban oasis attracts visitors who want to explore both nature and history.

How the “America First” Policy Affects Indiana Dunes National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana) will continue to charge standard entrance fees, but non-U.S. residents will not face an additional surcharge under the America First National Parks policy. U.S. residents can still take advantage of fee-free days to visit the park without paying the entrance fee.

Best Dates to Visit Indiana Dunes

The best time to visit Indiana Dunes is late spring and early summer, from May through June. During this time, visitors can explore the beach, hike and enjoy the water activities. The park is particularly stunning when the wildflowers bloom along the dunes.

Congaree National Park (South Carolina): A Swamp of Wonders

Congaree National Park (South Carolina) is known for its biodiversity and wetland habitats. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to rare species and offers visitors a chance to explore an ancient floodplain.

How the “America First” Policy Affects Congaree National Park

Like the other parks, Congaree National Park (South Carolina) will be fee-free for U.S. residents on select days, but non-residents will continue to pay the usual entrance fees, with no additional surcharge under the new policy.

Best Dates to Visit Congaree

Congaree National Park is best explored during spring and fall. These seasons offer cooler temperatures, making it easier to explore the park’s wetlands and hiking trails.

Conclusion: Why These Changes Matter for U.S. Tourists

The America First National Parks policy is designed to ensure U.S. residents get the most affordable access to national parks. For U.S. residents, these changes mean more fee-free days at iconic parks like Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve, Redwood National and State Parks, Mesa Verde National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park and Congaree National Park.

The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Park Service (NPS) are working to make sure that domestic visitors can experience the majesty of these parks without worrying about steep entrance fees. As a result, these fee-free days are the best times for U.S. tourists to visit and enjoy the natural beauty and history of these incredible locations.

As visitors plan their next trip, they should check with the NPS and DOI websites for the exact dates of the fee-free days and stay up to date on the new pricing policies set to take effect in 2026. With such diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, these parks remain the perfect escape for U.S. tourists looking to explore the best of America’s national treasures.