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National Park Week Kicks Off with Free Entry and Staffing Rebound Efforts

The U.S. National Park Service launches free admission on April 19 as it works to address staffing shortages and ensure operational continuity across its 433 units.

Park rangers walk behind visitors at Arches National Park in Utah.
A woman hikes on Granite Trail in Acadia National Park in Maine.
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Overview

  • National Park Week begins April 19 with free entry to all national parks, marking the first of five remaining no-fee days in 2025.
  • Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's April 3 order mandates that parks remain open and accessible, with a review process for any closures or service reductions.
  • The National Park Service plans to rehire 7,700 seasonal workers to stabilize staffing levels ahead of the busy summer season.
  • Visitors should plan ahead, as some high-traffic parks still require reservations or timed-entry passes, even on free-entry days.
  • The National Park Service managed a record 331.8 million visits in 2024 but continues to face chronic understaffing, with only 20,000 employees overseeing 85 million acres.