If you haven’t been yet, we strongly recommend taking a trip of the U.S. National Parks. From the Florida Everglades & the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, to the Grand Canyon in Arizona & Mount Rainier in Washington, there are hundreds of national parks Browse a selection National parks tours 2021 from reputable vendors. Choose from hiking, biking, bus tours, family trips and even river rafting vacations. Trips range from 3 to 14 days.
If nothing else, we recommend you at least spend a day visiting one of the parks. Over 100 parks charge an entrance fee, but on select days, the National Park Service designates certain days where you can access the parks for free. In 2021, you can choose from 6 days.
Mark your calendar to visit the National Parks with free admission on these dates:
- April 17 – First day of National Park Week. This is a time to explore amazing places, discover stories of history and culture, and help out. Parks will host a variety of special programs, events, and digital experiences. Free admission runs from the 17th through the 25th of April.
- August 4 – One year anniversary of the “Great American Outdoors Act”. President Trump called on Congress to send a bill that would fully and permanently fund the “land and Water Conservation Fund” and restore our national parks. Revenues from energy development will provide up to $1.9 billion a year for five years to provide maintenance for critical facilities in our national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas, and American Indian schools.
- August 25 – National Park Service Birthday. On August 25, 2021, the National Park Service will celebrate its 105th birthday. Everyone is encouraged to come out and enjoy the national parks on this day. On August 25, 1916, Woodrow Wilson signed the legislation launching the National Park Service. Women across the country were fighting to guarantee their right to vote at the same time. On August 26, 1920, this right was recognized.
- September 15 – National Public Lands Day was established in 1994. This is our nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort to celebrate a connection between people and green space. It inspires environmental stewardship and encourages use of open space for education, recreation, and health.
- November 11 – Veterans Day. Dozens of sites commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. Every national park is part of our collective identity that defines who we are and where we came from as a nation. The majestic landscapes, natural wonders, and patriotic icons have inspired military members over the years. On Veterans Day, honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
If you are unable to make it during the dates, please note that more than 80% of the money you pay goes to enhancing & maintaining the parks that you visit, while the other 20% of the money goes to the almost 300 parks that do not charge entrance fees, so the money is well used.
If you plan on visiting more than one park, you may be interested in the America the Beautiful pass which is $80, and you can access hundreds of national parks and federal recreational lands for a year without paying entrance fees.
We invite you to browse a selection of escorted national park tours by only the most reputable tour companies includes Cosmos Tours, Globus Tours, Trafalgar Tours, Collette Vacations, and Tauck Tours. You can also read other similar blogs that may interest you include National Parks Must See sites and National Parks Family tours.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published with 2021 details. The destinations and experiences featured here remain as compelling as ever — prices, schedules, and availability change year to year. Contact Atlas Travel Center for current pricing and availability. Our advisors have firsthand knowledge of these destinations and stay current on entry requirements, seasonal conditions, and the best times to visit. Atlas Travel Center: 35+ years of expertise, A+ BBB rated.
