This bill could grant free entrance to national parks on Constitution Day 2026
Jul 18, 2025, 8:58 PM
Rock formations in Zion National Park on Jan. 25, 2025. (Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)
(Mariah Maynes/KSL NewsRadio)
SALT LAKE CITY — In a video shared to X on July 18, Utah Rep. Celeste Maloy explained her recently proposed bill, which would grant Americans free national park entry on Sept. 17, 2026.
Sept. 17 is Constitution Day. It commemorates the day that they U.S. Constitution was signed in Philadelphia in 1787.
2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the document’s signing.
The bill, called the STARS Act, was announced just days ago, on July 15.
“We chose Constitution Day because, in addition to the Declaration of Independence, the constitution is one of our founding documents,” said Maloy. “To me, there’s no better way to honor 250 years of American history than by inviting every American to experience the places where that history is preserved.”
If passed, the bill will direct the Secretary of the Interior to designate an extra free entry day at National Park Service sites. Although the most popular areas are national parks, other sites are included too.
For example, Golden Spike National Historical Park is part of the National Park Service system. Under the free entry fee, Americans would be able to enter without paying.
It should be noted that not all National Park Service sites charge an entry fee. But, each of Utah’s five national parks do.
During the video, Maloy listed several Utah sites within the National Park Service system, while briefly explaining the impact humans have had on them.
“In Utah, our parks tell a powerful story of resilience, ingenuity, sacrifice and the forces of nature,” Maloy said.
The STARS Act, according to Maloy, is about giving American families a chance to take in the scenery and learn about the history.
Free entrance days in national parks
Free entry days are not a new concept in National Park Service areas. In 2025, the following dates are designated free entry days:
- Jan. 9, National Day of Mourning for President Jimmy Carter
- Jan. 20, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- April 19, First day of National Park Week
- June 19, Juneteenth
- Aug. 4, Great American Outdoors Act anniversary
- Sept. 27, National Public Lands Day
- Nov. 11, Veterans Day
On those days, the National Park Service does not charge entry fees. However, timed entry or reservation fees may still apply. For information on individual areas, visit their respective website.
The free entry day would only apply in 2026 under the STARS Act.
