Today, August 25th, is the National Park Service’s birthday (also called Founders Day). It’s the day Congress created the National Park Service in 1916 to safeguard America’s parks and historic places for future generations.
A little history
President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act on August 25, 1916. The National Park Service was created inside the Department of the Interior to “preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System.”
Over the last century, the system has grown to cover hundreds of places which include national parks, monuments, historic sites, and more.
Celebration festivities
Founders Day isn’t just a date on a calendar. Parks mark the date with a mix of free and special programming aimed at families, history buffs, and outdoor lovers. You can expect ranger-led talks and walks, history programs, Junior Ranger activities for kids, and volunteer cleanups. Sometimes music, special exhibits, or interpretive demonstrations are offered. Many parks post specific Founders Day events on their site. Several parks have scheduled talks or birthday programs for this year’s birthday.
Fee-free access/special entry
Many anniversary observances, including the NPS birthday, are tied to fee-free entry opportunities at participating units. This makes it a great day for RVers to visit a park you’ve been meaning to see without paying the usual entrance fee. Always check the park’s official website or the NPS events calendar before you go. Some parks still charge fees for certain services (camping, guided tours, or special programs) even when entry is free.
You should go
Founders Day is essentially a built-in excuse to visit a park, learn a little more about its story, and plug into community-focused events. This year in particular, with recent budgetary cuts, you may choose to participate in volunteer work to give back. Many parks list volunteer projects in advance.
Use the NPS “find events” tool or the park-specific calendar pages to search for Founders Day programs on August 25.
RELATED
- National Park’s 2026 budget proposals generally not a plus for campers
- Legislation proposes new free admission day at National Parks
- National Park Service ranger training centers shut down without warning
- Visitors may not see the strain, but national parks are operating with thinner teams
RVT1224b
Thank you for the notice, Gail! Unfortunately, the timing of the release of your article and the 25th of August were coincident and too late to take advantage of no admission fees on the 25th. Hopefully, most parks, monuments, etc., will have their fee-free day beyond the 25th. Have a great week and safe travels!