The expansive and awe-inspiring national parks of America are central to our heritage, safeguarding cherished lands and the unique beauty of a continent unlike any other. During National Park Week, we honor the rich cultural legacy, magnificence, and distinctiveness of over 400 national parks and monuments throughout the country.
Established on August 25, 1916, the National Park Service was created to conserve the nation’s natural resources, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes. For more than a century, these cherished parks, battlefields, and monuments have epitomized the American Spirit, attracting people from diverse backgrounds to explore locations of historical importance and some of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders, including coastal vistas, unspoiled glacial lakes, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, hiking paths, and unique wildlife.
My administration is dedicated to safeguarding every inch of our lands and ensuring the clearest air and water globally. During my initial term, I proudly enacted the Great American Outdoors Act—the most influential conservation policy since President Teddy Roosevelt—to tackle past mismanagement, maintenance delays, and vital infrastructure requirements in our national parks and public lands. Upon resuming office, I signed the Make America Beautiful Again Executive Order, forming a commission focused on encouraging voluntary land stewardship, increasing outdoor access, reducing unnecessary regulations, and reviving endangered species while boosting our economy and maintaining the enduring integrity of our national parks. In response, the Commission released its Make America Beautiful Again report, urging Americans, private enterprises, and non-profit organizations to collaborate with the federal government and each other to ensure the next 250 years of our nation are beautiful, prosperous, and secure. To commemorate this milestone year for the National Park Service, I am delighted to announce that on August 25, our national parks will be accessible free of charge to U.S. residents, offering families the chance to witness the natural splendor of our magnificent Republic firsthand. Under my leadership, we aim to make America’s Great Outdoors a renewed source of national pride and stunning beauty, always pledging to protect our God-given heritage through conscientious conservation and ambitious restoration efforts.
As our nation marks 250 years of Independence, we express gratitude for the plentiful natural resources of our homeland and for the generations of Americans who labored to preserve these treasures. Together, we will ensure that our majestic national parks remain a source of adventure, respite, inspiration, and awe for future generations.
