2018 Fee Free Days Announced

Date: December 20, 2017
Contact: Scott Babinowich, 601 619-2905

VICKSBURG, MS – The National Park Service announced today that the public will be invited to experience all national parks, including Vicksburg National Military Park, without entrance fees, on four days in 2018.

The 2018 entrance fee-free days are:

• January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 21: First Day of National Park Week
• September 22: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

“National parks connect all of us with our country’s amazing nature, culture and history,” said National Park Service Deputy Director Michael T. Reynolds. “The days that we designate as fee free for national parks mark opportunities for the public to participate in service projects, enjoy ranger-led programs, or just spend time with family and friends exploring these diverse and special places. We hope that these fee-free days offer visitors an extra incentive to enjoy their national parks in 2018.”

2018 marks the 155^th anniversary of the campaign for Vicksburg during the Civil War. The Vicksburg Campaign helped to mark a turning point in the American Civil War, and preserves some of the best examples of Civil War-era siege tactics. During the fee-free days of April 21^st, September 22^nd, and November 11^th, living historians will be present to help bring the Civil War to life for visitors.

Usually, Vicksburg National Military Park has an entrance fee of $15 per car. The entrance fee waiver also applies to per person entry, including walkers and runners.

Last year, Vicksburg National Military Park had more than 500,000 visitors. Those visitors spent over $29 million in local communities which helped to support 488 jobs.

Normally, 118 of the 417 national parks charge an entrance fee. The other 299 national parks do not have entrance fees. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks that charge an entrance fee. There are also free or discounted passes available for senior citizens, current members of the military, families of fourth grade students, and disabled citizens.