You Can Get Into the National Parks Free Now – but Keep Your Distance!

For those in the United States who want to go out for a walk but still practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, the National Park Service is waiving its entrance fees to any parks that are still open.

“I’ve directed the National Park Service to waive entrance fees at parks that remain open. This small step makes it a little easier for the American public to enjoy the outdoors in our incredible National Parks,” says U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt in a statement.  “Our vast public lands that are overseen by the Department offer special outdoor experiences to recreate, embrace nature and implement some social distancing.” 

While going out for some fresh air is encouraged by Bernhardt, the National Park Service strongly suggests that visitors maintain hygiene measures and a proper safety distance from others as required by the CDC. And if you are staying home, don’t live near a National Park, or fall into a high-risk group, Google Earth provides a great alternative with free virtual tours of 31 U.S. National Parks available on its platform.