Veterans get free lifetime admission to national parks

President Joe Biden’s administration announced Friday that going forward, in honor of Veterans Day, United States veterans will get lifetime passes to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, totaling 400 million acres of public lands.

Parks consist of national parks, wildlife refuges and forests such as the Lassen Volcanic National Park.

“We have a sacred obligation to America’s veterans. This new lifetime pass is a small demonstration of our nation’s gratitude and support for those who have selflessly served in the U.S. Armed Forces,” said U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. “I’m proud the Department of the Interior can provide veterans and Gold Star Families opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment from our country’s treasured lands.”

The passes include entrance fees for the pass holder and up to three adults.

“This pass conveys our immense gratitude and respect for those who have given so much,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “As a veteran, I know firsthand the many sacrifices that members of the Armed Forces and their families have made in service to our country, and I am thrilled that Gold Star Families and military veterans can now enjoy lifetime access to national parks and other public lands.”

According a release from Lassen Volcanic National Park, veterans can present either a Department of Defense ID Card, Veteran Health ID, Veteran ID Card, or veteran’s designation on a state-issued US driver’s license or ID card at participating federal

recreation areas that normally charge an entrance fee. Gold Star Families obtain information, selfcertify they qualify and download a voucher on NPS.gov.

The National Parks Service also offers senior passes to permanent residents over the age of 62 as well as access passes for permanent residents with disabilities.