Beginning with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 21, there will be “13 *free entrance days” in 2013 to more than 2,000 National Parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other federal lands will offer free admittance to everyone.

“Our national parks, wildlife refuges, forests and other public lands offer every American a place to get outdoors, learn about our nation’s history and culture, and restore our spirits,” said Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar in a news release. “By providing free admission, we are rolling out the welcome mat for Americans to visit and enjoy these extraordinary treasures that belong to all of us.”

So, take out your calendars and mark the following entrance fee-free dates in 2013:

• January 21
  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  
• April 22-26
  five days during National Park Week
  
• August 25
  National Park Service Birthday
  
• September 28
  National Public Lands Day
• November 9-11
  Veterans Day weekend

* “Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.”

Additionally, active duty military members and their dependents are eligible for a free annual pass that provides entrance to lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Program also offers a free lifetime pass for people with disabilities, a $10 lifetime senior pass for those age 62 and over, and an $80 annual pass for the general public.

Read full news release by clicking here.

Image: The Birth Home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Historical Site, Atlanta, Georgia. Source National Park Service.

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