Fees waived at national parks and Wyoming state parks next Saturday for National Public Lands Day

GILLETTE (WNE) — If you’re wanting to get into a state park or national park for free, you’ll get the chance to do that next Saturday, which is National Public Lands Day.

Held every year since 1994, on the fourth Saturday of September, National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort.

In 2024, more than 130 national parks hosted events with 7,600 volunteers donating an impressive 41,500 hours of service.

All national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on Saturday.

And the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources is joining the national tradition by hosting volunteer opportunities across state parks, historic sites, and recreation areas statewide, allowing communities to care for and celebrate the places that make Wyoming unique.

Day-use and entrance fees will be waived at all Wyoming state parks and historic sites on Saturday. And volunteer opportunities at 15 state parks will be offered to give residents a chance to give back.

At Keyhole State Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, there will be an organized trash pickup. Those who are interested can meet at the Cliff Shelter in Coulter Bay at 10 a.m. Volunteers will then break into teams to pick up trash. Gloves, trash bags and tools will be provided. For more information, call 307-205-3149.

Other state parks, such as Curt Gowdy State Park, Buffalo Bill State Park, Hot Springs State Park and more also will offer volunteer opportunities. Visit the state parks website for more information and a full list of participating parks.

This story was published on Sept. 20, 2025.