On MLK Jr. Day, Visit These Virginia National Parks For For Free

VIRGINIA — Often viewed as a federal holiday or a day to give back to communities, Martin Luther King Jr. Day also offers something special to those hoping to spend a day outdoors in Virginia in 2022.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the next chance residents will have to pay a free visit to national parks in Virginia that normally charge entrance fees.

The holiday is one of the several opportunities each year to visit national parks for free. The entrance fee waiver does not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours.

The National Park Service lists online all parks requiring entrance fees and the amount of the fees. Here are just some of the Virginia parks that will waive entrance fees on Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

• Shenandoah National Park: 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 22835; Hours: Vary. See link for details.
• Prince William Forest Park: 18100 Park Headquarters Road, Triangle, VA 22172; Hours: Vary. See link for details.
• Colonial National Historical Park: 1000 Colonial Pkwy, Yorktown, VA 23690; Hours: The Historic Jamestowne entrance gate opens 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily, Historic Jamestowne Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily. The Glasshouse is open 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Other fee-free days in 2022 are:

• April 16: First day of National Park Week
• Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
• Sept. 24: National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day

See the full list of national parks in Virginia. Many parks are free year-round.