National Parks In Michigan: Free Entrance Day Monday

MICHIGAN — Martin Luther King Jr. Day isn't just a federal holiday and day of service — it's also a chance to visit national parks that normally charge entrance fees. The next fee-free day scheduled by the National Park Service is Monday.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day provides one of the few opportunities each year to visit national parks for free after fee increases took effect Jan. 1 at various locations. The additional revenue will be used to fund deferred maintenance across the system of 419 parks, historic and cultural sites, and monuments.

The National Park Service lists online all parks requiring entrance fees and the amount of the fees. Here's all the parks you can go to for free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

• Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior off the shore of Michigan encompasses 850 square miles of natural wilderness, spacious lands, and aquatic life.

• Keweenaw National Historical Park

Keweenaw National Historical Park remembers the cultural heritage of copper mining, where copper became instrumental in building thriving communities.

• North Country National Scenic Trail

Threading its way across our landscape, the North Country Trail works with public and non-profit partners to link outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, historic and cultural areas.

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, on the largest and deepest Great Lake, includes cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and forest for outdoor adventure.

• River Raisin National Battlefield Park

River Raisin National Battlefield Park preserves the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812 and their aftermath in Monroe and Wayne counties in SE Michigan.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes along Lake Michigan has naturally elevated dunes and a narrow lakeshore, and offers visitors hiking, lakes, and Manitou island bird watching.

The other fee-free days in 2020 are:

• Saturday, April 18: First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day
• Tuesday, Aug. 25: National Park Service Birthday
• Saturday, Sept. 26: National Public Lands Day
• Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day

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