A month after President Donald Trump<\/a> scrapped free national parks entry on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Gov. Gavin Newsom is responding \u2013 opening more than 200 California state parks for free to honor Dr. King while calling out Trump\u2019s move.<\/p>\n Last month, the Trump administration reshaped when Americans can enter national parks for free, scrapping Martin Luther King Jr. Day<\/a>, Juneteenth and National Public Lands Day from the 2026 calendar.<\/p>\n In their place, the administration added a slate of historically themed or presidentially themed dates. Flag day \u2013 which also happens to be Trump’s birthday \u2013 becomes a fee-free day for the first time, along with Constitution Day, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service and the birthday of Theodore Roosevelt.<\/p>\n Newsom announced Friday that, ahead of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, he is directing California State Parks<\/a> to offer free admission at more than 200 participating parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.<\/p>\n ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP SUES TRUMP FOR REPLACING NATIONAL PARK PASS PHOTO WITH HIS OWN IMAGE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “While Trump works to erase Dr. King\u2019s legacy, California will honor it,” Newsom said<\/a> in a press release. “Dr. King taught us that \u2018darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.\u2019 While the Trump administration tries to erase his legacy and turn national parks and monuments into places of exclusion and fear, California answers with light.”<\/p>\n “That\u2019s why I\u2019m announcing free entry at California State Parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026 \u2013 because Dr. King\u2019s legacy deserves to be honored, not erased,” Newsom continued. “I\u2019m encouraging all Californians to get outside on MLK Day, spend time in nature, reflect on Dr. King\u2019s legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing civil rights for all.”<\/p>\n Free entry applies to vehicle day-use fees only and is available at more than 200 participating California state parks statewide, according to the governor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n NATIONAL PARK GIFT SHOPS ARE ORDERED TO PURGE BIAS-DRIVEN DEI AND WOKE MERCHANDISE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces free entry at more than 200 state parks, including Lake Oroville, on MLK Day 2026, pushing back after the Trump administration removed the holiday from national park fee-free days.<\/span> (Aude Guerrucci\/Reuters)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Free vehicle entry is being made possible by the California State Parks Foundation rather than taxpayer dollars. The foundation\u2019s investment is intended to keep the state parks running while also planting seeds for a lifetime of connection to the state\u2019s “natural and cultural treasures,” Newsom\u2019s office said.<\/p>\n Democratic leaders<\/a> framed the move as a direct rebuke of the Trump administration\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n TRUMP ADDS HIS BIRTHDAY AS FREE NATIONAL PARK DAY WHILE AXING MLK DAY AND JUNETEENTH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n In response to the Trump administration removing MLK Day from the national park free days, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced free entry at more than 200 state parks on MLK Day 2026.<\/span> (Julia Demaree Nikhinson\/AP Photo)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “As the federal government eliminates fee-free park days for holidays that celebrate Black history, California continues to revel in the glory of our civil rights pioneers,” state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson said. “Opening our parks for everyone to enjoy encourages loved ones to come together, give back, and honor Dr. King\u2019s legacy while enjoying the natural beauty of the Golden State.”<\/p>\n Some of the parks offering free entry include Big Basin Redwoods, Half Moon Bay, Sugarloaf Ridge, Doheny, Wildwood Canyon Park Property, Folsom Lake, Bidwell Mansion and Lake Oroville.<\/p>\n Some parks will still require a fee, including off-highway vehicle recreation areas, parks with per-person or tour fees such as Hearst Castle and locations operated by partner organizations.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n A full list of participating parks is available at parks.ca.gov\/MLKDay2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Lake](\"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Lake-Oroville-.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"Donald](\"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/trump-looks-southern-boulevard-dedication-ceremony-.jpg\")
<\/div>\n