Did you know veterans, active-duty military members, and their families may qualify for a FREE National Parks Pass? Even better, U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families can receive a FREE Lifetime Pass!
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country. It’s a fantastic money-saving benefit for military families in Wichita and throughout Kansas who enjoy traveling, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.
And this isn’t just a Veterans Day deal. These free passes are available year-round!
Who Qualifies for a FREE Military National Parks Pass?
There are two different military passes available this year, and both are FREE when obtained in person at a participating federal recreation site.
FREE Annual National Parks Pass for Active Military and Dependents
Current U.S. military members and their dependents qualify for a FREE Military Annual Pass.
Eligible military members include:
- Active-duty military personnel
- National Guard members
- Reservists
- Eligible military dependents
The annual pass is valid for 12 months from the month of issuance.
FREE Lifetime National Parks Pass for Veterans and Gold Star Families
This is an especially valuable benefit!
U.S. military veterans and eligible Gold Star Family members qualify for a FREE Military Lifetime Pass.
Unlike the annual pass, the lifetime pass doesn’t need to be renewed every year.
Gold Star Families are qualifying next of kin of service members who lost their lives in designated circumstances while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
What Does the FREE National Parks Pass Cover?
The America the Beautiful Pass covers entrance fees and standard day-use fees at participating federal recreation lands.
These include:
- National parks and monuments
- National wildlife refuges
- National forests and grasslands
- Bureau of Land Management recreation areas
- Bureau of Reclamation sites
- Participating U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation areas
The pass generally covers everyone in one private, noncommercial vehicle at locations charging per vehicle.
At locations charging admission per person, it covers the passholder and up to three additional people ages 16 and older. Children 15 and younger are admitted free.
That’s a nice savings for families planning a road trip!
What Isn’t Included with the FREE Pass?
The pass doesn’t cover every fee at national parks or federal recreation areas.
Additional charges may apply for:
- Camping and overnight accommodations
- Boat launches and other special recreation activities
- Guided tours
- Special permits
- Reservation fees
- Concession-operated attractions or services
My tip: If you’re planning to visit a campground or recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ask what fees the pass covers before your trip. Some locations have separate camping or facility fees, even when day-use entrance is covered.
How to Get Your FREE National Parks Military Pass
You have three ways to get your pass, but the cost depends on which option you choose.
Option 1: Pick Up Your Pass in Person for FREE
The best way to avoid extra fees is to visit a participating national park or federal recreation site that issues America the Beautiful Passes.
Bring the appropriate military or veteran identification.
For current military members and dependents, accepted documentation includes:
- Unexpired Common Access Card (CAC)
- Unexpired DD Form 1173 dependent ID
- Unexpired Next Generation Dependent ID
Veterans may use:
- Department of Defense identification card
- Veteran Health Identification Card
- Veteran ID Card
- State-issued driver’s license or identification card with a veteran designation
Gold Star Family members must provide the required Gold Star Family Voucher.
Use the National Park Service Military Pass information page to find participating locations and complete eligibility details.
Option 2: Get a FREE Digital Military Pass
Newer digital pass options make this benefit even easier to use.
Eligible military members, veterans, and Gold Star Families can obtain a FREE digital pass through Recreation.gov.
The digital pass can be saved to a mobile device and used without waiting for a physical card to arrive.
If you’d prefer a physical pass mailed to you during checkout, a $7.50 shipping fee applies.
Option 3: Order a Physical Pass by Mail
You can also order a physical pass through the USGS Store.
The pass itself is free, but online processing and shipping fees currently total $12.50.
Physical passes may take several weeks to arrive, so this isn’t the best option if you’re leaving for a trip soon.
Can You Get a FREE National Parks Pass in Wichita?
Previously, Wichita residents could pick up America the Beautiful Passes at the Great Plains Nature Center.
However, there’s an important change for 2026.
The Great Plains Nature Center building is temporarily closed for major foundation repairs, and in-person National Parks Pass services ended June 18, 2026.
That means you can no longer pick up a pass at the Nature Center during the closure.
The good news is that you can still get your free digital pass online or find another participating federal recreation site that issues passes.
Visit the Great Plains Nature Center website for closure updates.
More Ways to Save on National Parks and Outdoor Adventures
The military pass isn’t the only way to enjoy national parks for less.
Here are a few more resources worth checking out:
- Military Discounts in Wichita
- Free Entrance Days for America’s National Parks
- Kansas State Park Passport
- FREE National Parks Pass for Fourth Graders
- Veterans Day Freebies and Deals in Wichita
One important distinction: The America the Beautiful Pass covers participating federal recreation lands. It does not automatically cover Kansas state park entrance fees.
FREE Military National Parks Pass: Quick Details
Who Qualifies: Current U.S. military members, eligible dependents, veterans, and Gold Star Families
Cost: FREE in person or as a digital pass; additional fees for mailed physical passes
Annual Pass: Current military members and dependents; valid for 12 months
Lifetime Pass: Veterans and eligible Gold Star Families
Where to Get It: Participating federal recreation sites or online
Wichita Pickup Location: Great Plains Nature Center temporarily unavailable during construction
Official Information: National Park Service Military Pass Program
If you or someone in your family qualifies, this is one benefit worth taking advantage of before your next road trip. A little planning can save you money at national parks and federal recreation areas for years to come.
Just a Note: Pass eligibility, fees, and issuing locations can change. Double-check the National Park Service website before applying or visiting a pickup location.
