Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee Options for National Park Free Entrance Days

Give me a state park or national park and a big old picnic basket, and you will win my heart. Throw in a swim area, and you'll have me for life. In case you were wondering, if it's a park, I love it.

Consequently, I can't think of a better gift to all of us who feel this way than National Park Free Entrance Days. They happen every year, and there are just three of them left in 2025. They are August 4th (the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act), September 27th (National Public Lands Day), and November 11th (Veterans Day). So let's take a look at the best options in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee.

Mammoth Cave National Park

First of all, nobody waits and only visits Mammoth Cave on National Park Free Entrance Days, but it might be worth your time. That "might" is the equivalent of an asterisk, and here's why. Entrance to Mammoth Cave National Park is always free, but on National Park Free Entrance Days, free entry to the Mammoth Passage tour or the Self-Guided Discovery tour may be offered, but it's no guarantee.

Indiana Dunes

There are 15 miles of Lake Michigan coastline in northwestern Indiana where you will see Mother Nature's ongoing handiwork. For thousands of years, the lake's waves have worked to form these beautiful dunes. Enjoy and explore these beautiful formations, but bring comfortable shoes if you're a hiker; there are plenty of trails to satisfy that itch. Don't miss out on picnicking, camping, and bird watching, either. Swimming is also permitted at Indiana Dunes, but take precautions. Be mindful of the beach rules, and avoid swimming when rip current warnings are posted. Otherwise, pack your water shoes, and have a great time. Remember that your entrance fee will be waived on National Park Free Entrance Days, but other fees may not be.

Great Smoky Mountains

If you've visited the Smokies

, you already know there isn't an entrance fee, but you do know that parking tags are required if you'll be there longer than 15 minutes. That's where National Park Free Entrance Days come in. On the three remaining free days, those parking tags will not be necessary. That's one less thing to worry about on your next Smokies adventure.