Photo: Orhan Cam (Shutterstock)
Monday is not only Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but also the beginning of a week when the country will hold its breath before the presidential inauguration and possible unrest. In other words, it is an ideal time to reflect on King’s work, including his peace-centered approach to injustice.
While this weekend (and next week) is not the best time to visit Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, DCThere are plenty of other parks where you can learn more about his life and legacy in the civil rights movement, or attend a day of his service in his honor. And on Monday you can visit any national park in the United States for free to celebrate King’s birthday. Here’s what to know.
So visit a national park for free on MLK day
Every year the The National Park Service waives entry fees six days a year to all of its locations – including parks and other historical and cultural locations. Monday 19th January is the first of these toll-free days from 2021. There are five more this year. So mark your calendars:
G / O Media can receive a commission
If you’re looking to visit a park or historic site where you can learn more about King, here are some suggestions:
Of course, keep that in mind There’s still a pandemic going onSo be sure to check a park or historical site website before planning a trip as some parts (such as interiors) may be closed.
It has also become a tradition to spend Martin Luther King Jr. Day doing official acts – and there are many of them Ways to do this within the National Park Service.