Guest Column: Passes provide access to Federal Lands

Jennie Vasarhelyi
·3 min read

On Veterans Day in 2022, a lifetime military pass was added to America the Beautiful, the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program. Veterans and gold star family members are eligible for this free pass. Like other options in the pass program, it provides for free entrance into federal public lands and historic sites.

As you make travel plans for 2023, use this article to understand the different America the Beautiful pass options. In addition to veterans and gold star families, current members of the military, people with disabilities, seniors, fourth graders, park volunteers and the general public all have pass options available specifically for them.

The passes provide access to federal public lands managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The benefits apply to more than the pass holder. For sites that charge per vehicle, all occupants in a personal vehicle are admitted. For sites that charge per person, the pass covers the holder and up to three additional adults (16 and over). Children ages 15 or under are admitted free.

Any federal site with an admission fee will have the passes available. Since Cuyahoga Valley National Park is free, we carry some but not all passes. Here is a summary of each of the passes and where to get them before a trip. Please note that IDs are necessary to show that you qualify for the free and discounted passes.

  • Annual pass. Anyone can purchase this $80 pass. It is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. It is sold at Boston Mill Visitor Center and online at the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) Store.

  • Senior pass. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who are age 62 or older are eligible for the senior pass. You can purchase an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80. They are available online at the USGS Store.

  • Access pass. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. who have been medically determined to have a permanent disability are eligible for the access pass. This free pass is good for the lifetime of the pass holder. It is available at Boston Mill Visitor Center and online at the USGS Store.

  • Military annual pass. Current members of U.S. military are eligible for a free annual pass. It is available at Boston Mill Visitor Center and online at the USGS Store.

  • Military lifetime pass. Veterans and Gold Star families are eligible for this free lifetime pass. It is available at Boston Mill Visitor Center and online at the USGS Store.

  • 4th grade pass. Fourth graders can get a free pass that is valid for the duration of their school year through the following summer (September through August). Fourth graders can earn the pass on their own, through teacher-led activities, or by attending a NPS education program with their school. To earn a pass independently, kids need to complete an online activity at www.everykidoutdoors.gov. They will receive a paper voucher that can be exchanged for a pass at Boston Mill Visitor Center. The website also has activities that educators can complete with their class. Fourth grade programs offered at Cuyahoga Valley National Park are listed online at Field Trips - Cuyahoga Valley National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

  • Volunteer pass. Park volunteers earn an annual pass when they complete 250 service hours.

Federal public lands provide a wide range of opportunities for you to experience nature, scenery, history and outdoor recreation. Get your pass now as a step toward your next adventure.

Boston Mill Visitor Center is located at 6947 Riverview Road in Peninsula. More information about the America the Beautiful Pass and a link to the USGS Store are available online at Entrance Passes (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guest Column: Passes provide access to Federal Parks