The annual tradition with Alaska State Parks waiving parking fees at all park-managed facilities the day after Thanksgiving continues on Friday, Nov. 24. It’s a way to encourage Alaskans to get outside during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
“The day after a Thanksgiving feast is the perfect time to get outside and appreciate some fresh air, rather than fight the crowds for holiday shopping,” said Ricky Gease, director of the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
Alaskans can instead enjoy Alaska State Parks for free on Friday, and gift a 2024 parking pass, which are for sale online and at retail locations throughout the state, Gease said.
Annual parking passes make recreating in the state’s 157 unique facilities easier and more cost- effective all year long. Day-use parking decals will be $75 beginning Jan. 1, 2023, but early birds who purchase in 2023 will pay just $60 (the decals can also be used through the end of the year). Annual boat launch passes are $150.
The decals will be available in Anchorage at the DNR Public Information Center and REI, while in Fairbanks parking passes can be purchased at the DNR Public Information Center. In Kodiak, decals are available at Discover Kodiak. As other locations across the state receive the passes, they will be listed online.
For information and online parking pass or boat launch sales, see http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm. For information on 2023-2027 Disabled Veteran camping passes, contact the Anchorage Public Information Center at 907-269-8700.
