National Park Service Founders Day
National Park Service Founders Day on August 25 marks the 1916 Organic Act that created the U.S. National Park Service. It is a heritage date for the agency, distinct from National Parks Week.
About National Park Service Founders Day
History & origins
On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Organic Act, creating the NPS to manage federal parks and monuments. Founders Day uses that anniversary. National Parks Week is a separate, often spring, outreach week.
Why it matters
The day is about the agency and the conservation mandate, not a generic outdoor slogan.
How to celebrate
Visit a national park or historic site if you can, buy a pass that supports the system, or read the 1916 Organic Act’s purpose: conserve scenery and wildlife while providing for public enjoyment.
Facts
- President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act on August 25, 1916
- Stephen Mather was the first NPS director
- This date is the agency birthday, not the same as spring National Parks Week
Upcoming dates
- Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- Wednesday, August 25, 2027
- Friday, August 25, 2028
- Saturday, August 25, 2029
- Sunday, August 25, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Park Service Founders Day in 2026?
National Park Service Founders Day in 2026 falls on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
What happened on August 25, 1916?
The Organic Act created the National Park Service.
Is it Parks Week?
No. Parks Week is a different, usually multi-day, event.
How do you celebrate?
Visit a park unit or learn how the NPS was founded.
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