Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (NHP) will stop charging entrance fees for visitors on Oct. 1.

According to a park press release, after analyzing the costs and benefits of the recreational fee program, park leadership determined it was in the best interest of both the park and the public to eliminate entrance fees. The current entrance fees are: vehicles ($10, $5/motorcycle), the park annual pass ($15), and the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes, including the lifetime Senior Pass for U.S. citizens 62 years and over ($10) and the Annual Pass ($80).

“Through our analysis we found that the growing administrative burden of maintaining our fee program was not sustainable,” Park Superintendent Robin Snyder said. “This decision is the right thing to do for both visitors and staff, who can now focus their time and talents on the core missions of the National Park Service.”

Remaining revenue from entrance fees will continue to be used to carry out many mission-critical projects, including an accessibility study for the park and a comprehensive trail study to provide more opportunities for all visitors to explore park stories and resources. 

“Appomattox Court House NHP has, and always will, welcome donations from park visitors, supporters, and advocates,” Snyder said. “Donations will continue to augment visitor programs and support the park’s mission.”

America the Beautiful passes will no longer be obtainable at Appomattox Court House NHP, except for the following three: free active-duty Military Annual Pass; Access Pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities; and the 4th-Grade Every Kid in a Park Pass.

All America the Beautiful National Parks passes may still be purchased at most federal recreation sites that collect entrance fees or by applying at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html.