Marshall Gold Discovery State Park. (Photo: UncleVinny)
California residents have a limited-time chance to visit more than 30 state historic parks and museums for free under a special pass announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The state is making a special edition California State Parks Historian Passport available in honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of American independence. The pass is normally priced at $50, but residents can get it at no cost until July 6. Once downloaded, it can be used for repeat visits to participating historic parks through Dec. 31, with admission included for up to four people.
The pass is open to the public. It may be especially useful for Veterans who do not have California’s Distinguished Veteran Pass, including those who have not applied, are waiting for approval, or do not meet eligibility.
For Veterans and their families, it can be an easy way to plan low-cost day trips while visiting places tied to California’s past. It also gives families another reason to explore historic sites they may have overlooked because of admission costs.
The Historian Passport gives visitors access to sites across the state connected to Black history, Native American communities, the Gold Rush, Chinese American heritage, missions, preserved towns, and military landmarks. Newsom’s office said participating locations include Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park, Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, and Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park.
California residents also have other ways to visit state parks at low or no cost. The California State Library Parks Pass can be checked out by library card holders at participating public libraries and gives free vehicle day-use entry to more than 200 participating state parks. The Golden Bear Pass gives free vehicle day-use access to more than 200 state parks for eligible Californians, including those receiving CalWORKs, Supplemental Security Income, or Tribal TANF. Some income-eligible Californians age 62 or older may also qualify.
The Distinguished Veteran Pass provides free vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use at more than 100 California State Parks-operated units, but it has specific eligibility rules. To qualify, a person must be an honorably discharged Veteran, a California resident, and meet one of several requirements, including a 50% or higher service-connected disability rating with qualifying service, former prisoner of war status, or Medal of Honor recipient status.
Veterans without the Distinguished Veteran Pass and families who do not qualify for other programs can use Newsom’s free Historian Passport to visit participating historic parks for free through Dec. 31. The pass must be downloaded by July 6, and visitors should check park hours and rules before going.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
