Come experience the national parks and enjoy wildlife watching, sunrise and sunset strolls, epic recreational opportunities, and so much more.

Mark your calendar for these fee free dates in 2026:

The 2026 fee-free days have been announced! Enjoy a trip to the refuge free of charge on the following days this year:

President’s Day (February 16)

Memorial Day (May 25)

Flag Day/President Trump's birthday (June 14)

Independence Day weekend (July 3–5)

110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25)

Constitution Day (Sept. 17)

First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week (October 11)

Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (October 27)

Veteran’s Day (November 11) 

Learn more about the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore.

CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Migration Mix Bird Walk

It’s migration time! Join us for a 2-hour guided walk to look shorebirds, raptors, and early arriving waterfowl. Learn helpful identification tips. Newcomers welcome. Binoculars available. Expect to walk at least a mile on refuge trails. Bring bug spray & water.

MEET AT WOODLAND TRAIL PARKING LOT

Sponsored by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Chincoteague Refuge Friends, Eastern Shore Master Naturalists

Come party with us!

Please Join Us in Celebrating 4 Decades of Partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Sunday, October 11th
1:00pm to 4:00pm

Lighthouse Open – Last climb at 3:30

In the Bateman Visitor Center

• Kids Activities • Light Refreshments
• CNHA Bookstore • Membership Table
• Check out the auditorium upgrades!
• Learn about our mission & volunteer opportunities.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge FREE-FEE Day