Portland Veterans Day 2025 Complete Guide To Free Meals Admission And Special Offers For Military Personnel

Portland-area businesses and organizations are honoring military veterans and active duty personnel with a variety of free meals, admission offers, and special discounts on Veterans Day 2025. This comprehensive guide details all the available freebies and special offers in the Portland area, as well as national opportunities that may be available locally.

Portland Food Freebies and Special Offers

Several Portland-area restaurants and food establishments are showing their appreciation for military service members with complimentary meals and special discounts on November 11, 2025.

Restaurant Free Meals

Applebee's is offering veterans and active duty military personnel a free entrée from a special menu at participating locations throughout the Portland area. This offer is valid only for dine-in service, and potential participants are advised to contact their nearby Applebee's location to confirm participation in this Veterans Day deal.

Claim Jumper, with two locations near Portland (9085 SE Sunnyside Rd. in Clackamas and 18000 SW Lower Boones Ferry Rd. in Hillsboro), is providing veterans and active duty military with a complimentary meal on November 11. The special menu includes several options: - BBQ chicken salad - Classic cheeseburger - Black tie chicken pasta - Meatloaf and mashed potatoes - Country fried steak - Southern fried chicken

Food Retail Discounts

Boiled PDXNuts, a Portland-based business, is offering a 20% discount on all Etsy orders placed on November 11, 2025. Military personnel can use the code BPDXVET20 to receive this special discount as a token of appreciation for their service.

Portland Free Admission and Service Offers

Numerous Portland-area attractions, recreational facilities, and service providers are offering complimentary access and services to veterans and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day.

Transportation and Recreational Activities

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad is showing appreciation for veterans by offering a complimentary train ride with the purchase of another adult ticket on November 8 and 9, 2025. The train will depart at noon and 2:30 p.m. both days.

The Forest Service Recreation Area will provide free entrance to all visitors on November 11, 2025. This offer includes recreation sites and trailheads in Oregon and Washington, such as: - Columbia River Gorge - Mt. Hood National Forest - Gifford Pinchot National Forest - And 14 additional sites

The National Parks system is also offering free entrance to all U.S. National Parks on November 11, 2025.

Personal Services and Retail Discounts

Washman Car Wash and Auto Spa is treating veterans to a complimentary car wash on November 11, 2025. There are 14 Washman locations in and around Portland where this offer is valid.

Great Clips is providing veterans and active military members with a free haircut on November 11, 2025. Alternatively, participants may opt to receive a free haircut card to use at a later date.

Lan Su Chinese Garden, located at 239 NW Everett St. in Portland, is offering free admission for active-duty military, veterans, and their families on November 11 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can use code VETSD when booking online or mention the offer at the ticket booth.

Mycelium Outlet, a Portland shop located at 3605 NE 50th Ave., is providing 10% off total purchases both in-store and online on November 11, 2025. This particular offer is open to everyone, not just military personnel.

National Food Freebies Available in Portland

Several national restaurant chains with Portland-area locations are offering special Veterans Day freebies:

• Starbucks: Participating U.S. Starbucks locations will offer a free tall (12-ounce) hot or iced coffee to veterans, military service members, and military spouses.

• Dunkin': Veterans and active military can receive a free doughnut with no purchase required or proof of ID needed. This offer is valid for in-store redemption only.

• Krispy Kreme: The chain is offering a free doughnut and a small hot or iced brewed coffee. These freebies do not require a separate purchase and are available in-store only.

• Olive Garden: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can receive a free entrée from a special menu, including options such as never-ending soup, salad and breadsticks, cheese ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccini alfredo, and chicken parmigiana.

• Outback Steakhouse: All active and retired military personnel can receive a free Bloomin' Onion and a Coca-Cola product when dining in restaurant.

National Free Admission Opportunities

Several national attractions and venues are offering free admission to veterans and active duty military personnel on or around Veterans Day 2025:

Museums and Historical Sites

• Pro Football Hall of Fame (Canton, Ohio): Free admission to all U.S. servicemembers, National Guard members, and veterans plus one guest. Additional offerings include free admission for Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Families, a free commemorative Veterans Day pin (while supplies last), and a 20% discount at the Hall of Fame Store.

• Thomas Jefferson's Monticello (Charlottesville, Va.): Free admission for U.S. military veterans during Veterans Day weekend (November 8-11, 2025). The free admission applies to the Grounds Ticket or the Highlights Tour, but not to special or after-hours tours.

• Country Music Hall of Fame (Nashville): Free admission for active-duty and retired armed services members, with free admission extended to up to three immediate family members.

• George Washington's Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon, Va.): Free admission for all active duty, former or retired military personnel. Free tickets do not extend to service members' family members or guests.

• Harley-Davidson Museum (Milwaukee): Free admission for veterans and active-duty military, along with one adult guest and up to four children on November 11, 2025.

• Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Complimentary general admission to active and retired veterans on November 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Theme Parks and Entertainment Venues

• Crayola Experience (all locations): Free admission for veterans and active-duty military, with discounts for family members (varies by location).

• Knotts Berry Farm (California): Free admission for veterans and active-duty military during select Military Tribute Days in November and December.

• Maine Wildlife Park: Free admission to veterans, active-duty military, and their families on November 11, 2025.

• Six Flags America: Free admission for veterans and active-duty military on Veterans Day and the following day, with discounted admission available for family members (up to four).

Recreational Areas

• National Parks: All U.S. national parks and historic sites managed by the National Park Service offer free admission for all visitors on November 11, 2025.

• State Parks: Many states offer free or discounted admission for veterans and their families on November 11. Additionally, many state parks have year-round deals for veterans who are residents of the state, disabled veterans, or former POWs.

• Zoos: Many zoos across the country offer free admission to veterans and active-duty military, as well as discounts or free admission to family members.

Important Considerations for Veterans Day Offers

When planning to take advantage of these Veterans Day freebies and special offers, service members should keep several important considerations in mind:

1. Proof of Service: Most offers require proof of military service, such as a military ID, veteran ID card, or DD-214 discharge papers. Some businesses may also accept other forms of verification.

2. Date Restrictions: While many offers are specifically for November 11, 2025 (Veterans Day), some may be available on surrounding days or throughout Veterans Day weekend. Always verify the specific dates for each offer.

3. Location Participation: Not all locations of a particular chain or business may participate in these offers. It is advisable to contact specific locations in advance to confirm participation.

4. Offer Limitations: Some offers may have limitations, such as being valid for dine-in only, requiring a purchase, or having specific menu options.

5. Advance Reservations: Certain attractions and venues may require advance reservations, even for free admission offers.

Conclusion

Veterans Day 2025 offers numerous opportunities for military personnel and their families to enjoy complimentary meals, free admission to attractions, and special discounts throughout the Portland area and across the country. From local Portland establishments like Applebee's and Lan Su Chinese Garden to national chains like Starbucks and Olive Garden, businesses are showing their appreciation for service members in various ways. Additionally, numerous parks, museums, and entertainment venues are providing free admission as a gesture of gratitude.

By planning ahead and verifying specific offer details, veterans and active duty personnel can maximize these opportunities to enjoy special treats and experiences at no cost. As always, it is important to carry proper military identification and to confirm participation details with individual businesses before visiting.

Sources

1. Portland Veterans Day Deals
2. American Legion Veterans Day Information
3. Military Money Veterans Day Deals
4. Ellen K Weekend Show Veterans Day Deals