Colorado Day 2025 Guide To Free State Park Entry And Complimentary Attraction Access

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is offering free entry to all 43 Colorado state parks on Monday, August 4, 2025. This annual event commemorates Colorado Day, marking the state’s 149th anniversary of statehood. While standard vehicle entrance fees are waived for the day, visitors should be aware that other fees—such as those for camping, boat registrations, and hunting or fishing licenses—remain in effect. The free entry day is designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore the state’s diverse landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The tradition of offering free park entry stems from state legislation establishing Colorado Day to recognize the anniversary of statehood, which was granted by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1876. Although the actual anniversary falls on August 1, the free entrance day is observed on the first Monday of August to maximize public accessibility. In addition to the free entry, CPW encourages visitors to utilize resources such as the COTREX app for trail mapping and to review current fire restrictions and wildlife safety guidelines before visiting. The agency emphasizes the importance of acting as stewards of the land, balancing recreation with conservation efforts.

Beyond state parks, various attractions across Colorado offer free admission days throughout the year. These opportunities allow consumers to visit museums, zoos, and cultural centers without incurring standard ticket costs. However, specific dates and times for these attractions are subject to change, and consumers are advised to verify details with individual venues prior to visiting.

Colorado State Parks Free Entry Details

The free entry initiative applies to all 43 state parks managed by CPW. The offer specifically covers standard vehicle entrance fees, providing a no-cost opportunity to access park facilities and natural areas.

• Date: Monday, August 4, 2025
• Scope: All 43 Colorado state parks
• Covered Costs: Standard vehicle entrance fees
• Excluded Costs: Camping reservations, boat and off-highway vehicle (OHV) registrations, hunting and fishing licenses, and other specialized activity fees remain applicable.

CPW advises visitors to plan ahead. Tools such as the online State Park Finder and the COTREX app are available to help visitors locate parks and plan trails. Visitors are also reminded to bring adequate hydration and to practice "Leave No Trace" principles to protect the state's natural resources.

Complimentary Admission to Colorado Attractions

In addition to the state park free entry day, several cultural and recreational attractions in Colorado offer complimentary admission on specific dates. These opportunities vary by venue and month.

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum offers free admission on several days throughout the year. Based on available data, free days are scheduled for: * Tuesday, July 14 * Saturday, August 1 * Saturday, November 7 * Tuesday, December 8

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

This museum provides free admission during specific times and dates, including: * Friday, July 17 (evening) * Monday, August 24 * Tuesday evening, September 1 * Sunday, October 11 * Saturday evening, November 7

Clyfford Still Museum

Free admission is available on the following dates: * Sunday, July 26 * Saturday, November 7

Plains Conservation Center

Visitors can access this center for free on: * Saturday, July 11 * Thursday, August 20 * Saturday, November 14 * Thursday, December 10

Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus

Free evening admission is scheduled for: * Friday, July 17 * Friday, August 21 * Friday, September 18

Denver Botanic Gardens

Free admission is offered at both the York Street and Chatfield Farms locations on: * Friday, November 27 * Tuesday, August 25

Colorado National Parks

Designated free entry days for Colorado National Parks occur on: * Wednesday, November 11 * Tuesday, August 25 * Thursday, September 17 * Tuesday, October 27

Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo offers free admission days, though specific dates are listed as "TBD" (To Be Determined) in the available documentation.

Other Attractions

• Children’s Museum Dr: Located at 2121 Children’s Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211.
• Clyfford Still Museum: Located at 1250 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204.
• Denver Art Museum: Located at 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204.
• Denver Botanic Gardens: Located at 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206 and 8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Rd, Littleton, CO 80128.
• Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Located at 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205.
• Denver Zoo: Located at 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205.
• Plains Conservation Center: Located at 21901 E Hampden Ave, Aurora, CO 80013.

Guidelines for Responsible Recreation

Colorado Parks and Wildlife emphasizes the importance of stewardship during the free entry day and throughout the year. Visitors are urged to balance outdoor recreation with mindful conservation.

Key recommendations include: * Know Before You Go: Use the CPW Events Calendar to find park events and classes. * Stay Hydrated: Bring more water than anticipated, including water for pets. * Water Safety: Life jackets are mandatory for safety on the water. * Trail Navigation: Download the free COTREX app to access detailed trail maps and plan customized adventures. * Fire Safety: Check for local fire restrictions before visiting.

The Celebrate Colorado Week, coordinated by the Governor's Office, is also mentioned as a statewide celebration offering free and discounted activities, though specific details for 2025 were not fully provided in the source material.

Conclusion

The free entry day for Colorado state parks on August 4, 2025, offers a significant opportunity for consumers to access outdoor recreation at no cost. This event, aligned with the state's 149th anniversary, serves as a reminder of the natural resources available to residents and visitors. While entrance fees are waived, visitors must still cover costs for camping, boating, and licensing. Furthermore, a variety of museums and cultural institutions across the state offer complimentary admission on specific dates throughout the year. Consumers are encouraged to verify dates and requirements directly with attractions, as schedules are subject to change. By utilizing available planning tools and adhering to safety guidelines, visitors can fully enjoy these free offerings while preserving Colorado's natural and cultural heritage.

Sources

1. Seconews.org Article
2. Uncover Colorado - Free Days
3. Colorado Parks and Wildlife News
4. Denver7 - Free State Parks