Juneteenth has been celebrated in Black communities since June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free. The news reached them two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021. 

State land free days align with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 to $35 annually, or $10 to $11.50 for a one-day visit, depending on the point of purchase. The pass is required to park on state lands managed by Parks, DNR and WDFW. Purchasing a Discover Pass helps all three agencies preserve and conserve public lands for future generations. The Discover Pass legislation directed all three agencies to designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required to visit state-managed lands.