Wisconsin State Park Pass Program Info

 As seen in IFLS Keeping Up with Kids blog , November 20, 2024 issue

Deep dive: Wisconsin State Park Pass program for 2025

The Wisconsin DNR is excited to announce that the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program will return for 2025. We would like to invite you and your library to join us again in the new year.

The 2025 Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program will launch on Jan. 1, 2025, with passes being available for ‘check-out’ throughout the full calendar year. A pre-purchase period for passes for next year will open Wednesday, Nov. 13. Passes will be delivered in mid-December, so they are available for use on Jan. 1.

New in 2025

1. The daily pass distributed through the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program has been updated. Starting in 2025, a new pass will be implemented that is specific for this program. The new passes will read “Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program” and will only be available to participating libraries. The new passes will come as an 8.5×11 flat sheet of 9 passes, so purchase quantities will look different in 2025. Minimum number of passes per purchase is 9. This new pass format will allow for easier shipping and storage of pass inventory.

2. 2025 marks the 12th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System. This milestone will be marked with family-friendly events, fascinating park system history and recreation opportunities for visitors of all abilities and experience levels. Libraries and library patrons are invited to join the DNR in celebrating this anniversary occasion. Digital resources with information on events and state park system history will be available for libraries. If you are interested in more information on how to get involved with the 125th anniversary, please reach out to Sara Bernaski by email.

Other program details:

• Daily passes will remail $5 per pass, this discounted price is only available for libraries.
• Passes can be purchased via credit card, check or invoice.
• Digital resources are available from Wisconsin State Parks Pass Program | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
• Learn more about Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library by visiting Check out Wisconsin State Parks at your Library | | Wisconsin DNR

Wrapping up 2024
Please note that the red daily passes that are currently in use by this program will be phased out of use by the Wisconsin State Park System starting in 2025. Libraries can use the red passes until they are gone.

However, librarians and library staff should be aware that Wisconsin State Park System properties will no longer be selling the red daily passes. Park properties will now distribute a daily pass in a receipt paper format when a customer purchases a daily rate admission. Park system staff are aware that red daily passes are in circulation due to the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks program and may be used by library patrons.
Purchasing and contact info

To purchase passes for 2025, please contact Dawn Hirst via phone or email. Orders can be placed by calling Dawn Hirst at Devil’s Lake State Park at 608-356-8301 Ext.110 or emailing Dawn.Hirst@wisconsin.gov. Please reference the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program and include your contact information.

Have the following information ready: contact name, library name, mailing address, phone number, email, number of passes and payment information.

For all other questions about the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program, please email Sara Bernaski at Sara.Bernaski@wisconsin.gov.