Mirror Lake State Park Entrance
Visiting Wisconsin’s stunning state parks, forests, and recreational areas requires a vehicle admission pass. Think of it as your gateway to exploring some of the most beautiful natural spots in Wisconsin. This pass is essential for any motor vehicle stopping at these state-managed locations. You can conveniently purchase these passes online, directly at the park, or at DNR service centers.
Ready to explore? You can easily purchase your Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass online and start planning your adventure today!
Understanding Vehicle Admission Pass Rates: How Much for a Park Sticker?
When planning your visit, understanding the cost of a vehicle admission pass is key. There are different options to suit your needs, whether you are a frequent visitor or planning a single day trip. Let’s break down the costs for accessing Wisconsin’s state parks.
12-Month Vehicle Admission Pass: For those who love Wisconsin’s outdoors and plan multiple visits throughout the year, the 12-month pass offers exceptional value. This annual sticker grants you access to Wisconsin state parks and forests for a full year from the month of purchase.
The expiration date is clearly marked on the pass, indicating the month and year it ceases to be valid. You can use the pass right up to the last day of the month it expires.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the 12-Month Vehicle Admission Pass FAQs. This document provides comprehensive answers to common questions about the annual pass.
Daily Pass: If you’re only visiting for a single day, the daily vehicle admission pass is your go-to option. It’s valid only for the specific date of purchase, allowing you access for that day’s adventures.
Here’s a breakdown of the current vehicle admission pass rates:
| Vehicle Type | 12-Month Pass | 12-Month Reduced Rate Pass* | Daily Pass** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles with Wisconsin license plates | $28 | $15.50 | $13 |
| WI plates, residents age 65+ | $13 | n/a | $3 |
| Vehicles with out-of-state plates | $38 | $20.50 | $16 |
| Bus with Wisconsin license plates | — | — | $16 |
| Bus with out-of-state plates | — | — | $20 |
| *Reduced rate for additional vehicles at same address. | |||
| **Daily pass rates effective Jan 1, 2025. |
It’s important to note that an additional $5 fee is applied if you enter a park, forest, trail, or recreation area without paying for admission beforehand. Failure to purchase a pass can result in a citation.
Purchasing Your Vehicle Admission Pass: Get Your Park Sticker
Getting your vehicle admission pass is a straightforward process with several convenient options available. Whether you prefer online purchasing or buying in person, Wisconsin DNR has made it easy to secure your park access.
Option 1: Buy Online: The most convenient method is to purchase your vehicle admission pass online. You can buy 12-month passes, daily passes for Wisconsin residents, senior resident passes, and non-resident passes through this online portal. Additionally, you can purchase one reduced-rate 12-month pass for another vehicle registered to the same household when you buy a full-price pass in the same transaction. The online service allows you to purchase a single pass or a package of passes at one time.
Option 2: Buy at a State Park: If you prefer to purchase your pass in person, most Wisconsin State Park properties offer this option. You can buy both 12-month and daily vehicle admission passes, as well as state trail passes, through these methods:
- In-person purchase during office hours: Pay with credit cards, cash, or checks at the park office during operating hours.
- Electronic Sales Kiosk: Many parks have electronic kiosks available from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, accepting credit cards for pass purchases.
Important Note: Vehicle admission passes are not sold at Heritage Hill State Park. Admission to Heritage Hill is based on a per-person fee instead of vehicle passes.
Option 3: Buy at a DNR Service Center: You can also purchase your vehicle admission passes in person at open DNR service centers. This provides another avenue for obtaining your pass before heading to the parks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Admission Passes
To further clarify any questions you might have about Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission passes, here are some frequently asked questions:
Q: How can I purchase bulk passes for my organization?
Many organizations and companies choose to purchase 12-month Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission passes for their members or employees. For bulk orders (minimum 20 passes), contact the Wisconsin State Park System representative at [email protected]. Use the subject line “Bulk Order Request –Vehicle Admission Passes – (Name of Organization, if any)” and include:
- Contact Information:
- First and Last Name
- Organization Name (if applicable)
- Full Shipping Address
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- Order Information:
- Vehicle Admission Pass Type(s) (Resident, Nonresident, Senior, etc.)
- Quantity (minimum 20)
- Payment Information:
- Intended payment method (Credit Card or Check – do not email credit card details)
- Whether you require an invoice
Bulk orders take approximately two weeks for processing and shipping. Please note that there are no discounts for bulk orders; all passes are priced at the standard rate regardless of quantity.
Q: Can I transfer a pass between multiple cars in my household?
No, Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission passes are non-transferable. The pass must be adhered to the inside of the driver’s side windshield, in the lower left-hand corner, using its own adhesive.
For households with multiple vehicles, reduced-rate 12-month vehicle admission passes are available for additional vehicles registered to the same address. You can purchase one reduced-rate pass online when buying a full-price pass. Additional reduced-rate passes can be purchased at individual park properties.
Q: What if my online pass order hasn’t arrived before my park visit?
Visitors are required to have a valid admission pass displayed on their vehicle or show proof of purchase to enter Wisconsin State Parks. For details on acceptable proof of purchase receipts, refer to Admission Pass Receipts information.
Q: What if my pass is lost or stolen? Can I get a replacement?
Unfortunately, Wisconsin State Parks is not responsible for lost or stolen admission or state trail passes. You will need to purchase a new pass if yours is lost or stolen.
Q: Are vehicle admission passes or state trail passes refundable?
No, all sales of 12-month and daily Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission passes and state trail passes are final and non-refundable.
Q: Can I get a replacement pass if I get a new car or replace my windshield?
Yes, you can get a replacement 12-month vehicle admission pass if you replace your windshield or trade in your car while your pass is still valid. Follow these steps:
- Note down the serial number of your existing pass.
- Carefully scrape off the old pass from your windshield (it will come off in pieces). Ensure the punched month is still identifiable after removal.*
- Bring the old pass to a state park system property office, or mail it to: Attn: Sticker Replacement; Devil’s Lake State Park; S5975 Park Road; Baraboo, WI 53913.
**Important Note:* If the punched month on the scraped pass is not clear, bring a valid proof of purchase (online or kiosk receipt) of the original pass to the property office or include it when mailing the old pass.
Q: What about motorcycles? Do they need a pass?
Yes, the vehicle admission pass requirement applies to motorcycles as well. If your motorcycle windshield is unsuitable for pass adhesion or might be damaged, you can fasten the pass in one of these alternative locations: on the front fork, behind the license plate, or under the seat. In some cases, a ranger might miss seeing the pass and issue a notice. If this occurs, visit the park or forest office to show your pass and have the notice voided.
Q: What if I’m driving a rental car?
Rental cars are also subject to the vehicle admission pass rules. The pass must correspond to the vehicle’s license plate. For example, a rental car with out-of-state plates requires a nonresident admission pass. Passes are non-transferable and must be affixed to the windshield to be valid. If you haven’t received your pass yet, follow the guidelines for proof of purchase as mentioned earlier.
Q: Do I need a vehicle admission pass if I’m camping in a state park?
Yes, a vehicle admission pass is required for any motor vehicle entering a state park property, including campgrounds. Campers without a 12-month pass will need to purchase a daily pass for each night of camping. However, free daily passes are available for vehicles being towed or carried into the property by a vehicle that already has a valid pass.
Q: Are there any discounts available for admission passes?
The Wisconsin State Park System offers several waivers for admission fees under certain conditions. Check the linked page to see if you qualify for any fee waivers.
Thank you for supporting Wisconsin State Parks!
Your purchase of vehicle admission passes, camping reservations, and state trail passes directly supports the operation and maintenance of Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks, forests, recreation areas, and trails. Enjoy your visit!
