Wisconsin’s stunning state parks, forests, and recreation areas are a treasure for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. To keep these beautiful spaces accessible and well-maintained, Wisconsin requires vehicle admission passes for entry. If you’re planning a visit and wondering, “How Much Is A Sticker For A Car” to enjoy these natural wonders, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will break down the costs, types of vehicle admission passes, and everything you need to know to get your park sticker and start exploring.
Understanding Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Admission Pass Costs
Think of a vehicle admission pass as your ticket to adventure in Wisconsin’s State Parks. The cost varies depending on whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state visitor, and the type of pass you choose. Whether you’re looking for a day of hiking or a year of outdoor escapes, there’s a pass option for you.
State Park Entrance
Image: Welcoming entrance to Mirror Lake State Park in Wisconsin, highlighting the natural beauty visitors can access with a vehicle admission pass.
Types of Vehicle Admission Passes and Their Prices
Wisconsin offers both annual and daily vehicle admission passes. The best option for you will depend on how frequently you plan to visit state parks.
12-Month Vehicle Admission Pass: The Best Value for Regular Visitors
For those who plan to visit Wisconsin state parks and forests multiple times throughout the year, the 12-month pass is the most economical choice. This annual “sticker for your car” provides access for a full year from the month of purchase.
Pricing for 12-Month Passes:
- Wisconsin Residents: $28
- Wisconsin Residents (Age 65 and older): $13
- Out-of-State Visitors: $38
- Reduced Rate Pass (for additional vehicles in the same household): $15.50 (Wisconsin residents only, must be purchased with a full-price pass)
The 12-month pass is marked with the expiration month and year at the time of purchase and remains valid until the last day of that month. For detailed information, you can refer to the 12-Month Vehicle Admission Pass FAQs.
Image: A visual representation of the 12-month vehicle admission pass sticker, emphasizing its role as an entry permit to Wisconsin State Parks.
Daily Vehicle Admission Pass: Perfect for a Single Day Trip
If you’re only visiting a Wisconsin state park for a single day, a daily pass is the way to go. This pass is valid only for the date of purchase.
Pricing for Daily Passes (Effective January 1, 2025):
- Vehicles with Wisconsin License Plates: $13
- Vehicles with Wisconsin License Plates (Residents age 65 and older): $3
- Vehicles with Out-of-State Plates: $16
- Bus with Wisconsin License Plates: $16
- Bus with Out-of-State Plates: $20
Here’s a helpful table summarizing the costs for both 12-month and daily passes:
| Vehicle Type | 12-Month Pass | 12-Month Reduced Rate Pass* | Daily Pass** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles with Wisconsin license plates | $28 | $15.50 | $13 |
| Vehicles with Wisconsin license plates, residents age 65 and older | $13 | n/a | $3 |
| Vehicles with out-of-state plates | $38 | $20.50 | $16 |
| Bus, with Wisconsin license plates | — | — | $16 |
| Bus, out-of-state plates | — | — | $20 |
| *12-month reduced-rate passes are for additional vehicles registered to the same household address. Reduced rate passes must be purchased at the same time as a full-price pass (or customer must provide valid proof of purchase of full price pass). **Daily pass rates effective beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Daily passes are valid for the date of issue (one day). |
Important Note: An additional $5 fee is applied if you fail to purchase a pass before entering a park area. Refusal to buy a pass can result in a citation.
Where to Purchase Your Wisconsin State Park Sticker
Getting your vehicle admission pass is convenient with several purchase options available:
Buy Online: The Quickest Option
Vehicle admission passes can be easily purchased online through the official Wisconsin State Park System website. You can buy 12-month passes (Resident, Senior Resident, and Nonresident) and daily passes online. You can even purchase a reduced-rate 12-month pass for an additional vehicle in your household when buying a full-price pass online.
Purchase at a State Park Property: In-Person and Kiosk Options
Most Wisconsin State Park properties offer passes for sale directly at the park. You can purchase both 12-month and daily vehicle admission passes, as well as state trail passes, through these methods:
- In-Person at Property Offices: During office hours, you can pay with credit cards, cash, or checks.
- Electronic Sales Kiosks: Many parks have kiosks available from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, accepting credit cards.
Please note: Heritage Hill State Park does not sell vehicle admission passes. They charge a per-person admission fee instead.
Buy at a DNR Service Center: For In-Person Assistance
You can also purchase vehicle admission passes in person at open DNR service centers. This can be helpful if you have specific questions or prefer to purchase your pass in person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin Park Stickers (“How Much is a Sticker for a Car?”)
To further clarify any questions you might have about “how much is a sticker for a car” for Wisconsin State Parks, here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I buy passes in bulk for my organization?
Yes! Organizations can purchase bulk orders of 12-month passes. Contact [email protected] with the subject line “Bulk Order Request –Vehicle Admission Passes – (Name of Organization, if any)” and include your contact and order information (minimum 20 passes per order).
Can I move my pass between cars?
No. Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission passes are non-transferable. The sticker must be adhered to the inside lower left-hand corner of the driver’s side windshield. However, reduced-rate passes are available for additional vehicles in the same household.
What if my online order hasn’t arrived yet?
You need to have the pass adhered to your vehicle or show proof of purchase (like a receipt) to enter a Wisconsin State Park. Check the Admission Pass Receipts page for more details.
What if my pass is lost or stolen?
Unfortunately, lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced. You will need to purchase a new one.
Can I get a refund if I don’t use my pass?
No, vehicle admission passes are non-refundable.
What happens if I get a new car?
If you replace your car or windshield, you can get a replacement pass. Carefully remove the old pass (even in pieces), noting the serial number and ensuring the punched month is visible. Bring the old pass to a state park office or mail it to: Attn: Sticker Replacement; Devil’s Lake State Park; S5975 Park Road; Baraboo, WI 53913. Include proof of purchase if the month is unclear.
What about motorcycles?
The pass rule applies to motorcycles. If you don’t have a windshield or fear damage, attach it to the front fork, behind the license plate, or under the seat. If you get a notice because the ranger didn’t see it, show your pass at the park office to void it.
What if I have a rental car?
Rental cars also require passes. The pass must match the vehicle’s license plate (out-of-state plates require a nonresident pass).
Do campers need vehicle admission passes?
Yes. Every vehicle entering a campground requires a pass. Campers without an annual pass need to buy a daily pass for each night of camping. Towed vehicles can get free daily passes if the towing vehicle has a pass.
Are there discounts available?
Yes, the Wisconsin State Park System offers several waivers for admission fees in certain situations.
By understanding the costs and options for vehicle admission passes, you can easily answer the question, “how much is a sticker for a car” to explore Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks. Purchase your pass today and get ready for your outdoor adventure!
Thank you for supporting the Wisconsin State Park System! Your pass purchases directly contribute to maintaining and improving these wonderful natural spaces.
