WI State Parks Library Program Returns for 2026

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites all Wisconsin libraries to participate in the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program in 2026.

The partnership program is a collaborative effort between the DNR, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and more than 120 libraries across the state to provide library cardholders the opportunity to check out a day pass to state parks, forests and recreation areas.

Check Out Wisconsin State Park At Your Library day passes for the 2026 season are on sale now. Purchases of day passes are limited to libraries. Passes purchased by libraries through this program do not expire; unused passes can be carried over into the next calendar year.

"There’s always something new to discover when you explore Wisconsin’s state parks," said Missy VanLanduyt, DNR recreation partnerships section supervisor. "We offer events, programs, guided hikes, skill-building opportunities and gear-loaner programs to help you make the most of your visit."

Libraries interested in participating in this program and community partners and organizations interested in supporting their local library’s participation should visit the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library web page.

As the initiative moves into its fifth year, the DNR continues to encourage new users to check out the Wisconsin State Park System by utilizing this program. Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library was launched in fall 2022, with 20 public libraries participating in the pilot program. In 2024, 160 libraries with over 200 library locations provided daily Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission passes for check out to library patrons at no cost.

Also in 2024, participation in the program was extended to all types of libraries, including specialized libraries. The University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Superior were the first specialized libraries to carry day park passes.

Along with the day pass, library cardholders may receive an informational kit of state park system materials, including maps, stickers, accessibility information and more.