Wisconsin changes to 12-month state park sticker system

–Guest column–

(The Center Square) – New Wisconsin State Park System passes that are valid for admission for 12 months instead of just for the calendar year will go on sale starting Dec. 2.

The changes come due to 2023’s Wisconsin Act 113, signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers on March 14.

“With this new 12-month pass model, we hope that our customers are encouraged to spend more time outdoors enjoying Wisconsin’s beautiful public lands,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management Director. “This is a great opportunity to plan a visit to a place you’ve never been before. There are tons of ways to make the most of your full 12 months of exploring.”

A 12-month admission pass costs $28 for vehicles with Wisconsin license plates or $38 for vehicles with out-of-state plates.

The pass will be available until the final day of the month it expires and passes bought in December will be good for an extra month until the end of January 2026.

Reduced-rate vehicle passes will be available for a second vehicle purchased for the same address for $15.50 for in-state plates and $20.50 for out-of-state plates. The additional vehicle passes expire on the same date as the full-price vehicle pass.

Passes can be purchased online before visiting a park.

A senior citizen 12-month sticker is available for $13 to Wisconsin residents 65 years of age and older. Daily passes are $13 for vehicles with Wisconsin licenses plates and $16 for vehicles with out-of-state plates in 2025.

–Jon Styf, The Center Square

This article is republished from The Center Square.