Skip The Line This Holiday Weekend

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public to beat the crowds at state park properties this Fourth of July weekend by purchasing their 2023 annual vehicle admission stickers online.

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state biking trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, 15,000 lakes and hundreds of miles of Lake Michigan and Mississippi River shoreline, Wisconsin has plenty of places to explore and activities for all.

A Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas. Annual vehicle admission stickers offer admission to all state parks and forests for the calendar year. The standard annual admission sticker rate for Wisconsin residents is $28.

Visitors must display an annual sticker or daily admission pass adhered to the vehicle as instructed or show proof of purchase upon entrance. Once you purchase your annual sticker online, you can use your email confirmation as proof of purchase to visit state park properties immediately. 

If the sticker does not arrive in the mail in time, visitors may print the email receipt and place it on the driver’s side dashboard so that it can be read through the windshield.

Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library offers daily admission passes to state parks and forests at participating libraries for library cardholders to check out. Explore the list of participating libraries to see if any in your area are participating.

As you explore this holiday weekend, be mindful of the following:

• Know before you go – popular parks may temporarily reach parking lot capacity this weekend due to high demand.
• View current property information to be aware of temporary closures at and around park properties before visiting with our Wisconsin property condition notices page.
• If camping at a park or forest, consider leaving your vehicle at your campsite. Campsite check-in and check-out is 3 p.m.
• Fireworks are not allowed in Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas, including at campsites.
• Many parts of the state are in a drought and fire danger will be increasing going into the weekend. Avoid using fireworks in dry grassy areas and please use caution when building campfires. Always make sure embers are cold before leaving the fire ring.

Most day use areas at state parks, forests, and recreation areas do not have garbage or recycling bins. When you visit one of these properties for the day, you will need to take your garbage and recyclables home with you. We all play a vital role in taking care of our natural resources. Following the Leave No Trace principles helps protect the land for future generations.

Find a Wisconsin state park property to explore by visiting the DNR’s website. The Find A Park feature on the DNR’s website allows you to search for park properties by activity or location.