Gov. Evers: Announces new Evers administration initiative to make it easier than ever for Wisconsinites to enjoy Wisconsin State Parks   

“I made it clear since Day One that, in this administration, we would work to connect the dots to meet Wisconsinites where they are with the services they need to make life a little easier, and that’s exactly what we are celebrating with this new partnership,” said Gov. Evers. “By enabling folks to get their state park pass when they renew their vehicle registration, we’re not only streamlining the process and making it easier for Wisconsinites, but we’re also encouraging folks to get their park pass year after year, ensuring they can enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces in all four seasons and generating needed revenue for our state. When you register your vehicle and purchase a state park pass, that’s money that goes right back into improving our roads and preserving and protecting our state parks. That’s a win-win-win.”

Previously, state park passes were issued based on the calendar year, but today’s announcement was made possible by legislation signed by Gov. Evers in 2024 to make the DNR state park pass valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase, much like Wisconsin’s annual vehicle registration renewal. This ensures that Wisconsinites can enjoy all four seasons of Wisconsin’s state parks, no matter what month of the year their vehicle registration is due.

“Nearly 3 million Wisconsin vehicle registrations are renewed online each year,” said WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. “Through this partnership with the DNR, more people will be reminded and inspired to purchase a state park pass along with their annual plate renewal. We’re uniting state resources so more people can enjoy Wisconsin’s natural resources.”

When Wisconsinites renew their vehicle registration online at wisconsindmv.gov/renew, they will have the option to purchase a state park pass at the same time. After opting in to purchase a state park pass, Wisconsinites will make one payment and receive one mailing with the DNR state park pass, vehicle registration stickers, and Certificate of Registration within 7-10 business days. In addition to the collaboration between DNR and WisDOT, support from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Mail Distribution Services combines the agencies’ two mailings into one for further improved efficiency and cost savings. For same-day service, a state park pass will also be available at kiosks within DMVs when completing a registration renewal.

“This is another great option to get your Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass,” said DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. “We are excited to make it more convenient and efficient for Wisconsinites to get out on the road and visit our beautiful state parks, forests, and recreation areas.” 

Additional state park vehicle admission passes can be purchased online on the DNR’s Wisconsin State Parks webpage, at individual state park system properties, or from DNR service centers.

This announcement also comes as, earlier this week, Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism announced the state’s travel and tourism industry is once again celebrating a record-breaking year for the fourth year in a row in 2025. The state saw a record-high $27 billion in economic impact, a record-high number of visits with 117.9 million visits, and record-high state and local revenue with a record over $1.7 billion generated. This success is driven in part by the state’s booming outdoor recreation industry that has consistently seen record-breaking years, including a record more than $12 billion in economic impact in 2024. According to the DNR, the Wisconsin State Park System, including state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas, welcomes more than 20 million visits a year, contributing greatly to the state’s outdoor recreation and tourism industries.