Minnesota State Parks Passes FAQs

  • General Questions

    The library program allows Minnesotans to visit our state parks free of charge, providing increased opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy the health and social benefits of time at state parks. 

    Arlington Hills, Dayton’s Bluff, Mobile Library, Rice Street, Rondo, Riverview, Sun Ray, and West 7th libraries.

    This program is available in all 87 Minnesota counties, but not at all libraries.

    A list of participating libraries is posted on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/librarypass. 

    The DNR has only a small amount of funding available to provide passes across the state.

    This program is intended to serve a limited number of people who truly would not be willing or able to purchase a park permit otherwise.

    You can buy a daily park permit for $7 or an annual park permit for $35 online at www.mndnr.gov/parkpermit or at any state park office.  

    Park entrance fees are currently an irreplaceable part of the state park and trail budget.

    Without fees, the park system would not be able to adequately maintain its built or natural resources or serve the public adequately.

    However, public lands are meant to be used by everyone, regardless of income. That is why collaborating with libraries to offer free passes to those that need them is one way to ensure all Minnesotans can enjoy state parks 

    Once checked out, passes expire after seven days.

    When done, you can recycle your pass. It is not necessary to return the pass to the library.

    No. Both the printed Minnesota State Park pass and the check-out receipt must be displayed on your vehicle dashboard.

    No. Each vehicle must have its own State Park pass.

    Passes will be available for checkout July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.

    Based on evaluation, the DNR may consider expanding the program in the future.