MADISON, Wis. – According to the Wisconsin DNR, public libraries in Vernon, Crawford and Monroe Counties are taking part in a DNR program that allows them to check out a daily pass to state parks, forests and recreation areas to residents in their community.
Lawton Memorial Library in La Farge, the McIntosh Memorial Library in Viroqua and the Ontario Public Library in Ontario are all taking part in the new program in Vernon County. In Monroe County, residents wanting to check out a day pass con go to the Wilton Public Library. And in Crawford County the Joseph W. & Emma L. Wachute Memorial Library in Prairie du Chien will be providing the service.
The partnership program is a collaborative effort between the DNR, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and more than 150 libraries across the state to provide library cardholders the opportunity to check out a daily pass to state parks, forests and recreation areas.
Passes for the 2025 season will go on sale beginning Nov. 13, 2024. Libraries interested in participating in this program and community partners interested in supporting their local library’s participation should visit the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library webpage.
As the initiative moves into its fourth year, the DNR continues to expand its scope to include public libraries, university libraries, technical college libraries and others. 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 stickers 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 daily park passes. The program expansion is an effort to continue to extend access to the Wisconsin State Park System to new park visitors.
DNR staff look forward to welcoming Check Out Wisconsin State Parks pass holders to join in celebrating the Wisconsin State Park System’s 125th Anniversary by visiting state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas in 2025. During this milestone year, visitors will have opportunities to explore state park system history, learn more about the state’s natural resources and participate in special outdoor recreation opportunities for users of all abilities.
“There are big things happening in our state park system next year,” said Missy VanLanduyt, DNR recreation partnerships section supervisor. “We are excited to celebrate this historic occasion with our visitors. What better time to check out a state park for the first time than during our 125th anniversary?”
Along with the day pass, library cardholders may receive an informational kit of state park system materials and maps, stickers, accessibility information and more.
Visitors are encouraged to review the visiting a state park webpage to help prepare for their visit.
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