Skip to main content

Boreal Community Media

Minnesota state parks library program

Jun 08, 2022 09:14AM ● By Content Editor
From the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources is collaborating with public libraries across the state to provide free seven-day state park passes for checkout through June 2025. Our goal in offering this program is to provide a way for Minnesotans living in low-income communities across the state to visit state parks without the financial barrier of an entry fee.

Effective June 2022, passes are available at every regional public library system (link is external) in Minnesota, including two unaffiliated libraries. Each library has between one and four passes available for check-out, based on the size of their community. In some cases, a library is considered a participant because their system allows transfers between branches, but they may not actually administer the passes at that location.

While each library system may operate pass checkout a bit differently, all state park library passes will look the same and function the same way when you are at the park.

Specifically:

  • All state park passes expire after seven days.
  • Passes must be visibly displayed in your vehicle’s dashboard, so park staff can check validity and expiration date.
  • Passes do not need to be returned, just recycled. If your library includes additional books or equipment with your pass, please return those on time.
  • Check with your local library for more information and checkout policies.
  • Proof of income is not required and users will never be asked about their income by library or DNR staff.

To find a participating library or more information on this program, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website here.