High Falls at Grand Portage State Park. Photo by Laura Durenberger-Grunow

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - July 10, 2025

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced that it has expanded its library park pass program, which allows Minnesotans to check out seven-day state park passes from public libraries. 

With the expansion, the program has doubled its reach, with over 200 libraries and bookmobiles in all 87 counties included in the program. This is equivalent to the increase in available passes from 175 to 450 statewide. The Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Fund provides funding for the passes. 

The program, first launched statewide in 2021 after a 2018 pilot, aims to provide all Minnesotans with greater access to outdoor spaces, offering benefits such as improved health, wellness, and education. It has been popular, with usage doubling within the first three years of its launch. According to the DNR, the program has been effective in removing a cost barrier for vehicle permits (which are needed to enter any state park in Minnesota), especially for lower-income households. It is, however, important to note that while the passes cover vehicle entrance fees, camping reservations, and other associated costs remain separate.

The Grand Marais Public Library has been a participant in this program for some time. Library Director Amanda St. John told Boreal Community Media, "Grand Marais Public Library has loved being a participant in this enriching program and partnership. It's our mission to remove barriers to access and to build community."

The Grand Marais Public Library currently receives two passes per year, a number that remains consistent under the new contract, which extends through June 30, 2028. According to St. John, the library "almost always has a pass available or available within a short amount of time."

Those interested in checking out a pass do not need a library card. "Anyone--cardholders or not--can walk into the library and inquire about a pass, or call us at 218-387-1140 to reserve a pass for desirable dates," she explained. It takes a few minutes to issue an available pass, which users then display on their dashboards upon entering state parks. While passes cannot be renewed, repeat users are welcome, with the ability to reserve a pass once per month or pick one up on demand, provided it does not prevent others from utilizing the opportunity.

"Like so many Cook County residents, organizations, or business owners, we strive to be thoughtful stewards of our natural resources. It's a great match for us to help circulate the DNR parking passes," St. John said.