Wisconsin state park sticker contest; DNR accepting entries for 2026
MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is now accepting high school students' entries for the 2026 state park and forest vehicle admission pass.
What we know
Vehicle admission passes provide access to more than 60 state park, forest and recreation area properties across Wisconsin. All motor vehicles entering state parks and recreation areas must have a vehicle admission pass. Some state forest and trail parking areas also require a pass.
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Starting in 2025, anyone who buys an annual pass to enter state parks and certain recreational areas will be able to use the pass for at least 12 months from the date of purchase.
A sticker will be good through the final day of the 12th month after it was issued. For example, the Wisconsin Legislative Council said an annual vehicle admission sticker purchased on March 1, 2025, will be valid through March 31, 2026.
Wisconsin State Park admission passes changing to 12-month model
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the Wisconsin State Park System will be moving to a 12-month admission pass model.
What you can do
The annual DNR-sponsored design contest is open to all high school-age students in Wisconsin who attend public, private and parochial schools or are homeschooled. The DNR said entries should focus on outdoor recreation, animals or plants in Wisconsin.
Materials for the 2026 sticker design contest are now available. Students can submit entries through April 30.
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"With the transition to a 12-month admission pass format, we’re excited to see what inspiration and creativity is generated by high schoolers across the state. This is a great opportunity for students to blend their artistic passion and interest in our natural resources," said Steve Schmelzer, Parks and Recreation Management Bureau director. "We are grateful for all of the students who submit artwork. It’s always a pleasure to see the entries, and it’s never an easy choice to pick just one design."
Rules, submission guidelines, tips for a winning design and past sticker design winners are available on the DNR’s State Park Pass Design Contest webpage.