Give the Gift of Adventure This Holiday Season

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to support the Wisconsin State Park System this holiday season. Merchandise and pass sales help to fund the daily operations of Wisconsin’s state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas.

Merchandise Makes Great Gifts

Wisconsin State Park System merchandise features a variety of items, including stocking stuffers, home decor, camping essentials, apparel and more. Prices range from $1 to $40 for individual items. Two holiday gift packages, featuring two bonus items, are available for $45 and $100.

During the month of December, customers who purchase a Wisconsin State Park System holiday gift package will have a chance to receive a 2026 12-month vehicle admission pass at no charge. The 12-month pass will be valid from Jan. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2027.

Holiday gift packages are available for purchase at the following locations: Devil’s Lake, Lake Kegonsa, Mirror Lake, Pattison, Peninsula and Rib Mountain state parks and the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak and Pike Lake units. Hours vary by property; call ahead to confirm availability.

If you prefer to shop online and don’t need the gift in time for the holidays, select park merchandise is available through the DNR’s online merchandise store, along with other items celebrating the state’s fish, wildlife, plants, public lands and recreation traditions.

Some additional products available online include:

• 2025 Wisconsin State Park System commemorative ornament
• Smokey Bear tee
• Smokey Bear mug

Proceeds from DNR merchandise sales directly support natural resources education and outreach initiatives across Wisconsin. Proceeds from Smokey Bear merchandise directly support the National Fire Prevention Program.

Online purchases will be processed and shipped within 2-5 business days.

New 12-month Vehicle Pass Design Available Jan. 1

Give the gift of year-round adventure with a 12-month Wisconsin state park and forest vehicle admission pass. Vehicle admission passes provide access to more than 60 state park, forest and recreation area properties across Wisconsin.

All passes purchased during December 2025 will feature the 2025 pass design; however, these passes will still be valid for a full 12 months, expiring on Dec. 31, 2026. The new 2026 state park and forest vehicle admission pass design will be available for purchase beginning Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.

Many companies and organizations purchase 12-month vehicle admission passes for their employees or members. Customers interested in purchasing a bulk order of 12-month passes on behalf of themselves or an organization should contact DNRFWPPRWIParksStore@wisconsin.gov, and a Wisconsin State Park System representative will work with them to process the bulk order.

More information on how to purchase vehicle admission passes and other frequently asked questions can be found on the DNR’s Vehicle Admission Passes webpage.

Wisconsin State Trail Passes Now On Sale For 2026

2026 annual state trail passes (valid through Dec. 31, 2026) are available now and are another great gift idea for this time of year, especially for cross-country skiers.

A state trail pass is required for all individuals aged 16 or older who bike, cross-country ski, horseback ride or inline skate on certain trails. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking on state trails. State trail passes can be purchased online, at individual properties, at DNR service centers or from state trail pass vendors.

A state trail pass is issued to the person and is nontransferable, meaning it cannot be transferred to another person or shared with others. The customer information fields on the state trail pass must be filled out for the pass to be valid.

Camping Reservations Are A Present For The Whole Family

Give the gift of a 2026 camping trip. Camping reservations for Wisconsin state campgrounds can be made up to 11 months ahead of your arrival date.

The DNR offers more than 6,500 reservable campsites across the state, including electric and non-electric sites. Standard, group, backpack and water access sites, accessible campsites and cabins for people with disabilities, indoor group camps and equestrian campgrounds offer a wide variety of camping opportunities for the whole family to enjoy.

Learn more about the Wisconsin State Park System on the DNR’s Wisconsin State Parks webpage.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.