Wisconsin Dnr Trail Pass ((link)) (2025)
Buying a trail pass is a small investment that guarantees big returns: access to world-class trails and the peace of mind knowing you are contributing to their preservation. Before you head out this weekend, hop online to , check your dates, and make sure your sticker is stuck and visible.
However, the pass is not without controversy. Critics argue that it creates a barrier to physical activity and tourism. A family of four biking a 20-mile stretch on a summer weekend must pay for multiple passes, which can turn a cheap outing into a $40 expense. Enforcement, too, is a sticking point. DNR wardens and local rangers issue citations for non-compliance, leading to tension on trails that have historically been perceived as free, communal spaces. Some local communities near popular trailheads complain that the pass drives tourists to county or municipal trails that are free, thereby shifting congestion and maintenance costs onto local property taxes.
Here is everything you need to know about the Wisconsin DNR Trail Pass to ensure your next adventure is smooth sailing.
Select the appropriate Trail Pass. ... i. 5-Day Trail Passes: You will enter the start date you wish the pass to begin. At the end... Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (.gov) 2026-27 Non-Resident Annual ATV/UTV Trail Pass - Go Wild Is your ATV or UTV registered in another state or province? Order your Non-Resident Annual ATV/UTV Trail Pass to operate on design... Wisconsin.Gov Home (.gov) Nonresident Off-highway Motorcycle Trail Passes - Wisconsin DNR Nonresident Annual Trail Pass. Nonresident annual trail passes may be ordered online on your personal electronic device or over th... Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (.gov) WI DNR TRAIL PASS SUMMARY This way you can use “address on file” and won't have to re-type the shipping address. If you go through Quick Sale from the Main ... Wisconsin.Gov Home (.gov) Electronic Sales Kiosks | Wisconsin State Park System Wisconsin State Park System. Electronic Sales Kiosk at a State Park. Electronic sales kiosks are available at some Wisconsin State... Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (.gov) Trail Passes - Fitchburg Chamber Visitor & Business Bureau Where to Buy Your Trail Pass. ... You can also purchase your state trail pass with a credit card (MasterCard/Visa) by calling (608... Fitchburg Chamber Visitor & Business Bureau Vehicle Admission Passes | Wisconsin State Park System If you have not received your pass yet, follow the guidelines above. Yes, a vehicle admission pass is required for all motor vehic... Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (.gov) Do you need a trail pass to ride trails in Wisconsin? Jul 4, 2024 — wisconsin dnr trail pass
For those who prefer a slower pace, a State Trail Pass is required for skiers aged 16 and older on designated groomed ski trails within state parks and forests.
At its most basic level, the Wisconsin DNR Trail Pass is a user fee. It is not a hunting license, nor a state park vehicle admission sticker. Instead, it functions specifically as a permit for non-motorized trail users—primarily bicyclists, in-line skaters, and horseback riders—on designated state-owned trails. For a modest annual or daily fee, the pass allows access to over 500 miles of premier state trails, including famous routes like the Elroy-Sparta State Trail (home to the historic tunnel), the 400 State Trail, and the Glacial Drumlin Trail. The distinction between the Trail Pass and a State Park sticker is critical; while a park sticker gets your car into a specific park, the Trail Pass funds the linear corridors that connect entire regions of the state.
Wisconsin is home to thousands of miles of breathtaking trails, winding through dense forests, along the Great Lakes shores, and across the rolling Driftless Area. Whether you are an avid ATV rider, a dedicated snowmobiler, or a mountain biking enthusiast, one thing is certain: before you kick up dust or spray snow, you need to ensure your vehicle is legal. Buying a trail pass is a small investment
Prices are subject to change, but generally, you can expect:
Despite these challenges, the Wisconsin DNR Trail Pass represents a pragmatic compromise between unfettered access and responsible stewardship. It acknowledges that the state’s natural beauty is a resource, not an inexhaustible given. By requiring users to contribute directly, the pass fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. When a cyclist buys a pass, they are not just purchasing the right to ride; they are investing in the assurance that the tunnel will remain lit, the bridge will hold, and the path will be clear for the next generation.
Yes, even bicycles require a pass on certain trails! If you plan to ride on specific state-owned or managed mountain bike trails (such as those in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest or Kettle Moraine State Forest), you need a for anyone aged 16 or older. Critics argue that it creates a barrier to
If you are operating an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV), or Off-Highway Motorcycle (OHM) on any public trail or route in Wisconsin, you generally need two things:
Wisconsin is a state defined by its geography. From the forested ridges of the Northwoods to the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi, the landscape invites exploration. For millions of residents and visitors, this exploration happens not on paved interstates, but on a vast network of trails—old railroad corridors turned into bike paths, snowmobile routes threading through frozen forests, and ATV tracks climbing rocky hillsides. Maintaining this intricate web of recreation is a monumental task, and at its financial heart lies a small but crucial piece of paper: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Trail Pass.