Free Park Day

First Free Park Day at Minnesota State Parks and Recreation Areas is Jan. 20

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Monday, Jan. 20. This Free Park Day is one of four days each year on which the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas.

There is one fee-free day for each season of the year, giving Minnesotans an opportunity to experience state parks and recreation areas at different times of the year.

The 2025 free park days are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, Jan. 20
• Saturday, April 26
• Saturday, June 14
• Friday, Nov. 28

Visitors are advised to check for updates in the visitor alert section on park websites before leaving home. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping or equipment rentals. Many parks offer snowshoe rentals, and select parks offer ski rentals. Visitors looking for rental equipment or certain recreational opportunities can use the DNR’s ParkFinder tool to find the best destination for their visit.

For more information, visit the DNR’s Free Park Days webpage.