Viking Library System member libraries offer state park passes
News | Published on July 22, 2025 at 6:49pm GMT+0000 | Author: Tucker Henderson
0NYM Public Library to participate in program
All 11 member public libraries and the Viking Library System (VLS) bookmobile are participating in the statewide library park pass program in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Participating VLS member libraries include:
• Browns Valley Public Library
• Douglas County Library in Alexandria
• Thorson Memorial Public Library in Elbow Lake
• Fergus Falls Public Library
• Hancock Community Library
• Glenwood Public Library
• Morris Public Library
• New York Mills Public Library
• Pelican Rapids Public Library
• Perham Area Community Library
• Wheaton Community Library
The program provides access to state parks and recreation areas at no cost to library patrons. Each library has between 1 and 4 passes that check-out for 7 days and can be used to access any Minnesota state park or recreation area. Please contact your local public library or the bookmobile for more information. A list of contact information for VLS member libraries can be found online at https://viking.lib.mn.us/find-your-library/.
“We are delighted to work with the DNR to expand the library park pass program from 4 libraries to all of the public libraries in the Viking Library System, including the bookmobile,” said Viking Library System Director Erin Smith.
The program was developed to expand access to Minnesota state parks to people who may not be able to purchase a vehicle permit. The program was piloted in 2018 and launched statewide in 2021. On July 1, 2025, the program more than doubled the number of participating libraries and the number of passes available to check out, and now includes a total of 450 passes available at more than 200 libraries and bookmobiles across the state. The cost of the passes is covered by the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, while partnering libraries facilitate the checkout process. To see a complete list of participating libraries, visit mndnr.gov/librarypass.
A 2024 survey of people using library park passes found that most respondents were checking out a pass to save money, and the cost of a vehicle permit was a barrier to visiting state parks. Some survey respondents noted they were not frequent visitors and were looking to try visiting a state park before they buy a permit.
Library park passes only cover the vehicle entrance fee. If participants would like to camp, they will need to make and pay for camping reservations, either online at mndnr.gov/reservations or by phone at 866-857-2757.