Minnesota state parks: four free park days each year
Free days / free for someOutdoorsMinnesota
On four days each year all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission with no vehicle permit needed. The DNR's page lists the next free park day as Friday, November 27, 2026. The waiver does not cover camping, rentals or special tours; a permit is not needed for an overnight stay through check-out on a free park day. State trails and state water trails are free every day.
Who it's for: Everyone
How: No permit needed on a free park day. Check the DNR page for next year's dates once published.
Other 2026 dates (Jan 19, Apr 25, Jun 13) have passed.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Minnesota state parks library pass (free 7-day vehicle pass)
FreeOutdoorsMinnesota
Participating Minnesota libraries lend free seven-day state park vehicle passes. The pass covers the vehicle entrance fee only (not camping), expires after seven days, must be shown on the dashboard, and need not be returned. Passes are limited, and the MN DNR says income is never asked about.
Who it's for: Anyone who can check out a pass at a participating library; aimed at lower-income communities (no proof of income asked)
How: Check out in person at a participating library (process varies by library system). Call ahead to confirm a pass is available.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Minnesota state park vehicle permits and free permit for school field trips
Low costOutdoorsMinnesota
A Minnesota state park year-round vehicle permit is $35 (additional vehicle $26) and a one-day vehicle permit is $7. Per the DNR, a one-day vehicle permit is issued free of charge for any vehicle transporting K-12 students, chaperones, teachers and coaches for school-sanctioned activities; it must be pre-arranged with the park well ahead of the trip.
Who it's for: Everyone; K-12 school groups
How: Buy online or at a staffed ranger station. Teachers arrange the free field-trip permit with park staff in advance.
Prices as shown on the DNR permit page on the retrieval date.
Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Some of these list examples from specific libraries or states; check that the program is offered where you live.
Museums for All (SNAP EBT card admission)
Low costProgram / passMultiple states
Free to $5 admission for up to 4 people per SNAP EBT card at participating museums (1,600+ nationwide). EBT cards from any state are accepted.
Who it's for: EBT cardholders
How: Bring your EBT card and a photo ID. No registration. Each museum sets its own rate and some ask for walk-in purchase, so check the museum page.
Participating list by state: see source. Rates vary by museum.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Bank of America Museums on Us
Free days / free for someProgram / passMultiple states
Free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders at participating museums. Next weekend: Nov 7-8, 2026.
Who it's for: Bank of America / Merrill cardholders
How: Show your active card and a government photo ID. One general admission per cardholder; special exhibitions excluded. Check the museum's listing on the Bank of America map.
Not a Bank of America endorsement; this is an informational listing with no affiliation.
Source: official page · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Every Kid Outdoors (4th grade pass)
FreeProgram / passMultiple states
2026-27 school year pass: free entry at federal lands and waters (national parks, wildlife refuges, etc.) for the 4th grader, all children under 16 and up to 3 adults in one private vehicle. Expires Aug 31, 2027.
Who it's for: Families with a 4th grader
How: The 4th grader completes a short online activity and prints a paper voucher at EveryKidOutdoors.gov (we never collect any information). Does not cover state parks, parking, camping or tours.
Source: official page · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.
Library museum and park passes
DiscountedProgram / passMultiple states
Many public libraries lend or reserve free or discounted passes for museums, zoos, farms and parks. Examples: Boston Public Library lists Boston Children's Museum at $12 per person for up to 4; Oxford (MA) and Athol (MA) list free-admission passes to several museums; Attleboro (MA) lists a free RISD Museum pass.
Who it's for: Library cardholders (rules vary by library)
How: Search your own library's website for 'museum passes'. Each library has its own pass list, reservation system and return rules. Passes are limited and set by the participating attractions.
Example pages only; your library's list will differ.
Source: official page · more · more · more · Last verified 2026-10-17. Confirm hours and prices with the venue.