Student Designed 2027 Wisconsin State Park Pass
A high school artist won the state contest to feature their work on the upcoming annual vehicle admission pass.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in National Parks
Live Poll
Do you feel current state park admission fees are reasonable for the services provided?
Kiet Tuan Tran of Delavan-Darien High School has won the 2027 Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission pass design contest. The winning artwork depicts a campsite with a wedge-shaped tent and foliage shaped like the state of Wisconsin.
Why it matters
The annual design competition engages young artists while educating the public on the state's park admission policies. This initiative helps highlight the 12-month pass validity system established to support ongoing property maintenance.
An annual vehicle pass costs $28 for Wisconsin residents and $50 for nonresidents. These passes provide access to over 125 state-owned properties, including state parks, forests, and recreation areas.
The players
Kiet Tuan Tran
He is a student at Delavan-Darien High School who created the winning design for the 2027 state park pass.
Department of Natural Resources
This state agency manages the Wisconsin State Park System and coordinates the annual art contest for vehicle pass designs.
The details
The design contest has run for 36 years, inviting high school students to showcase their creativity. Olive Minell and Samantha Kramer earned second and third place in this year's competition, respectively.
Timeline
The 12-month pass validity policy was implemented on December 2, 2024.
The Department of Natural Resources announced the contest winners on September 24, 2026.
Passes featuring the new 2027 design will be available for purchase starting January 1, 2027.
Travel Outlook
This artistic initiative follows the implementation of the 12-month pass validity policy which aims to stabilize year-round park usage. The contest serves as a recurring promotional effort to align public awareness with this specific state-managed funding model.
Residents can purchase the new annual passes at state properties, DNR service centers, or DMV kiosks. Note that passes remain valid for exactly 12 months from the date of purchase rather than the calendar year.
The takeaway
Supporting the state park system through pass purchases is essential for maintaining over 125 properties across the state. Travelers should keep their pass documentation handy as these fees directly fund the daily operations of Wisconsin's public outdoor spaces.
What happens next
New 2027 annual passes will officially go on sale to the public on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's recreational offerings on the National Parks page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Green Bay Press-Gazette.
Live Poll
Do you feel current state park admission fees are reasonable for the services provided?
