Where do your state parks fees go?

Basic park fees include the annual sticker, special annual permit (for people with disabilities), day use sticker, and camping fees.

State parks' annual operating budget is about $23.6 million. About 1/3 of this annual budget comes from park user fees. The other 2/3, and more, is returned to the state in the form of state taxes and revenue generated through purchases made in local communities by state park visitors. The 1998 bonding bill provided Minnesota State Parks with nearly $15 million for building rehabilitation, acquisition, new building development, and road, trail and campground rehabilitation.

Minnesota state parks benefit visitors, communities, the economy and the environment. Benefits to visitors include opportunities for recreation plus places to go to experience solitude, enjoy the natural environment, learn about nature and relax. Communities gain a sense of community pride, a better understanding of their natural environment and a greater sense that they are a special place to live and work. The economy benefits from visitor spending in local communities, employment opportunities, and economic growth generated by state parks. The environment benefits from the species diversity and ecosystem health associated with protection of the myriad natural resources found within state parks.

Return to the economy: Day visitors to state parks spend an average of $22 a day in communities surrounding the parks. Those who stay overnight spend about $28.50 per day. This accounts for more than $196 million in visitor spending.

Special report: Contributions of the Minnesota State Park System to State and Regional Economies  (264Kb)

Park support: The public is invited to show their support of state parks with the purchase of a "Friend of Minnesota State Parks" emblem to display on their vehicle windshield. This $10 donation will help fund resource and interpretive projects in Minnesota state parks.