Hiking and Passport Clubs

Discover new destinations and spend time outdoors, while earning rewards.

To join a club, buy the book ($14.95 plus tax) at any state park state park Nature Store, or online. You can join one club or both.

Passport Club: Visit all of Minnesota's state parks and recreation areas, stamp the book and get a pin and certificates for free nights of camping.

Hiking Club: Hike the designated club trails at 67 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, log the password and miles, and get patches and certificates for free nights of camping.

   

 

Hiking Club and Passport Club book covers

How do I choose which club to do?

Most members who do the Hiking Club enjoy doing the Passport Club at the same time.

The Hiking Club has a number of different hikes, varying in difficulty, and ranging from one mile to over six.

No hiking or strenuous physical activity is required for the Passport Club, making it a more accessible option for most visitors.

What can I do if I forget my book on a park visit?

You can stamp any piece of paper and glue it to your Passport Club book.

Take a photo of the password sign or note the password on a piece of paper to later add to your Hiking Club book.

What happens if I haven't yet visited Upper Sioux Agency State Park?

Upper Sioux Agency is no longer a state park as of February 16, 2024. You do not need to get this stamp or password to complete your club.

What are the rewards?

Hiking Club

  • Complete set of Hiking Club patchesWith the Hiking Club, you'll collect patches at 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 and 175 miles, and a final one when you've hiked all designated miles.
  • You'll get two certificates for a free night of camping: one at the 100-mile milestone and one when you've completed all miles.
  • If you want to purchase a completion plaque, you can email photos of your completed book pages and a phone number to [email protected].

Passport Club

  • With the Passport Club, you'll get a pin and a certificate for a free night of camping when you have 25 stamps.
  • You'll get another certificate for a free night of camping and a completion plaque when you get a stamp for all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
How do I get the rewards?

As you reach different milestones, present your book at any park office to get your pin, patch and free camping certificates. When you've completed your club, you can present the book at any park or email [email protected] with the following:

  1. Photos of completed book pages, including rewards page.
  2. Mailing address.
  3. If you're getting a plaque, your name and completion date as they should appear on the plaque.
  4. Please indicate any missing rewards.

It can take up to four weeks to get your rewards. We appreciate your patience!

How do I redeem my free camping certificates?

Free camping certificates can only be redeemed in person. Make your reservation online and present the certificate at the park office to get reimbursed.

Call or check the park's website to verify park office hours.

Is there a deadline to complete the clubs?

No - you may complete the clubs at your own pace. Some members do them in a few months, while others take several years. And everyone has fun!

Just know that rewards and club specifics might change after some time.

How do I know what trails to hike for the Hiking Club?

Hiking Club trail signTrails are described in the Hiking Club book and highlighted on park maps. Just watch for the signs.

How many miles do I log in the Hiking Club book?

The only miles that count toward your reward milestones are the miles listed in the Hiking Club book for each state park and state recreation area.

I heard the new Hiking Club signs have new passwords. Are the old passwords still valid?

Hiking Club password sign

Yes.

Can I hike a Hiking Club trail in the winter?

It depends on the state park or recreation area. Many Hiking Club trails are groomed for skiing in the winter when there is enough snow, which means they are closed to hikers. Check snow depth and trail conditions. The newest Hiking Club book indicates which trails are groomed for skiing or snowmobiling, and you can also find this information on each park's winter map.

Plan accordingly! You may choose to ski a groomed Hiking Club trail, or return when the snow has melted.

Where are the Passport Club stamps?

With these exceptions, you'll find the stamp at the entrance station or kiosk for each state park or recreation area:

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