Our Services

Federal Recreation Passes

There is no entrance fee or parking permit required to visit the refuge.

Staff and volunteers are issuing passes Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm at Visitor Center. Visitor Center is closed on federal holidays. We recommend that you call ahead to ensure that the office is open. (218-847-2641) Occasionally, we experience short closures.

For fee-based passes, we can only accept check payment. We cannot accept credit card payment or cash.

Some passes are available for purchase online. To purchase a Senior Annual, Annual, Access, Senior Lifetime, Military Annual or Military Lifetime Pass, visit the . You can find more information about these passes and fee areas, order online or plan your trip to federal public lands at .

These are the passes we issue at our visitor center:

  • Senior Lifetime Pass ($80)
  • Military Lifetime Pass (Free to veterans. Free to Gold Star families, )
  • Access Pass (Free to individuals with permanent disabilities)
  • Every Kid Outdoors Pass (Free for 4th graders, )

Passes FAQs

How can I pay for passes?

We can accept only check for passes. Unfortunately, we cannot accept credit card payment or cash.

Making a long trip out to the refuge?

We recommend that you call ahead to ensure that the office is open. (218-847-2641)

Will I get my pass right away?

Yes, you will leave with your pass.

Can I buy or get a pass for my parent, child or friend?

The majority of passes have an eligibility requirement. When you get your pass in-person, the eligible individual physically needs to be present. 

Kayakers navigating a swamp full of trees and lily pads.

Some 30 national wildlife refuges  charge visitors a nominal entrance fee (generally $3-$5 daily) to cover road and facility maintenance. If you are a regular visitor or would like to visit other public lands, you could save by buying an America the Beautiful Federal Recreational...

Children in yellow shirts run down a path or trail at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Every Kid Outdoors program allows 4th-graders to see America鈥檚 natural wonders and historic sites for free.

Annual 4th Grade Pass

Cost: Free, non-transferable, valid for the duration of the 4th-grade schoolyear though the following summer (September-August).

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