Our Services

Federal Recreation Passes

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

Staff are issuing passes Monday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm at the Visitor Center. Visitor Center is closed on federal holidays. We recommend that you call or text ahead to schedule a time with staff at  218-850-4886. 

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 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 Lands Passes, your ticket...

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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