Is it really an invisible sticker?
No, not really. Invisible stickers do not exist.
But there is great new technology that actually exists; we’re using it to help better allocate staff time and resources. It’s a camera system at the entrance of each fee-based park and lake access site that reads your vehicle’s license plate as you drive in; then, through the magic of computing, your Annual Membership or Daily Permit is verified and you’re all set to enjoy your day. Actually, that’s only slightly less cool than an invisible sticker!
Feel free to tell your friends that there is an invisible sticker on your windshield!
Shop Annual Memberships: www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkEntry
What’s a membership (formerly “annual sticker”)?
Your purchase of a Waukesha County Parks annual membership or daily permit supports maintenance and improvements of natural resources and wildlife habitat, upgrade amenities and facilities, and support education programs for the community.
Your purchase of annual membership(s) clears outstanding facility entrance fees and covers visits for the rest of this calendar year.
Please enjoy the parks and lakes with safe and responsible visits: www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkRules
Get started: www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkEntry
I'm ready to purchase my membership(s)*. Can you help me get started?
Of course! Here's how the pros do it:
- Ready your license plate info.
- Visit www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkEntry and click your membership type*.
- Now you've jumped over to our online store. Next, log in (or create an account) before adding membership(s) and other items to your cart
Once you've logged in (or created a new account), you may find yourself at your “account page.” Return to shopping by clicking “Online Store."
4. Next, you'll browse memberships and membership bundles. Select your desired membership(s), enter all the key details, and add to cart.
Note: Two-vehicle annual memberships are valid only for vehicles registered at same residence; must be purchased in single transaction.
*Tip: Shopping for a daily permit? In step #2 above, select your daily permit type then follow steps #3-7.
Note: For any purchase of daily permit(s), be sure to disregard the “expiration date” (for internal use only) shown on your screen and receipt. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Is there a pass for just a day or two?
Yes! Get started on a daily permit: www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkEntry
Recommended: Become an annual member for the best value!
Where do I view prices and details?
Visit www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkFees for info on annual memberships, daily permits, renting a reserved Picnic Area, booking Family Camping and Group Camping, and tons more!
I’d rather pay via cash or check. What are my options?
Choose from two options:
Come see us! Locations to pay via cash or check**:
- Waukesha County Parks main office - room AC 260 • M-F 8 am - 4 pm (directions)
- Retzer Nature Center – front reception desk • M-F 8 am - 4 pm | Sat 10 am - 2:45 pm (directions)
Mail a check to our main office**:
Do not enclose cash - Checks only
Waukesha County Park System
515 W Moreland Blvd • AC 260
Waukesha WI 53188
**Required: Include your license plate info and date of visit(s) if applicable.
I’m giving a membership as a gift. What's my first step?
Recommended: Give a gift card! That way, there's no need to collect vehicle information and other key details from your gift recipient.
Shop Parks Gift Cards View Memberships Price Info
Must I pay before entering the park?
You’ve got a bit of time. To avoid additional fees, pay within five days of your visit.
Recommended: Get an annual membership. Pay once and enjoy the entire calendar year of parks!
Am I eligible for the “Disabled Vet / Former POW” rate for my Parks Annual Membership?
The purchaser of a Disabled Vet/Former POW annual membership must qualify for one or more of the following criteria:
- Is a veteran, as defined in 38 USC 101, and is receiving disability compensation benefits for service-connected disabilities that result in a disability rating of 70 percent or greater under 38 USC 1114.
- Is a veteran, as defined in 38 USC 101, and is receiving service-connected disability compensation benefits under 38 USC 1101-1163 as individually unemployable (TDIU).
- Is a member of the U.S. armed services and was held as a prisoner of war during a war period, as defined in s. 45.01 (13), or while in service in a crisis zone, as defined in s. 45.01 (11).
Am I eligible for the “Senior” rate for my Parks Annual Membership?
Are you 60 years old or older at the time of purchase? Well, then you're eligible! Enjoy the savings!
I’ve received a notice in the mail about having used a Park / Lake Access without a membership or permit. What’s next?
- Buy an annual membership: This action will clear your outstanding fees and cover visits for the rest of the calendar year. Best deal! Visit www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkEntry.
- Purchase a daily permit for each date that Parks / Lake Access was used without a membership or permit: www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkEntry
- If you believe you've received this notice in error, please email us at ParksInfo@WaukeshaCounty.gov.
Tip: At the time of purchase, take care when entering your license plate information and date of visit.
Can I buy at the park?
Buy in person at two locations:
- Waukesha County Parks main office - room AC 260 • M-F 8 am - 4 pm (directions)
- Retzer Nature Center – front reception desk • M-F 8 am - 4 pm | Sat 10 am - 2:45 pm (directions)
How do I update / change my license plate on my annual membership?
New plates? Rental car? Loaner from your dealership? New addition to your fleet? No problem!
Get started: www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/UpdateMembership
I have a Wisconsin State Parks sticker. Does that work at Waukesha County Parks?
Not at this time.
I have my Parks annual membership. Does that include Lake Access?
No. A Parks annual membership is good only at Parks. To enjoy Lake Accesses, but grab a Lake Access annual membership or a new Parks & Lake Access annual membership bundle.
Tip: Each vehicle entering a Lake Access requires a Lake Access annual membership or Lake Access daily permit. Parks annual membership and Parks daily permit not valid at Lake Access sites.
I visit Waukesha County Parks beaches a lot. I need a Lake Access membership, right?
No. Each Waukesha County beach is inside a park – so it’s covered by a Parks annual membership.
I’m hosting an gathering. Can I purchase a daily permit for my guests?
Each vehicle requires an annual membership or daily permit – and you can take care of that for each of your guest's vehicles. Up to five days before or after your event, visit: www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/MyGuests.