Local Fees

Areas designated open to public access at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie  are open, free of charge for your use and enjoyment; however, fees may be charged for some areas or activities under the provisions of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, established by Congress to replace the former Fee Demo program.

At this time, fees are charged for most interpretive programs.   The cost of the program is $3 per person; children under 12 are free.  Fees may be paid in cash or by check at the time of the activity. Almost all of these fees stay at Midewin and are used for improving your experience.

Hunters are required to obtain a Midewin hunting pass in addition to their state hunting permit, but there is currently no charge for the Midewin hunting pass.

National Recreation Passes

Several Federal agencies have combined their recreation passes into a program known as the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Participating agencies include the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Reclamation.

The America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass or "Interagency" Pass Program provides a suite of annual and lifetime passes to U.S. citizens and visitors.  Between 80% and 100% of the Pass program's proceeds are used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services.

These passes replace the former “Golden” Passports. Detailed information is available at the Forest Service Recreation Pass and Permit website at:  http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/rec-fee.shtml

The Interagency passes are available over the counter at the Midewin Welcome Center.  The Interagency Annual Pass is also available for purchase online. 

Permits

Permits are required to use National Forest System lands when there is commercial gain, or when there is an impact on Forest resources. Information about permits for commercial filming, outfitting and guiding, etc., can be found at the National Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Passes and Permits Website .