You don't need one. Illinois state parks don't charge day-use entry, so there's no pass to borrow — just go. Verified against dnr.illinois.gov, checked 2026-09-04.
| Program | Not needed — free entry |
|---|---|
| What it covers | State parks are free to enter — no pass needed. |
| How to borrow | — |
| Day-use cost otherwise | Free entry (except $1/person/day at beaches; Wildlife Prairie Park charges its own admission). |
| Source | dnr.illinois.gov · checked 2026-09-04 |
IDNR charges no general entrance fee to any state-owned/operated land except Wildlife Prairie Park; sites with beaches charge $1/person/day for beach use only.
Illinois is one of 10 states where the question is moot — parks are free to enter, which beats any pass program. Crossing a border? Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina work the same way.
Free day-use entry means the gate: walking in, picnicking, trails and swim areas where they exist. It does not make the paid extras free — camping, cabins, shelters and boat launches are booked and paid separately, and specialty sites can carry their own fees (free entry (except $1/person/day at beaches; Wildlife Prairie Park charges its own admission).). The practical upshot for Illinois residents: a spontaneous day hike costs nothing and needs no planning, which beats even the best borrow-a-pass program.
For comparison, and for Illinois residents crossing state lines: the 20 statewide programs all follow the same shape — the parks agency or state library seeds day-use passes into public-library circulation, a resident checks one out like a book for one to three weeks, and the pass covers gate entry (never camping). California, Colorado and New York are the reference implementations.
There's no program because none is needed: Illinois doesn't charge day-use entry at state parks.
Free entry (except $1/person/day at beaches; Wildlife Prairie Park charges its own admission)..