Access Permits
Some parks require certain recreation or business access permits to ensure everyone can safely enjoys Milwaukee County Parks.
Commercial Photography & Filming
A Wisconsin tax exemption form, permit and certificate of insurance are required for all commercial and advertising photography and videography. All permits are subject to tax and approval.
Location |
3-Hour Permit |
8-Hour Permit |
Each Additional Hour |
Application Request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Boerner Botanical Gardens |
$350* |
$900* |
$120 |
|
|
All Other Milwaukee County Parks Locations |
$250 - $350 |
$650 - $900 |
$85 - $120 |
Parks Photo Permit Request |
|
Wehr Nature Center |
$250** |
$650** |
$85 |
Formal Photography and Filming
A formal photography permit is required for all wedding, engagement, family and school pictures or any other posed session that uses a park location as a backdrop and/or requires special attire. All permits are subject to tax.
Location |
1-Hour Permit |
Each Additional 1/2-Hour |
Request Form |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Boerner Botanical Gardens Formal Photography (Family/School) |
$35 |
N/A |
Boerner Photo Permit Request |
|
Boerner Botanical Gardens Wedding Photography |
$160 |
$80 |
Boerner Photo Permit Request |
|
Mitchell Park Domes Formal & Wedding Photography |
$70* | $35 | Domes Photo Permit Request |
|
Wehr Nature Center Formal Photography |
$35 - $70 | $35 | |
|
All Other Milwaukee County Parks Locations |
$70 | $35 | Parks Photo Permit Request |
|
Parks Photography Annual Membership |
$250 | - |
Media Request for Filming and Photography
Media are asked to contact Milwaukee County Parks in advance if filming involves circumstances that could impact park operations, public access, or visitor experience.
Vendor Permit Request Form
A Vendor Permit is required to operate a food and beverage, retail, recreational or other service-oriented concession, to collect donations, or to host a raffle or silent auction on Milwaukee County Parks property. Submit your application at least 30 days prior to your requested event date.
Vendor Permit FAQs
I have a license/permit issued by the City of Milwaukee. Will I still need a Milwaukee County Parks Vendor Permit?
Yes, Milwaukee County Parks issues vendor permits for its property. If you sell food, commodities or services on any Milwaukee County Parks property without a vendor permit, you may be subject to a fine and confiscation of your products and/or equipment. Additional licenses from local municipalities may also be required by the Milwaukee County Parks.
What type of insurance is required? Certificate of Insurance (COI):
Many applicants are required to submit a “Certificate of Insurance” in the amount of $1,000,000 of general liability coverage naming Milwaukee County Parks as an additional insured. Milwaukee County Parks must be listed as the Certificate Holder with the address listed as 9480 Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53326.
Can I operate my business during a Special Event in the Park where I am permitted?
Vendors cannot sell during Special Events in the Park unless approved by Milwaukee County Parks and the event organizer. This includes July 3rd and July 4th events in all Milwaukee County Parks.
I have additional questions, who may I contact?
Special Events Office Contact: [email protected]
Boat Launch Permits
Daily and seasonal boat launch permits are good for use at any of the Milwaukee County Parks launch sites, during the Official Boating Season, May through October.
Disc Golf Daily and Annual Passes
Buy a single-day Disc Golf Pass, an annual pass, or take out a full permit to host a tournament on all Milwaukee County Disc Golf Courses.
Dog Park Daily & Annual Passes
Buy a pass to enjoy unlimited visits to all Milwaukee County Dog Parks
Geocaching Permit Application
Geocaching is a popular outdoor "scavenger hunt" that uses a global positioning system (GPS) device and internet-published coordinates to locate a virtual or physical cache. A virtual cache may be an amazing view; a physical cache may be a trinket or log book in a plastic container hidden under some leaves. Geocaching is an acceptable activity in the Parks when all the guidelines are followed.
To place a physical or virtual cache, you must have prior written permission from the Milwaukee County Parks Natural Areas Coordinator. For each cache location, complete a separate Geocache Permit Application and provide a map (a Google Earth or similar map).
Law Enforcement Staging in Parks & Parkways
Any local, state, tribal or federal government entity, department bureau, office, or unit whose officers or agents are authorized by law to enforce criminal or civil laws, execute warrants, or make arrests, must obtain prior written authorization from Milwaukee County Parks before using parks or parkways as a staging area for operations