All Over Albany

Empire Pass Card 2018 sale extended

New York State Parks has extended the discount on the 2018 Empire Pass Card -- the entry passes will now be available for $65 until April 8 (a week longer than previously announced). After that the price will be $80.

The Empire Pass allows unlimited day-use vehicle entry at state parks, preserves, and other similar sites. Pass blurbage:

Currently available at your nearest state park and online, the 2018 Empire Pass Card is a better and more cost-effective way to enjoy the more than 250 individual state parks, historic sites, recreational trails, boat launches and more. The Empire Pass Card is a wallet-sized plastic card that can be shared among family members including parents, grandparents, caregivers and more. It is presented upon vehicle entry and includes QR code and embedded chip technology to allow for easier park access at select facilities.

The former Empire Pass decal, which was not shareable and required attachment to one vehicle, will no longer be offered. All 2017 Empire Pass Decals will be accepted through their expiration on March 31, 2018.

State Park says it's extended the sale so people visiting parks during spring break next week can also get in on the discount. You can also buy the pass online.

Summer vehicle admission at, say, Grafton Lakes State Park is $8. So if you're going to a state park 8 or more times in a summer, the pass could be the way to go for you -- especially at the discounted price.

I Love My Park Day
By the way: I Love My Park Day is coming up in May, and registration is open for the various events at sites around the state.