Is it free to go in the park or do you have to buy a day pass to get in?

You do have to pay to enter.

We went 2 weeks ago and it was 20 per person. They did give us a veteran's discount of 10% I really like the place but they have loads of extra charges such as the tram tours, fishing, bicycle rental,or private tours.

You have to pay. The price varies day to day. It waz $18 for adults the day we went.