Wisconsin’s Free Fun Weekend is back this weekend, giving people a chance to visit state parks, hit the trails and fish without some of the usual costs.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says the 14th annual Free Fun Weekend runs Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7. During the weekend, state park admission fees, fishing licenses and state trail passes are waived for all visitors.
That means vehicle admission passes will not be required at Wisconsin state parks, and residents and nonresidents can fish without a license or trout and salmon stamps. State trail passes are also waived.
DNR officials say the weekend is meant to encourage people to explore Wisconsin’s outdoor spaces, including its 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and roughly 15,000 inland lakes.
Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau Director of Parks and Recreation Management, said Free Fun Weekend is a good opportunity for first-time visitors to check out a state park, whether for a hike, picnic or beach day.
Fishing regulations still apply during the free weekend, including bag limits, length limits and species restrictions. The DNR says free fishing clinics will also be offered at some state and local properties for beginning anglers.
Most state parks and trails are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The weekend also coincides with National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6.
The DNR is reminding visitors to follow safety rules while boating, fishing or riding ATVs. That includes wearing life jackets on the water, using boat lights after sunset, wearing proper helmets and protective gear on ATVs, and avoiding alcohol or drugs while boating or riding.
June is also Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin. The DNR is asking people to clean mud, plants and animals from boats, gear and recreational equipment, drain water from boats and equipment, stay on designated trails, and follow firewood rules.
More information about events, fishing clinics and state properties is available through the Wisconsin DNR.
