This weekend is Wisconsin’s Free Fun Weekend

Gay Male Couple Cycling Through Fall Woodland

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting the 9th annual Free Fun Weekend June 5-6. Park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes will be waived for Wisconsinites to find their adventure outdoors.

Wisconsin is home to 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more. Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, here are some helpful things to know:

STATE PARKS

• Admission stickers will not be required.
• All state parks will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Drive-up windows, playgrounds, bathrooms and observation towers are open.
• Stand-alone concession facilities are open to the public at 50% capacity.
• Office buildings, visitor centers, enclosed shelters and nature centers remain closed until further notice.
• Adaptive rental equipment at state park properties is unavailable until further notice.

 TRAILS

• Trail passes will not be required for both residents and non-residents.
• All linear/rail trails will be open to the public, including ATV trails and horseback riding trails.

 FISHING

• Residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
• All 2021-2022 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits.
• Due to COVID-19 precautions, loaner equipment will not be available. Anglers should bring their own equipment and bait.
• Events such as fishing clinics have been canceled.
• Locate launches and shorefishing access points near you.

 BOAT LAUNCHES

• All DNR boat launches are open.
• Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
• Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody.

 SAFETY

• Wear a lifejacket at all times when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
• Use boat lights after sunset.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV ride or while operating a boat.
• Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV.
• All children under the age of 18 must have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet – bicycle helmets are not legal.
• Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.

Free Fun Weekend is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors. Participants are encouraged to join the Wisconsin State Parks’ OutWiGo initiative. Make sure to tag your Free Fun Weekend photos with #OutWiGo.