(WFRV) – Looking for some good old-fashioned outdoor Wisconsin fun? Look no further than Free Fun Weekend starting Saturday, June 7.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting Wisconsinites to go on their latest outdoor adventure this weekend with state park admissions, fishing licenses, and trail passes all waived for two days.
June 7 to June 8 marks the 13th annual Free Fun Weekend, and with 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, and roughly 15,000 inland lakes, there is surely something for everyone to enjoy.
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“Free Fun Weekend is a great opportunity to join us to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau Director of Parks and Recreation Management. “Whether it’s your 100th or first visit, you are invited to explore the more than 120 properties across the state. If you like to hike, bike, camp, paddle, or even just enjoy a good book in a beautiful place, we hope you will join us for Free Fun Weekend.”
Free Fun Weekend is also an opportunity to try fishing for food or fun before purchasing an annual fishing license. Free fishing clinics are offered during Free Fun Weekend at state and municipal properties.
The Wisconsin DNR also provided the following information and tips for those participating in Free Fun Weekend:
State Parks
- Vehicle admission stickers will not be required.
- 2025 is the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System. Some Free Fun Weekend events may feature state park system history, special outreach items or 125th anniversary merchandise available for purchase.
- A 125th anniversary “pop-up” sale will be held at the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (NHAL) on June 7. Stop by the NHAL Centennial Celebration Event to purchase your 125th anniversary merchandise at the DNR Parks & Recreation booth.
- Most state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Programs and events are posted on the DNR Events calendar.
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Trails
- All linear/rail trails, including ATV and horseback riding trails, will be open to the public.
- ATVs, UTVs and OHMs are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and nonresident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.
Fishing
- Residents and nonresidents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
- All 2025-2026 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits and species restrictions.
- There are lots of great places to fish in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Fishing Finder helps anglers find the fishing spot they are looking for.
- New to fishing? Check out free clinics hosted at state and local properties.
- This is the perfect time of year for small and largemouth bass, panfish and northern pike to be active.
- Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you.
Safety
- Always wear a life jacket 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.
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Boat Launches
- DNR boat launches are open.
- Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or by mail.
So grab some family and friends and enjoy all the great scenery that Wisconsin has to offer!
