Dane County Free Fun Weekend
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Dane County Parks is offering a permit-free weekend on January 21st and 22nd. Winter activities that normally require a permit will be free so Dane County Park visitors can try out new recreation options.
“Dane County takes pride in its natural spaces and variety of options for outdoor recreation opportunities during the winter months,” said County Executive Joe Parisi. “We encourage everyone to make the most of this free permit weekend. From winter hiking and snowshoeing to ice fishing and cross-country skiing, there are many activities residents and visitors can take part in.”
Dane County residents and visitors can explore the following recreation options for free this weekend:
Dog Parks: The Dane County Park system has eight off-leash dog parks, totaling 268 acres, each with its own unique features and terrain. All dogs must be legally licensed with their municipality, vaccinated, and follow all dog park rules.
Biking & Mountain Biking: Dane County has over 100 miles of shared-use bike trails that connect communities, parks, and natural resource areas. We offer single-track mountain bike trails at three locations throughout the year (including winter).
Lake Access: Dane County lakes offer abundant opportunities for ice fishing. There are several lake access sites where you can park to easily access the ice. This weekend is also the Wisconsin DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend so it’s a great opportunity to try ice fishing.
Cross-country Skiing: The Dane County Park system has several parks with groomed cross-country ski trails. Trails will be groomed if there is at least four inches of snow and consistent freezing temperatures. If we get sufficient snow, the trails will be opened and groomed for the weekend. Trail status can be found on the Trail Conditions webpage: https://www.danecountyparks.
Other activities that never require a permit:
Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking: Snowshoeing and winter hiking are allowed on or off-trail at all Dane County Park properties except on designated cross-country ski trails when snow is present, even if they have not yet been groomed. Some parks have signed snowshoe trails to help with navigation.
Sledding: The Dane County Park System has four parks with public sledding hills. These range from short and gentle slopes that are great for younger kids to a steeper hill. For your safety, and to uphold the quality of our landscapes, please do not use the sledding hills without sufficient snow base.
The Dane County Park System does not require an entry fee and is always free to visit. Some activities require a permit and the fees help maintain amenities for those activities. If you try out a permitted activity this weekend and enjoy it, you can purchase a daily or annual pass online from www.reservedane.com.
For more information, please visit the Winter Recreation page www.danecountyparks.com/winter
More info from Madison Parks: Madison Parks, in collaboration with Dane County Parks is offering a permit-free weekend on Saturday and Sunday, January 21 and 22, 2023. Permits are typically required for dogs in parks, designated cross-country ski trails, accessing the lakes and disc golfing. This weekend, enjoy these activities for free!
In addition to nine off-leash dog parks, a dog permit is required for all leashed dogs in parks where allowed. After several weeks of closures for the smaller dog parks, all off-leash dog parks are now open.
Madison offers numerous opportunities for ice fishing. Several lake sites offer easy access and parking. This weekend is also the Wisconsin DNR’s Free Fishing Weekend .
Madison Parks offers seven designated ski trails, with three requiring a ski permit.
Hiestand Park disc golf course reopened on Friday, just in time for the free weekend!
Winter recreation this season has been slow to start. Just a couple of the ice rinks are open for the weekend. Sadly, most remain closed due to the lack of ice depth. All designated ski trails are currently open and ungroomed due to the snow conditions.
The staffed warming shelter at Elver Park will be open Friday-Sunday offering classic skis, ice skates, sleds and snowshoes for rent. Hours are subject to change.
- Friday, January 20: 4-8pm
- Saturday, January 21: 12-8pm
- Sunday, January 22: 12-6pm
Join us for music and fun at Olbrich Park on Friday, January 20, 6-8pm.
Join Madison Parks & partners on Saturday, January 21, 6-8pm at Warner Park!
Donate your new and gently used winter clothing through Sunday, January 29! Madison Parks, in partnership with the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc. (CAC), is collecting winter clothing at select locations, including Madison Parks Central Office, 330 E. Lakeside St.
Madison Parks is a division of the City of Madison with 270+ parks and nearly 6,000 acres to explore through hiking, golfing, swimming, skating, skiing and more! MADISON PARKS is yours to explore.
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