Dane County Free Fun Weekend

media release: Dane County and City of Madison Parks are offering a permit-free weekend Saturday and Sunday, January 18 & 19, 2025. Winter activities that normally require a permit will be free so Dane County Park visitors can try out new recreation options, including:

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: Note: This Free Fun Weekend typically offers cross-country skiing without a permit. However, all ski trails remain closed.

Madison-specific:

Disc Golf 

Try out Hiestand Park disc golf course. No permit required this weekend!

Free Events This Weekend 

• Groove & Glide at Elver Park on Friday, January 17, 6-8pm
• Candlelight Hike at Aldo Leopold Nature Center and Edna Taylor Conservation Park on Saturday, January 18, 4:30-7pm
• Learn to Fish at Brittingham Park on Sunday, January 19 (advanced registration is required)

Ice Skating 

The staffed warming shelter at Elver, Tenney and Vilas are open Friday-Sunday offering skate rentals and concessions. Hours are subject to change.

• Friday, January 17: 4-8pm
• Saturday, January 18: 12-8pm
• Sunday, January 19: 12-6pm

Winter Clothing Drive 

Donate your new and gently used winter clothing through Friday, January 31! 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.

Other activities that never require a permit:

Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking: Snowshoeing and winter hiking is 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 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 us 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 at www.danecountyparks.com/winter and Madison Parks Winter Fun at cityofmadison.com/parks/winterfun.