Free Fun Weekend
to
National Safe Boating Council
media release: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites organizations statewide to host free fishing events for the public on Free Fishing Weekend, June 1-2, 2024.
Fishing clubs, civic groups, churches, trade associations, municipal recreation departments and others are encouraged to provide fishing clinics for all ages.
During Free Fishing Weekend, all Wisconsin waters are open to residents and non-residents to fish without a license or trout or salmon stamp. However, organizations hosting free fishing events should note that all fishing regulations, including size and bag limits and species restrictions, will be enforced.
Organizations planning an event can borrow gear for their event from one of nearly 60 tackle loaner sites around the state. Almost half of the sites are at state parks located on water, making it easy for groups to pick up loaner gear and fish in one location.
June 1-2 is also Free Fun Weekend, when state park admission fees and trail passes are waived.
Organizations are invited to register their events (through May 22) with the DNR for additional promotion to the public. After registering, organizations can request materials to hand out at their events.
Enjoy permit-free days in City of Madison and Dane County parks, on Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, 2024. No permit is required to try out a disc golf course, bring your dog to a park or access the lakes.
DISC GOLF
A daily or annual permit is typically required to play a City of Madison disc golf course. No permit required to play June 1 and 2 at the following:
- Elver Park, 1250 McKenna Blvd.
- Hiestand, 4302 Milwaukee St.
For more information, see Disc Golf Courses
DOG PERMIT
A daily or annual Dog Permit is typically required for any dog visiting a park – on-leash where allowed or an off-leash park. No permit is required on June 1 and 2. All dogs must be licensed and follow all dog park rules. Check out one of the following off-leash dog parks:
- Demetral, 2297 Commercial Ave.
- North Star, 439 Milky Way
- McCormick, 702 N. McCormick Ave.
- Odana School, 678 S. Segoe Rd.
- Quann, 1802 Quann-Olin Pkwy.
- Sycamore, 4517 Sycamore Ave.
- Walnut Grove, 202 N. Westfield Rd.
- Warner, 2301 Sheridan Dr.
For more information, see Off-Leash Dog Parks
LAKE ACESS
A daily or annual Lake Access Permit is typically required for the use of designated boat launches. No permit is required on June 1 or 2 for the following:
- Law, 410 S. Blair St.
- Olbrich, 3401 Atwood Ave.
- Olin, 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.
- Marshall, 2101 Allen Blvd.
- Spring Harbor, 5218 Lake Mendota Dr.
- Tenney, 1601 Sherman Ave.
- Warner, 1201 Woodward Dr.
For more information, see Boat Launch Parks
Make the most of this weekend, and enjoy MADISON PARKS and Dane County Parks, with no permit required.
Dane County info:
Dane County and City of Madison Parks are offering a permit-free weekend Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, 2024. June is a great time to visit a Dane County park, as the prairies and natural areas will be in full bloom and alive with butterflies, birds, and wildlife. With over 18,000 acres of land and 100 miles of trails owned by the county, there is no shortage of ways to get out and explore the amazing resources Dane County has to offer.
Visiting Dane County Parks for walking, hiking, and nature exploration never requires a permit to park or visit. 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 Dane County Parks maintain amenities for those activities. If you try out a permitted activity during the Free Fun Weekend and enjoy it, you can purchase a daily or annual pass online from www.reservedane.com.
“Dane County residents and visitors treasure our natural resources and unique outdoor spaces,” said Interim Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn. “We encourage everyone to make the most of this annual opportunity to try new activities with friends and family at Dane County Parks without the need for a permit.”
Permit-free opportunities during the Free Fun Weekend include:
Lake Access: Dane County lakes, rivers, and streams offer abundant opportunities for boating, fishing and paddling adventures.
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 still be legally licensed and vaccinated and follow the dog park rules.
Disc Golf: Dane County Parks provides two premier disc golf courses:
- Vallarta-Ast Course at Token Creek (27 holes): recognized as one of the top courses in the United States and hosts national and world-wide competitions.
- Capital Springs (18 holes): laid out over rolling glacial drumlins surrounded by picturesque prairie areas. This course offers bicycle access off the Capital City Trail.
Tenney Locks: is the largest lock and is located on Lake Mendota within the City of Madison. The lock is operated by a lock attendant during specific park hours and typically requires a permit to use.
National Trails Day takes place on June 1, providing yet another reason for Dane County residents and visitors to enjoy the benefits of Dane County’s robust network of trails.
During the permit-free weekend of June 1 and 2, visitors can explore:
Capital City Trail: one of the most popular shared-use bicycle/pedestrian trails in the county.
Mountain Bike Trails: Dane County Parks offers a variety opportunities for mountain bikers and includes single-track mountain bike trails at three locations throughout the year (including winter). The free permit weekend includes the CamRock County Park and Seminole mountain bike trails.
Equestrian Trails: Equestrians have access to more than 26 miles of trails in five different parks, each with its own unique features and terrain.
For more information, please visit the recreation page at https://www.danecountyparks.