Free Fun Weekend
to

National Safe Boating Council
(2022 critics' pick) Everybody loves a freebie. And not everyone can afford the fees that help support Wisconsin's 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, and other public lands and programs. The first weekend every June, it's all free — state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived. See how much fun you can have. You might even catch yourself a free dinner. Find more at dnr.wisconsin.gov/adventure/freefun.
media release: 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. For the first weekend every June, you can explore it all with state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes waived.
Here's what you can expect from Free Fun Weekend.
State Parks
- Admission stickers are not required at any of our 49 state parks or 15 state forests
- All state parks are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Explore a new hidden gem park property
Fishing
- Residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps
- All 2021-2022 fishing regulations [PDF] apply, including bag and length limits
- Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you
- Mark your calendars – Free Fishing Weekends are always held the third full weekend in January and the first full weekend in June. The dates will be January 15-16, 2022 and June 4-5, 2022
State Trails
- Trail passes are not required for both residents and non-residents
- All linear/rail trails are open to the public, including ATV trails
- Cyclists of any skill level can cover some miles with Wisconsin's touring bicycle trails – many along former railroad corridors
- Local ATV clubs make Wisconsin a destination for riding – ride Wisconsin ATV/UTV trails with scenic stop-offs [exit DNR]
- Horseback riders can enjoy more than 800 miles of trails in state parks, forests, recreation areas and unsurfaced trails – some highlights to check out include Wildcat Mountain, Richard Bong State Recreation Area or Governor Dodge State Park