Wisconsin’s Free Fun Weekend Returns

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – From June 7 to June 8, people can enjoy the 13th annual Free Fun Weekend, with no state park admission, fishing license or trail passes needed.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wants us to get outside and enjoy nature in our state. State Park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are all waived for all visitors the first weekend in June.

“Whether it’s your 100th visit or your first visit, if you like to hike, bike, camp, paddle or even just enjoy a good book in a beautiful place, we hope you will join.” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau Director of Parks and Recreation Management in a press release.

You get to explore 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams and roughly 15,000 inland lakes.

“This is a great chance to try fishing or catch a meal,” said Justine Hasz, DNR Bureau Director of Fisheries Management. “Even if you don’t have fishing gear, you can still get involved. The DNR has tackle loaner sites across the state.”

State Parks

• Vehicle admission stickers will not be required.
• Most state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
• 2025 is the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System. There’s a “pop-up” sale at the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest on June 7.
• Programs and events are posted on the DNR Events calendar.

 Trails

• All trails, including ATV and horseback, 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 and salmon stamps.
• All 2025-2026 fishing regulations do apply, including bag and length limits and species restrictions.
• The Wisconsin Fishing Finder helps find fishing spots.
• Free fishing clinics hosted at state and local properties.
• Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you.

This weekend coincides with Clean Boats, Clean Waters annual Drain Campaign June 6 to June 8. Crucial steps should be taken to keep the spread of invasive species down.