Fun Free Weekend Allows Residents, Visitors To Experience Wisconsin

MADISON, WI — With summer unofficially upon Wisconsin residents, state officials are encouraging people across the state to get outdoors this weekend and enjoy some of the natural resources the state has to offer. And better yet, they are offering people the chance to enjoy it at no cost.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has waived state park fees, fishing license fees, and trail passes on Saturday and Sunday. According to a news release, the state offers 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, and about 15,000 lakes, the DNR invites Wisconsinites to discover a new favorite park, trail, forest, or recreation area – all of which is available during the state’s annual Fun Free Weekend.

Free Fun Weekend is an opportunity for more residents and visitors to visit the parks and give fishing for food or fun a try. All the waters of the state are open to residents and non-residents alike, state DNR officials said.

“Free Fun Weekend is always a great opportunity for the DNR property crews to welcome summer visitors back,” Steve Schmelzer, DNR bureau director of Parks and Recreation Management said in the news release. “If you’ve never visited a state park, forest, trail, or recreation area, this is the perfect weekend to find your outdoor adventure.”

Free fishing clinics are held this weekend at state and municipal properties to provide instruction for beginning anglers. Find fishing clinics and more Free Fun events by visiting the DNR’s events calendar.

Residents can find a full list of Wisconsin state properties, activities, and maps by visiting the DNR’s website. Residents can also reserve a shelter or campsite through the DNR’s online booking system. Before heading to a state park, trail, or waterbody, here are some helpful things to know:

STATE PARKS

• Vehicle admission stickers will not be required.
• All state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Programs and events are posted online on the DNR’s website.

TRAILS

• All linear/rail trails will be open to the public, including ATV trails and horseback riding trails.
• ATVs, UTVs, and OHMs are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.

FISHING

• Residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
• All 2023-24 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits.
• This is the perfect time of year for small and largemouth bass, panfish, and northern pike to be active.
• New to fishing? Check out free clinics hosted at state properties.
• Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you.

BOAT LAUNCHES

• All DNR boat launches are open.
• Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
• Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody.

“If you haven’t fished in a while or never fished Free Fun Weekend is a great chance to give it a try,” Justine Hasz, DNR bureau director of Fisheries Management said in the news release. “If you don’t have any fishing gear, no problem. You can check out our tackle loaner sites or join one of the many free events over the weekend, and enjoy your time in Wisconsin’s great outdoors.”