Find Your Next Outdoor Adventure in Wisconsin During Free Fun Weekend, June 6-7

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to head outdoors for the 14th annual Free Fun Weekend happening June 6-7, 2026. State park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all visitors.

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams and roughly 15,000 inland lakes, Wisconsin has something for everyone to enjoy.

“If you’ve never checked out a Wisconsin state park before, Free Fun Weekend is the perfect opportunity to come visit for the first time,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau Director of Parks and Recreation Management. “Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day at the beach, have a picnic or go for a hike – the Wisconsin State Park System has something fun for everyone!”

Free Fun Weekend is also an opportunity to try fishing for food or fun before purchasing an annual fishing license.

“This is a great chance to try fishing yourself, introduce a child or catch a fresh 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, and if you need to locate a place to fish, the Wisconsin Fishing Finder can help you do just that.”

Free fishing clinics are held during Free Fun Weekend at state and municipal properties to instruct beginning anglers. Visit the DNR Events calendar and Wisconsin State Parks webpage for a list of events and more information on state properties.

Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, there are a few helpful things to know:

State Parks

• Vehicle admission passes will not be required.
• Most state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Programs and events are posted on the DNR Events calendar.
• New merchandise is available at select properties, including decorative stickers designed by DNR staff.
• Join us to celebrate National Trails Day, which falls on Saturday, June 6 during Free Fun Weekend.

Trails

• Trail passes will not be required for both residents and nonresidents.
• All linear/rail trails, including ATV and horseback riding trails, 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/salmon stamps.
• All 2026-2027 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits and species restrictions.
• There are lots of great places to fish in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Fishing Finder helps anglers find the fishing spot they are looking for.
• New to fishing? Check out free clinics hosted at state and local properties.
• This is the perfect time of year for small and largemouth bass, panfish and northern pike to be active.
• Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you.

Invasive Species

June is Invasive Species Action Month in Wisconsin. Here are a few things you can do to make a difference while you’re out enjoying Free Fun Weekend and throughout the month.

• Remove all attached aquatic plants, animals and mud from all recreational equipment and gear after every use.
• Drain all water from boats, vehicles, and equipment.
• Never move plants or live fish away from any waterbody.
• Stay on designated trails, roads and other developed areas to avoid tracking invasives to new areas.
• Follow Wisconsin’s firewood rules to avoid moving harmful invasive pests and pathogens.

Safety

• Always wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
• Use boat lights after sunset.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV ride or while operating a boat.
• Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV.
• All children under the age of 18 must have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet. Bicycle helmets are not legal.
• Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.

Boat Launches

The DNR asks all boaters and waterway users to make safety their highest priority this season and be respectful of others. Whether you’re putting in at the launch or cruising across your favorite water, be safe, be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to other users.

• Sign up now to take an online boater education course.
• Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or by mail.

Grab your family and friends and head outdoors for Free Fun Weekend! Consider taking the trail less traveled and visiting some lesser-known “hidden gem” state properties.

New to state parks? We can help you plan the perfect adventure.

If Free Fun Weekend has you hooked on enjoying Wisconsin’s outdoors, you can continue finding adventure by purchasing an annual fishing license, trail pass or 12-month vehicle admission sticker. With many license and admission options available, there’s a package to fit everyone’s recreation needs.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.