Find Your Next Outdoor Adventure In Wisconsin During Free Fun Weekend, June 7-8

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to head outdoors for the 13th annual Free Fun Weekend happening June 7-8, 2025. 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.

“Free Fun Weekend is a great opportunity to join us to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau Director of Parks and Recreation Management. “Whether it’s your 100th visit or your first visit, you are invited to explore the more than 120 properties across the state. If you like to hike, bike, camp, paddle or even just enjoy a good book in a beautiful place, we hope you will join us for Free Fun Weekend.”

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 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, 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 stickers will not be required.
• 2025 is the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System. Some Free Fun Weekend events may feature state park system history, special outreach items or 125th anniversary merchandise available for purchase.
• A 125th anniversary “pop-up” sale will be held at the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (NHAL) on June 7. Stop by the NHAL Centennial Celebration Event to purchase your 125th anniversary merchandise at the DNR Parks & Recreation booth.
• 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.

Trails

• 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 2025-2026 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.

• Clean all recreational equipment and gear after every use.
• Never move 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

• DNR boat launches are open.
• 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 to discover something new.

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.