(DNR) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds 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.
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