Admission to Wisconsin state parks is free during DNR's annual Free Fun Weekend in June

Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
The Scuppernong Trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit are great for hiking any time of year.
The Scuppernong Trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit are great for hiking any time of year.

On June 1 and 2, admission to Wisconsin's 50 state parks, 15 state forests and 44 state trails will be free as part of the Wisconsin DNR's 12th annual Free Fun Weekend.

Here's what to know.

State parks and state forests

  • There's no need for admission stickers at Wisconsin's state parks and forests. The rest of the year, vehicle admission stickers are required. For a car with Wisconsin plates, an annual sticker costs $28, and a daily sticker costs $8. (Daily stickers for Devil's Lake, Peninsula and Willow River state parks cost more.)

  • Most state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

  • Camping fees and reservation requirements still apply.

RELATED: Wisconsin's least popular state parks offer more than a quiet experience away from crowds

Fishing

  • Fishing licenses and trout and salmon stamps are not required to fish in the state's rivers, streams and lakes. Typically, there are many types of fishing licenses available to purchase, including one-day licenses and discounts for first-time buyers. Additionally, kids under 15 and adults born before 1927 can fish without a license at all times.

  • Other fishing regulations (such as length limits, bag limits and species restrictions) still apply.

  • There are tackle loaner sites throughout the state, some of which also loan out additional fishing equipment.

  • There will be some Learn to Fish clinics around the state during the weekend, including one at Puckett's Pond at Harrington Beach State Park in Belgium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 1. Fishing equipment, lunch and giveaways will be provided.

State trails

  • Trail passes are not required. The passes, which cost $25 annually or $5 daily, are typically required for biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating on certain trails. They are never required for hikers or walkers.

  • 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. Registration for use on public trails typically costs $30 for first-time registration for Wisconsin residents and $30 for a two-year renewal.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin state parks admission is free during 2024 Free Fun Weekend