{"id":848323,"date":"2026-06-06T10:54:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T10:54:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/848323\/"},"modified":"2026-06-06T10:54:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T10:54:19","slug":"wisconsin-dnr-fun-free-weekend-runs-june-6-7-what-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/848323\/","title":{"rendered":"Wisconsin DNR: Fun Free Weekend runs June 6-7, what to know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/lakeshore-state-park.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-v-7d0efd03=\"\"\/> article <\/p>\n<p data-v-7d0efd03=\"\">Free Fun Weekend is the perfect time to get outdoors and find your adventure in Wisconsin. \/ Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR <\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\"><strong>MADISON, Wis.<\/strong> &#8211; Explore Wisconsin&#8217;s state parks, trails, and waterways all for free this weekend, June 6\u20137!<\/p>\n<p>   Fun Free Weekend <\/p>\n<p original-article-post=\"\" origination_station=\"WITI\" data-v-ec26887a=\"\" data-v-94395e58=\"\">What we know:<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding everyone to head outdoors for the 14th annual Free Fun Weekend. State park admission fees, fishing licenses, and trail passes are waived for all visitors.<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">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.<\/p>\n<p original-article-post=\"\" origination_station=\"WITI\" data-v-ec26887a=\"\" data-v-94395e58=\"\">What they&#8217;re saying:<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">&#8220;If you\u2019ve never checked out a Wisconsin state park before, Free Fun Weekend is the perfect opportunity to come visit for the first time,&#8221; said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau Director of Parks and Recreation Management. &#8220;Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day at the beach, have a picnic or go for a hike \u2013 the Wisconsin State Park System has something fun for everyone!&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\"><a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/foxlocal.onelink.me\/6abq\/ijh6elyt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\"><strong>FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p> <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/IMG_6283.jpg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" data-v-2fe2fe3e=\"\"\/>  <\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">Free Fun Weekend is also an opportunity to try fishing for food or fun before purchasing an annual fishing license.<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">&#8220;This is a great chance to try fishing yourself, introduce a child or catch a fresh meal,&#8221; said Justine Hasz, DNR Bureau Director of Fisheries Management. &#8220;Even if you don\u2019t have fishing gear, you can still get involved. The DNR has <a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/Fishing\/anglereducation\/loanerContacts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">tackle loaner sites<\/a> across the state, and if you need to locate a place to fish, the <a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/fishing\/outreach\/wifishingfinder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Wisconsin Fishing Finder<\/a> can help you do just that.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">Free fishing clinics are held during Free Fun Weekend across the state. Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/events?type=Free%20Fishing%20Weekend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">DNR Events calendar<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/Parks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Wisconsin State Parks webpage<\/a>\u00a0for a list of events and more information.<\/p>\n<p>  Know before you go <\/p>\n<p original-article-post=\"\" origination_station=\"WITI\" data-v-ec26887a=\"\" data-v-94395e58=\"\">What we know:<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, there are a few helpful things to know:<\/p>\n<p> <strong>State Parks<\/strong> <\/p>\n<ul original-article-post=\"\" origination_station=\"WITI\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\" data-v-94395e58=\"\">\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Vehicle admission passes will not be required.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Most state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Programs and events are posted on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/events?type=Free%20Fishing%20Weekend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">DNR Events calendar<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/parks\/merchandise\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">New merchandise<\/a> is available at certain properties, including decorative stickers designed by DNR staff.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Celebrate National Trails Day, which falls on Saturday, June 6 during Free Fun Weekend.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <strong>Trails<\/strong> <\/p>\n<ul original-article-post=\"\" origination_station=\"WITI\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\" data-v-94395e58=\"\">\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Trail passes will not be required for both residents and non-residents.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">All linear\/rail trails, including ATV and horseback riding trails, will be open to the public.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <strong>Fishing<\/strong> <\/p>\n<ul original-article-post=\"\" origination_station=\"WITI\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\" data-v-94395e58=\"\">\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Residents and nonresidents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout\/salmon stamps.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">All\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/widnr.widen.net\/s\/glhqr9znsp\/fishingregselectronic2627\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">2026-2027 fishing regulations<\/a>\u00a0apply, including bag and length limits and species restrictions.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">There are lots of great places to fish in Wisconsin. The <a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/fishing\/outreach\/wifishingfinder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Wisconsin Fishing Finder<\/a> helps anglers find the fishing spot they are looking for.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">New to fishing? Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/events?type=free%20fishing%20weekend\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">free clinics<\/a> hosted at state and local properties.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">This is the perfect time of year for small and largemouth bass, panfish and northern pike to be active.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Locate\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/lands\/boataccess\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">launches and shore fishing access points<\/a>\u00a0near you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <strong>Invasive Species<\/strong> <\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">June is <a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/Invasives\/eventsandvolunteering\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Invasive Species Action Month<\/a> in Wisconsin. Here are a few things you can do to make a difference while you\u2019re out enjoying Free Fun Weekend and throughout the month:<\/p>\n<ul original-article-post=\"\" origination_station=\"WITI\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\" data-v-94395e58=\"\">\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Remove all attached aquatic plants, animals and mud from all recreational equipment and gear after every use.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Drain all water from boats, vehicles, and equipment.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Never move plants or live fish away from any waterbody.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Stay on designated trails, roads and other developed areas to avoid tracking invasives to new areas.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Follow\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/Invasives\/firewood\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Wisconsin\u2019s firewood rules<\/a> to avoid moving harmful invasive pests and pathogens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <strong>\u00a0Safety<\/strong> <\/p>\n<ul original-article-post=\"\" origination_station=\"WITI\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\" data-v-94395e58=\"\">\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Always wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe or paddle board.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Use boat lights after sunset.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV ride or while operating a boat.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">All children under the age of 18 must have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet. Bicycle helmets are not legal.<\/li>\n<li class=\"article-ct\" data-v-03e8ff79=\"\">Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <strong>Boat Launches<\/strong> <\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">The DNR asks all boaters and waterway users to make safety their highest priority this season and be respectful of others. Whether you\u2019re putting in at the launch or cruising across your favorite water, be safe, be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to other users.<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">Consider taking the trail less traveled and visiting some lesser-known &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/parks\/findapark\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">hidden gem<\/a>&#8221; state properties.<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">New to state parks? The DNR can help you <a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/parks\/newtoparks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">plan the perfect adventure<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p data-v-94395e58=\"\">If Free Fun Weekend has you hooked on enjoying Wisconsin\u2019s outdoors, you can continue finding adventure by purchasing an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/Fishing\/outreach\/FishingLicenses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">annual fishing license<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/parks\/admission\/trailpass\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">trail pass<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dnr.wisconsin.gov\/topic\/parks\/admission\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">12-month vehicle admission sticker<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"group-source-paragraph\" data-v-4fbf7207=\"\"><b data-v-4fbf7207=\"\">The Source:<\/b> The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sent FOX6 a press release.<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox6now.com\/tag\/sports\/hunting-fishing\" class=\"tags-tag\" data-v-94395e58=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hunting and Fishing<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox6now.com\/tag\/news\" class=\"tags-tag\" data-v-94395e58=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">News<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox6now.com\/tag\/us\/wi\" class=\"tags-tag\" data-v-94395e58=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Wisconsin<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fox6now.com\/tag\/lifestyle\/things-to-do\" class=\"tags-tag\" data-v-94395e58=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Things To Do<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"article Free Fun Weekend is the perfect time to get outdoors and find your adventure in Wisconsin. \/&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":848324,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[23],"tags":[746,296298,1165,50,159,62,1072,67,132,68,5534],"class_list":["post-848323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-environment","tag-environment","tag-hunting-fishing","tag-lifestyle","tag-news","tag-science","tag-sports","tag-things-to-do","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us","tag-wi"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116702797765370369","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/848323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=848323"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/848323\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/848324"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=848323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=848323"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=848323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}