Let the adventures begin, during Free Fun Weekend
The Wisconsin DNR is set to host the eighth annual Wisconsin Free Fun Weekend. Park admission fees, fishing license and trail pass requirements, will be waived Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, to encourage Wisconsinites to take advantage of, and enjoy, Wisconsin’s outdoors.
The Free Fun Weekend means the following:
• No state park admission stickers or trail passes are required.
• People may fish without a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps. All other fishing regulations apply.
• ATV, 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.
• Capacity limits remain in effect at some properties to limit overcrowding.
• Visitors are asked to recreate responsibly close to home and practice social distancing.
• Because of the public health risk, loaner equipment will not be available. Anglers should bring their own equipment and bait.
• Only anglers living in the same household (i.e. family members or roommates) should fish within six feet of one another.
• Events such as fishing clinics are canceled.
• Anglers are encouraged to have a backup plan in the event there is crowding or unsafe conditions where they plan to fish.
• Locate launches and shorefishing access points near home.
• Admission stickers will not be required at state parks.
• All state parks have updated hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• All group, family and indoor group campsites will remain closed through June 7. The status of events, reservations and camping after June 7, is currently under review.
• Some state parks have implemented capacity restrictions, limiting admission. Make sure to look at current property information before visiting.
• Park-goers should remember to take their garbage and recycling home with them, as most state parks, forests and other day-use areas, do not have garbage or recycling bins.
• Attractions at which social distancing cannot be achieved are closed at various properties; visit the park notices webpage for information about ongoing closures.
• All other facilities such as towers, shelters, playgrounds, nature centers, headquarters, entrance stations and concession buildings, remain closed to the public.
• Ticks are out, and visitors should take precautions to prevent Lyme disease.
• Make sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles to help protect lands for generations to come.
• Boats need to be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
• Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody.
• Wear a lifejacket at all times 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 DOT standard motorcycle or ATV helmet – bicycle helmets are NOT legal.
• Keep in mind, weather and terrain conditions vary, or change.
Free Fun Weekend goers are urged to continue to practice social distancing, avoid congregating in large groups, use hand sanitizer and wear masks when social distancing is diffi cult.
