Wisconsin DNR waives state park charges, fishing licenses, path passes for Free Fun Weekend

(WLUK) — Head open air and luxuriate in all it has to supply throughout Free Fun Weekend, hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The 14th annual occasion is scheduled for June 6-7. State park admission charges, fishing licenses and path passes will likely be waived for all guests.

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams and roughly 15,000 inland lakes, there’s lots to discover.

“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,” mentioned Steve Schmelzer, DNR bureau director of parks and recreation administration, in a information launch.

Bring your family and friends to get pleasure from a day on the seaside, have a picnic or go for a hike — the Wisconsin State Park System has one thing enjoyable for everybody!

The DNR mentioned Free Fun Weekend additionally provides residents a possibility to provide fishing a shot earlier than buying an annual license.

“This is a great chance to try fishing yourself, introduce a child or catch a fresh meal,” mentioned Justine Hasz, DNR bureau director of fisheries administration. “Even when you don’t have fishing gear, you possibly can nonetheless become involved. The DNR has tackle loaner sites throughout the state, and if you should find a spot to fish, the Wisconsin Fishing Finder may also help you do exactly that.”

Free fishing clinics are held throughout Free Fun Weekend at state and municipal properties to instruct starting anglers. Visit the DNR Events calendar and Wisconsin State Parks webpage for a listing of occasions and extra data on state properties.

Before heading to a state park, path or waterbody close to you, here’s what you should know:

State parks

• Vehicle admission passes won’t be required
• Most state parks and trails will likely be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• New merchandise is out there at choose properties, together with ornamental stickers designed by DNR workers
• Celebrate National Trails Day, which falls on Saturday, June 6, throughout Free Fun Weekend

Trails

• Trail passes won’t be required for each residents and nonresidents
• All linear/rail trails, together with ATV and horseback using trails, will likely be open to the general public
• ATVs, UTVs and OHMs are exempt from registration necessities. Resident and nonresident all-terrain automobile operators don’t want a path cross to journey state ATV trails

Fishing

Safety

• Always put on a life jacket when fishing from a ship, kayak, canoe or paddleboard
• Use boat lights after sundown
• Never eat alcohol or medicine earlier than or throughout an ATV journey or whereas working a ship
• Wear a helmet and protecting clothes similar to eye safety, gloves, lengthy pants and a long-sleeved shirt whereas using an ATV
• All kids beneath the age of 18 should have a minimal Department of Transportation commonplace bike or ATV helmet; bicycle helmets should not authorized
• Keep your pace in thoughts as climate and terrain situations differ or change