Free fishing, trails and parks kick off Wisconsin’s summer | Paul A. Smith

Fishing, hiking and the other skills we now call “outdoor activities” were essential parts of life for thousands of years in this area known as Wisconsin.

In recent times the activities have become recreational for most people.

That doesn’t make them unimportant. In fact, time spent outdoors is arguably more critical now than it’s ever been for physical and mental health.

Studies over recent decades have shown Americans adopting more sedentary lifestyles – spending less time connecting with nature and more time indoors on digital devices.

Wisconsin officials have seen it, too, in declining or flat participation in certain outdoor activities.

In an effort to spark interest in angling, in 1987 the Department of Natural Resources offered Wisconsin’s first Free Fishing Day. It allowed anyone, state resident or visitor, to fish without a license.

In 1994 it doubled in size to become Free Fishing Weekend, traditionally held on the first full weekend in June, according to state records.

And in 2013 the concept was further expanded to Free Fun Weekend. In addition to free fishing, the two days included no entrance fee at state parks and no trail pass required for state trails.

That’s where we stand this year, as the DNR has continued to promote the free opportunities in roughly the same package.

In addition to their contributions to health and wellness, outdoor activities are a large part of the Wisconsin economy. In 2024, the outdoor industry contributed a record-breaking $12 billion to the state’s gross domestic product, supported more than 100,000 jobs and provided more than $5.7 billion in salary and wages to Wisconsinites, according to the state Office of Outdoor Recreation.

Here’s what to know about Free Fun Weekend in 2026:

When will the opportunities be offered this year?

Free Fun Weekend will be June 6 and 7, 2026.

Where are the free privileges offered on Free Fun Weekend?

Wisconsin has 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams and approximately 15,000 inland lakes, according to the DNR.

What does Free Fun Weekend mean at state parks?

The state park entry fee is waived for June 6 and 7. Often called a vehicle admission pass, it costs most Wisconsin residents $28 a year and is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas.

“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,” Steve Schmelzer, DNR bureau director of parks and recreation management, said in a statement.

Schmelzer invited people to bring their friends and family to a state park or trail to enjoy time at a beach, have a picnic or go for a hike.

Here’s a link to the DNR’s guide to Wisconsin State Parks.

What does Free Fun Weekend mean for state trails?

Similar to the parks, the state trail pass fee is waived for June 6 and 7. A state trail pass ($25 annual fee) is typically required to hike, bike, ski, in-line skate or ride horses, as appropriate, on state trails.

In addition, ATVs, UTVs and OHMs (off-highway motorcycles) are exempt from registration requirements on Free Fun Weekend, according to the DNR. Resident and nonresident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.

How about fishing?

People can fish Wisconsin waters June 6 and 7 without a license and without an inland or Great Lakes stamp, if appropriate.

Justine Hasz, DNR bureau director of fisheries management, said in a statement Free Fun Weekend was “a great chance to try fishing yourself, introduce a child or catch a fresh meal.”

Hasz also encouraged people who don’t have fishing gear to borrow it from one of many DNR tackle loaner sites in the state.

The DNR also offers the Wisconsin Fishing Finder for people looking for help finding a place to fish.

In addition, on June 6 free fishing clinics will be offered at seven sites, including Beaver Dam, New Berlin and Oshkosh.

One important note: All Wisconsin fishing regulations such as bag limits and size limits are still in effect on Free Fishing Weekend.