Free fishing and free admission to state parks and trails among offerings

MADISON - Free Fun Weekend is June 2 and 3 in Wisconsin, so save the date and get ready to get outdoors.

On June 2 and 3, Wisconsin residents and visitors can fish for free, hike or bike state trails for free, enjoy free admission to state parks and forests and ride public ATV trails for free.

"Free Fun Weekend is a great time to get outside and try something you've never done before, or introduce a family member or friend to something you've always enjoyed," said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Dan Meyer. "Whether it's fishing, hiking or riding the trails, experiencing Wisconsin's great outdoors during this weekend could just be the start of a new tradition for you."

On June 2 and 3 people can get a double discount on fun by attending one of the fishing clinics being held at a Wisconsin State Park.Photo credit: DNR

On Free Fun Weekend, June 2-3, 2018:

• No fishing license is needed to fish any waters. This includes inland trout and Great Lakes trout and salmon fishing, which normally would require a trout stamp in addition to a license. Fishing rules such as limits on the size and species of fish that can be kept do apply, however.
• All state trail pass fees on all DNR-owned state trails are waived and cooperatively-run state trails also may waive fees.
• All state park vehicle admission sticker fees on all DNR-owned properties are waived.
• ATV registration and trail pass fees are waived.

Free fishing equipment is available for loan at more than 50 state parks, DNR offices, and partner organizations, and free fishing clinics are scheduled at many state parks and popular waters, including High Cliff, Kohler-Andrea, Lakeshore state parks and the southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

In addition, on Saturday, the Friends of the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest are holding Discovery Day with geocaching, archery, t-shirt painting, a wildlife show, kayak demos, telescope viewing, fishing and hiking. This event concludes with a grand opening ceremony and dedication of the new outdoor amphitheater featuring live music and guest speakers.

On Sunday, the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks are holding Art Along the Willow at Willow River State Park with more than 40 art and craft vendors, kids activities and concessions. Visit the Friend's website [exit DNR] for more information.

Free Fun Weekend is also a terrific opportunity to participate in Wisconsin State Parks' new OutWiGo initiative, promoting good health through the great outdoors. Be sure to tag your Free Fun Weekend photos with #OutWiGo and sign the pledge to a healthier 2018!

More information about free fun weekend in Wisconsin's outdoors is available on DNR's website. Go to dnr.wi.gov and search "free fun."

And, people can follow DNR on social for media for more updates between newsletters. DNR has social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.