Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Have Fun For Free This Weekend

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 06/06/2025 12:01 PM CDT

OutWiGo With The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

DNR Parks And Recreation News

What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks, Forests, Trails And Recreation Areas

Free Fun Weekend is the perfect time to get outdoors and find your adventure in Wisconsin.

Have Fun For Free This Weekend

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.

This weekend, June 7-8, you can explore all of the Wisconsin State Park System's properties with state park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes waived. This means DNR properties are hosting all types of fun and free events. See upcoming Free Fun events on the DNR Events calendar.

Here's what you can expect from Free Fun Weekend.

STATE PARKS

Admission passes are not required at any of our 50 state parks or 15 state forests.
All state parks are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Explore a new park property.

STATE TRAILS

Trail passes are not required for both residents and nonresidents.
All linear/rail trails are open to the public, including ATV trails.
Cyclists of any skill level can cover some miles with Wisconsin's touring bicycle trails. Many are along former railroad corridors.
Local ATV clubs make Wisconsin a destination for riding. Ride Wisconsin ATV/UTV trails with scenic stop-offs.
Horseback riders can enjoy more than 800 miles of trails in state parks, forests, recreation areas and unsurfaced trails – some highlights to check out include Wildcat Mountain, Richard Bong State Recreation Area or Governor Dodge State Park.

Find a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area to explore with the DNR’s Find A Park tool. Be sure to also check out the DNR’s hidden gems and exploration maps to learn about lesser-visited properties and avoid crowds.

Celebrate 100 years of Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest on June 7.

Visit Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest For Its Centennial Celebration

Join us for the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest's 100th anniversary celebration on Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crystal Lake Campground in the beach and Nature Center areas. Smokey Bear will be attending, with food sales hosted by Boulder Junction Lion's Club.

As the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest celebrates its centennial, it stands as a testament to the foresight of early conservationists and the enduring value of Wisconsin's natural heritage. From its rich history rooted in forestry innovation and management to its vital role in conservation and community enrichment, the state forest continues to inspire and welcome visitors. Whether exploring its winding trails, paddling across its pristine lakes or simply marveling at its timeless beauty, you are invited to help honor a century of forest stewardship and learn more about how this living legacy will continue to be a vital part of Wisconsin’s Northwoods for generations to come.

During the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest 2025 centennial, we celebrate 100 years of managing this natural treasure for recreation, education and sustainable forestry, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

Learn more about the early history of Wisconsin's largest state forest in our 100 Years at Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest StoryMap.

Check out these three short videos to learn more about the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and the important role of Wisconsin's northern forests.

Find more details on our Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest Centennial webpage.

Volunteer campground hosts are needed at state parks, forests and recreation areas across the state.

Become A Campground Host

If you like to spend time outside, help other outdoor enthusiasts and care about protecting our natural resources, Wisconsin DNR properties need your help! Join in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Parks System by becoming a campground host.

The DNR is looking for volunteer campground hosts at state parks, forests and recreation areas across the state.

Host responsibilities generally include:

Staying at a campsite at the campground and volunteering for a few hours daily.
Greeting campers and answering questions about the property.
Helping with daily campground operations and setting an example by being a model camper.
Cleaning campsites and helping out with light maintenance.
Sharing park information and assisting with campground programs.
Enjoying the company of other campers and ensuring they enjoy their stay.

Apply to be a campground host through the Volunteer Opportunities webpage.

Upcoming Events

There are so many events planned throughout the Wisconsin State Parks System this year, it's impossible for us to list them all here!

Find events that fit your interests and schedule at a park near you on our DNR Events calendar, updated daily.

Here is one event series we're especially excited about:

Invasive Species Awareness Weekend

This June 21-22, join in on the second annual Invasive Species Awareness Weekend! This weekend aims to raise awareness of the many invasive species that threaten our natural habitats and encourage folks to learn and take action. Events include educational programs, invasive species control events and more.

Find an Invasive Species Awareness Day event near you on the DNR Events calendar.

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