Free Fun Weekend And Park Capacity Updates
Plus, Help Turtles And Trees, And Think Smart Before You Start
Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin
Join us for our 9th annual Free Fun Weekend, June 5-6. Park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes will be waived for Wisconsinites to find their adventure outdoors.
Wisconsin is home to 49 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, roughly 15,000 lakes and so much more.
Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, here are some helpful things to know about Free Fun Weekend.
Park Updates Now In Effect
With summer just around the corner, we've announced that outdoor capacities for events, activities and outdoor facilities such as group campgrounds, open-air shelters and amphitheaters are increasing at properties across the State Park System.
The following changes are now in effect:
- Volunteer group sizes can increase to 350 people outdoors with small working groups of 50 or less
- DNR-led and co-sponsored events such as naturalist activities, education programs, Friends hikes and candlelight events are now permitted for up to 350 people as long as events are outdoors
- Outdoor-only concession activities can increase to 350 people
- Outdoor group campsites will increase to maximum capacity or 350, whichever is less
- Open air shelters and amphitheaters will increase to maximum capacity or 350, whichever is less
- Special event group sizes will increase to 350
- Commercial-use application group sizes will increase to 350
While enjoying Wisconsin’s state parks and other properties, visitors are expected to practice social distancing and follow the latest CDC guidelines.
Read the full details on park capacity updates here.
Know Before You Go: Check Individual Park Capacity
Capacity limits are in place at our properties for the safety of not only our visitors and staff, but also our wildlife and natural resources. When capacity has been reached, additional visitors will be temporarily limited from entering the property.
Before you head out the door, be sure to check capacity.
Consider making a back-up plan and check out a new-to-you state natural area, wildlife area, trail or other hidden gem. Share the love across our public lands by finding more to explore here.
Protect Wisconsin's Trees By Following Firewood Transport Tips
Firewood can transport harmful tree problems to your backyard, street or favorite campsite. Just one firewood log can easily hide insects such as emerald ash borer or gypsy moth, or the tiny spores of a tree-killing fungal disease such as oak wilt.
Instead of taking firewood along on your next camping trip or bringing some home with you from far away, get your firewood where you're going to use it. Make sure it is from trees harvested nearby, or buy firewood that has been processed to eliminate pests and diseases.
Wisconsin regulates the movement of firewood in the state to help protect our trees and forests. Property owners and managers may also have additional restrictions.
Click here to read firewood transport rules.
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ATV And UTV Riders: Think Smart Before You Start
Is an ATV/UTV ride part of your holiday plan this weekend? Think smart before you start!
Follow these tips for a safe ride:
- Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride.
- Wear a seatbelt and Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved helmet.
- In addition to a seat belt and helmet, wear protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.
- Keep your speed in check for the terrain, visibility conditions and your experience.
- Remember that some terrain in Wisconsin is too steep for ATV/UTVs. Please be careful while traversing hills.
- Know before you go. Review all ATV/UTV laws.
One of the best things ATV and UTV operators can do to operate safely is to take an online safety course. ATV and UTV operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for an ATV (and at least 16 years old for UTV) must complete an ATV safety certification course to operate in Wisconsin (exception: on private property owned by operator's immediate family). Sign up for a safety course.
Boating instead? Wearing a life jacket could save your life! Be sure to brush up on these safety tips.
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Simple Steps To Help Wisconsin Turtles
With turtle nesting season soon underway, state conservation biologists and highway officials are joining forces to encourage Wisconsinites to hatch a brighter future for slow-moving, slow-growing turtles by taking a few simple steps.
Most of Wisconsin's 11 turtle species breed in late May through June and often cross roads to lay their eggs in nests on higher ground. Turtles getting run over by cars is a leading cause of the decline in turtle numbers in Wisconsin. The predation of turtle nests by raccoons, skunks and coyotes is another major problem.
Because some species – such as wood turtles and Blanding’s turtles – take 12 to 20 years to reach reproductive maturity, the death of even one female turtle a year can take a big toll.
To protect turtle populations, the Wisconsin DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) are asking people to protect turtles on the move. Follow these protective actions from now through the end of June, when the nesting season ends:
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