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Other stories in "Summer"

• Best bets for the weekend
  Visit era of Columbus and a Jurassic park.
• Next weekend
  Head for the lands of milk and cheese.
• This weekend
  See drum majors and British soldiers march.
• Watch out for wild parsnip
  This flowering weed may look pretty, but it bites.
• Step out on National Trails Day
  The time is ripe to hike or bike.
• Free weekend in Wisconsin
  It's a great time to try a new park, trail, fishing hole or historic site.
• Free weekend in Minnesota
  It's a great time to visit parks and try fishing spots.
• Dining in Minnesota lakes country
  In summer, vacation's too short for a bad meal.
• For football fans, a preview
  Watching is free and festive at team training camps.
• In Pipestone, an era ends
  After 60 years, town says goodbye to 'Song of Hiawatha' pageant.
• Stampede to the North Shore
  If you're planning to join the annual fall pilgrimage, nail down lodgings now.
• The buzz on bugs
  Summer is here, and so are the pests.
• Snorkeling the Namekagon
  Face down in the swift, clear Wisconsin river, you'll see why it's a national treasure.
• Where to find mosquito-free camping
  Breathe a sigh of relief in southeast Minnesota.
• On the road in Wisconsin
  Happy discoveries: art pottery, burgers, bike trails and lighthouses.
• Try a new bike trail
  In Minnesota, fresh stretches of trail invite bicycle tourists.
• Fourth of July weekend
  There's a celebration everywhere.

Free weekends in Wisconsin and Minnesota

Grab the chance to visit parks, trails, historic sites and fishing spots.

In early June, the state parks of Wisconsin and Minnesota want to show you a good time.

June 2 is open house in Wisconsin parks, with free admission, and June 1 is National Trails Day; use of Wisconsin trails is free both days. In Minnesota, June 8 is open house in Minnesota parks and also National Get Outdoors Day.

There's a lot going on — try out kayaks, learn archery, go on a guided hike or tour a lighthouse. Fishing is free on the same weekends, and admission to some historic sites is free or discounted.

It's a great deal. For more, see Free weekend in Wisconsin and Free weekend in Minnesota.

June 8-9 also is Free Fishing Weekend in Michigan. And if you're closer to Illinois or Iowa, visit the state parks there — they're always free.

Last updated on May 22, 2013