Free weekend in Wisconsin
It's a great time to try a new park, trail, lake or historic site.
© Beth Gauper
A hiker basks on the rocky shoreline of Big Bay State Park.
The first weekend in June are a good time to try something new in Wisconsin.
June 5 is open-house day in Wisconsin state parks. Since non-residents pay $10
for a daily pass, it's a good time to visit.
Many parks plan special events. In Mirror Lake State Park near the Dells, there are free
tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Seth Peterson Cottage. In Lake Wissota
State Park near Chippewa Falls, families can try out kayaks and canoes and build birdhouses.
Use of state bicycle trails (usually $4) is free June 5 and also June 4, National Trails Day. There are special events on the Red Cedar in Menomonie and the new Stower Seven Lakes in Amery, which is holding an easy triathlon/biathlon Saturday and a no-fee trail ride Sunday.
June 4-5 is Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin. It's for nonresidents as well as residents, with no license required. Many parks are planning clinics and games for all ages. Many parks lend fishing equipment.
On June 5, the Wisconsin Historical Society is offering $2 admission
at Pendarvis in Mineral Point as well as the Madeline Island Museum. That day, the Madeline Island Ferry is discounting round-trip passage to $4 (free for children under 12), and
a shuttle bus to Big Bay State Park (pictured)
is $1 (free for kids).
Are you closer to state parks in Illinois or Iowa? Visit the state parks there — they're always free.
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