Free Fun Weekend and National Trails Day Celebration with Dane County Parks

May 31, 2023
Lael Pascual, 608-224-3730
Land & Water Resources

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lael Pascual
608-224-3730, pascual.lael@countyofdane.com

FREE FUN WEEKEND AND NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION WITH DANE COUNTY PARKS
Activity Permit Fees are Waived June 3 and 4 in Dane County Parks

Join Dane County Parks this weekend to help us celebrate National Trails Day! There will be a National Trails Day Celebration on June 3 and a Free Fun Weekend June 3 through 4. Many activities that normally require a permit will have their permit fees waived all weekend so Dane County Park visitors can try out new activities.

“Dane County Parks provide countless opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends and family,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. “We encourage everyone to take part in this free opportunity this weekend and explore the unique recreation sites and activities Dane County has to offer.”

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION
Join Dane County Parks and Karben4 Brewing on June 3 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Capital City Trail/Lower Yahara River Trail Trailhead (3102 Lake Farm Road, Madison) for a fun event to celebrate Dane County’s amazing trail system!

This event is located at the crossroads of the Capital City State Trail and the Lower Yahara River Trail. Karben 4 Brewing will be selling beer and non-alcoholic beverages and donating 10% back to Dane County Parks. There will be free healthy snacks complements of the Healthy Parks, Healthy You Initiative and free Butterfly Weed or Rose Milkweed plants to the first 200 people. The event will feature kids nature crafts and activities for all ages, disc golf practice baskets, and some suggested bike routes. For more information, visit: www.danecountyparks.com/trailsday

FREE PERMIT WEEKEND

Many activities that normally require a permit will have their permit fees waived all weekend so Dane County Park visitors can try out new activities.

This includes:

Lake Access: Dane County lakes, rivers, and streams offer abundant opportunities for boating, fishing and paddling adventures.

Dog Parks: The Dane County Park system has eight off-leash dog parks, totaling 268 acres, each with its own unique features and terrain. All dogs must still be legally licensed and vaccinated and follow the dog park rules.

Disc Golf: Dane County Parks provides two premier disc golf courses:

  • Vallarta-Ast Course at Token Creek (27 holes): recognized as one of the top courses in the United States and hosts national and world-wide competitions.
  • Capital Springs (18 holes): laid out over rolling glacial drumlins surrounded by picturesque prairie areas. This course offers bicycle access off the Capital City Trail.

Capital City Trail: one of the most popular shared-use bicycle/pedestrian trails in the county.

Mountain Bike Trails: Dane County Parks offers a variety opportunities for mountain bikers and includes single-track mountain bike trails at three locations throughout the year (including winter). The free permit weekend includes the CamRock County Park and Seminole mountain bike trails.

Equestrian Trails: Equestrians have access to more than 26 miles of trails in five different parks, each with its own unique features and terrain.

Tenney Locks: is the largest lock and is located on Lake Mendota within the City of Madison. The lock is operated by a lock attendant during specific park hours and typically requires a permit to use.

June is a great time to visit a Dane County Park, as the prairies and natural areas will be in full bloom and alive with butterflies, birds, and wildlife. With over 17,000 acres of land and 100 miles of trails owned by the county, there is no shortage of ways to get out and explore the amazing resources our county has to offer. Visiting Dane County Parks for walking, hiking, and nature exploration never requires a permit to park or visit.

For more information, please visit our websites www.danecountyparks.com.      

Photo Resources:

Photos on our Flickr can be used as long as they include any photo attributions (listed in each photo description).

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