Free Fun Weekend at Dane County Parks
June 04, 2025
Lael Pascual, (608) 220-7509
Land & Water Resources
MADISON, WI - June 4, 2025 - Dane County and City of Madison Parks are offering a permit-free weekend Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8, 2025.
“Spending time in nature is one of the most powerful ways to support both our mental and physical well-being,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Dane County Parks offer countless opportunities to get outside, connect with the land, and recharge. I encourage everyone to take advantage of Free Fun Weekend—step out, explore, and discover something new.”
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 269 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 of 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 18,000 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.
The Dane County Park System does not require an entry fee and is always free to visit. Some activities require a permit and the fees help us maintain amenities for those activates. If you try out a permitted activity this weekend and enjoy it, you can purchase a daily or annual pass online from www.reservedane.com.
For more information, please visit the Recreation page at https://www.danecountyparks.com/recreation and Madison Parks at www.cityofmadison.com/parks.
For more information, please visit our websites www.danecountyparks.com.
Photo Resources
Dog Park: https://flic.kr/p/2mX5nmp
Disc Golf: https://flic.kr/p/2mR4BSy
Bike Trail: https://flic.kr/p/2od4FpM
Tenney Park Lock & Dam: https://flic.kr/p/2njrRXN
Photos on our Flickr can be used as long as they include any photo attributions that are listed in the photo description.
About Dane County Parks
The Dane County Park System is made up of 18,000 acres of land that features the best of Wisconsin’s natural beauty. Our Parks do not require an entry fee and offer countless opportunities to get away from it all to unwind, spend time outdoors, and make memories with friends and family. Dane County Parks takes an active role to enhance and preserve the county’s finest natural resources. We strive to create welcoming spaces, events and educational opportunities for park visitors of all backgrounds and ability levels.
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