Free Fun Weekend at Dane County Parks

June 03, 2026
Joleen Stinson, 608-224-3730
Land & Water Resources

Activity Permit Fees are Waived June 6 and 7 in Dane County Parks 

 

Dane County Parks and City of Madison Parks are offering a permit-free weekend Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, 2026. 

“Dane County Parks give residents and visitors so many great ways to get outside, stay active, and enjoy our natural resources,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Free Fun Weekend is a great opportunity to explore a favorite park or try something new, whether that means paddling, hiking, biking, visiting a dog park, or spending time with family and friends in nature.” 

This includes: 

Lake Access Sites: 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 19,000 acres of land and over 100 miles of trails, there is no shortage of ways to get out and explore the amazing resources our county has to offer.  

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 activities. 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.