Willow River State Park is a 2,891-acre Wisconsin state park located about five miles north of Hudson. The park’s centerpiece is the 200-foot-deep gorge of Willow Falls. The park also contains a shallow reservoir called Little Falls Lake.
Winter activities
Willow River, Wisconsin is home to many activities for winter vacationers. The city boasts a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and boating. You can also take a hike along the ADA-accessible Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. Willow River State Park also features a Nature Center with live displays and naturalist programs. Those who enjoy fishing will find plenty of opportunities for panfish and trout in the river upstream of the dam. Many people also enjoy picnicking by the riverside.
The park offers a variety of water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and sculling. The park also features a heated indoor swimming pool and a laundry facility. It also offers a complimentary shuttle to help visitors get to their destinations. There are also playgrounds and horseshoes for children and a convenience store with snacks and other necessities.
The park also offers plenty of outdoor activities in winter. You can try dogsledding at the state park’s 2-mile trail on the north side of the river. The state park also has a 9-mile cross-country ski trail. The state park also offers opportunities for ice fishing and winter camping.
Hiking
If you enjoy the outdoors, you might enjoy hiking in Willow River Wisconsin. This 2,891-acre state park is located five miles north of Hudson. It is home to the waterfall, Willow Falls, which cascades into a 200-foot gorge. It also contains Little Falls Lake, a shallow reservoir on the Willow River.
The park features many oak trees and is a popular place for hiking in the area. It also has a nature center and several miles of hiking trails. There are nice overlooks along the way as well as plenty of picnic and swimming areas. This place is also 40 minutes from downtown Minneapolis, making it an ideal side trip from the Twin Cities.
Willow Falls is one of the highlights of the park. This waterfall cascades into a gorge that is wide and beautiful. Its waters are clear and cool, and you can wade in many areas. Just be aware that some areas can be slippery! If you do plan on wading in the falls, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and water shoes. If you don’t feel like wading in the river, you can also take a boat ride on the river.
The park also has two hiking trails, the Willow Falls Trail and the Little Falls Trail. The Willow Falls Trail is the easiest way to reach the waterfall. Both are accessible from a small parking lot off County Highway A.
Canoeing
Whether you’re an experienced canoer or looking to start a new adventure, the Willow River is a wonderful choice for your next outing. This river offers a steady current and clear water. In addition, it’s pristine, with no development and no highway noise. The river features a mix of forests and farmland, as well as deadfalls and angels that clear the way for paddlers.
There are numerous areas where you can launch your canoe or kayak, and you can visit the Willow River State Park nature center for kayaking and boating opportunities. There are also opportunities for swimming in Little Falls Lake. While you’re on the water, be mindful of changing river conditions and other people’s safety.
The park features a picturesque river and is home to a waterfall known as Willow Falls. There are several scenic overlooks that overlook the river. The park also offers thirteen miles of paved bike and hiking trails. Camping is also available in the park. You can explore the natural surroundings and explore the surrounding areas.
Boating
If you’re looking for a great place to go boating in Wisconsin, you’ll want to consider Willow River State Park. This 2,891-acre park is about five miles north of Hudson. One of the highlights of the park is a 200-foot gorge with a waterfall called Willow Falls. The park also features a shallow lake called Little Falls Lake.
This river has a steady current and clear water. It also has rocky substrate that prevents the noise of nearby highways. There are three landings along the river, including one in Downtown and one on CR Rd. A. Both are convenient and offer excellent boating. While on the water, paddlers will be able to observe a multitude of species of birds and other wildlife.
For families, Willow River State Park offers several picnic areas, including a beachside picnic area. It also features a swimming pool, mini golf course, and a convenient store. There’s even a free shuttle service available for those traveling from the park to the water. In addition, there are plenty of playgrounds and open stretches of grass for outdoor activities.
Fishing
Willow River, Wisconsin, has a history that stretches back to the mid-1800s. The area was famous for logging and wheat farming. The river provided a great transport system for logs. In 1868, Christian Burkhardt built a grist mill in the area. He soon became a wealthy landowner. He also studied hydroelectric power plants in Germany and eventually built four dams and power plants on the river.
The upper Willow River, located near County Highway T east of New Richmond, is known for trophy brown trout. According to DNR surveys, this stretch of the river produces consistently large brown trout, 16 to 20 inches. Another good fishery is the South Fork, which is a tributary stream of the upper Willow River. This section has mixed brook and brown trout populations with good size structure.
The Willow River is a popular stream in the region. It is home to many species, including walleye, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, muskie, northern pike, and brown trout. The river is also a good place for fly fishing.
Lakefront Park
Lakefront Park in Willow River, Wisconsin offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can hike along the Willow River and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls. There are 13 miles of trails throughout the park, including the ADA-accessible Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. Other popular hiking trails include the Willow Falls Trail and the Little Falls Trail. The park also offers opportunities for paddling in the Little Falls Lake.
This section of the river is notable for its clean, rocky substrate and steady current. There is little development in the area, and the nearby highways don’t cause a lot of noise. The river’s banks alternate with a forest of deadfalls and silver maples.
Willow River State Park has two camping areas. One has full hookup sites, while the other offers more natural prairie areas. It also features six pull-through campsites for large RVs. In both camping areas, pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Owners must also clean up after their pets.
The historic district features a park where visitors can learn about native and endangered species. The river is home to pelicans that stop by on their migration. Thousands of ducks and other waterfowl swoop around in the spring and fall. Anglers catch bass, pike, sunfish, and bluegills. Kayakers and other water-based activities are also a great way to enjoy the park. Trumpeter swans also spend the winter in this area. The new park offers many opportunities for close observation of these birds.
Camping
If you are planning a trip to Western Wisconsin, consider camping in Willow River State Park. This state park is set amidst lush forest and prairie. It has plenty of activities to keep you and your family busy. You can hike to the nearby waterfalls, play golf, or participate in a game of horseshoes. The park also has a heated indoor swimming pool and other amenities.
The campground is home to one of the highest occupancy rates in the Wisconsin State Park System. Willow River 300 is a large park with 70 campsites and flush toilets. It’s located close to the trailhead for Willow Falls. The other two campgrounds, 300 Loop and 100 Loop, are slightly less wooded but still good options for large RVs. Both campgrounds have flush toilets and showers, and offer drinking water.
The campsite at Willow River State Park offers a variety of activities. For instance, it has a small lake, Little Falls Lake, where you can go swimming and launch a kayak. There are also motorized boat trails along the St. Croix River, which can be great for biking and hiking. You can camp in one of the three campgrounds, or in a group site.