State park featuring the centerpiece of the park, Willow Falls, a powerful cascade in a 200-foot deep gorge, and Little Falls Lake, a shallow reservoir on the Willow River
General Information
Wisconsin Resident Daily Admission Sticker: $13
Non-Resident Daily Admission Sticker: $16
Wisconsin Resident Annual Sticker: $28
Non-Resident Annual Sticker: $50
Additional camping and shelter reservation fees apply
How to Get There
From Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hudson I-94 (approximately 7 mi): Take WI-35 N and County Highway A east from Hudson, then continue to Willow River State Park at 1034 County Highway A, following signs to Willow Falls, Little Falls Lake, the campground, and trailheads.
Overview
Willow River State Park is a 2,891-acre (1,170 ha) Wisconsin state park located five miles (8 km) north of Hudson. The centerpiece of the park is Willow Falls, a powerful cascade in a 200-foot (61 m) deep gorge. Another popular feature is Little Falls Lake, a shallow reservoir on the Willow River. Because of its proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul it is one of the most visited state parks in Wisconsin. Trilobite fossils found in the lower layers of the gorge indicate the rock is around 600 million years old.
Things to Do
Visit One of Wisconsin's Most Beautiful Waterfalls
Willow River State Park is one of western Wisconsin's most popular outdoor destinations, known for its stunning waterfall, scenic river gorge, wooded hills, and extensive recreational opportunities. Located near Hudson and St. Croix River Valley attractions, the park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
See Willow Falls
The park's centerpiece is Willow Falls, a spectacular multi-tiered waterfall that cascades over rocky ledges within a scenic gorge. The falls are among Wisconsin's most photographed natural attractions and are especially beautiful during spring runoff and autumn foliage season.
Enjoy Recreation on Little Falls Lake
Little Falls Lake offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. The lake's beach area is a popular gathering spot during the summer months and provides excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
Explore the Willow River Gorge
The Willow River has carved a picturesque gorge featuring steep cliffs, rapids, and rock formations. Scenic overlooks throughout the park allow visitors to enjoy views of the river valley and surrounding forests while experiencing one of Wisconsin's most impressive geological features.
Observe Wildlife and Natural Habitats
The park's forests, prairies, wetlands, and river corridors provide habitat for white-tailed deer, foxes, wild turkeys, waterfowl, hawks, songbirds, and numerous native plant species. Birdwatching, photography, and nature observation are popular activities throughout the year.
Top Trails
Willow Falls Trail
Length: Approximately 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This popular trail leads directly to Willow Falls and several scenic overlooks. Visitors enjoy views of the waterfall, river gorge, and surrounding woodland landscapes while experiencing the park's signature attraction.
Willow River Trail
Length: Approximately 5 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
Following portions of the Willow River, this scenic trail features beautiful river views, forests, bluff-top overlooks, and opportunities for wildlife observation. The route showcases many of the park's most scenic natural features.
Burkhardt Trail
Length: Approximately 3 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
This woodland trail travels through forests and rolling terrain while providing a quieter hiking experience away from the park's busiest areas. Seasonal wildflowers and fall colors make it especially attractive for nature enthusiasts.
Little Falls Lake Trail
Length: Approximately 2 miles loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy
This family-friendly trail circles portions of Little Falls Lake and offers pleasant views of the water, picnic areas, and shoreline habitats. The route is ideal for casual walks, birdwatching, and photography.
Sources: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources official Willow River State Park information, including details on Willow Falls, Little Falls Lake, hiking trails, camping, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and recreational opportunities. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/willowriver
Additional trail and visitor information verified through Wisconsin State Parks resources covering Willow Falls Trail, Willow River Trail, Burkhardt Trail, Little Falls Lake recreation, and year-round outdoor activities throughout the park.
Recreation
The park includes boating, camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming.
- Hidden Ponds Nature Trail (hiking, accessible): Guides are available at the head of this paved loop around a wetland (0.6 miles (3,200 ft; 970 m)).
- Little Falls Trail (hiking, biking, rollerblading): Follows the developed shoreline from the campground to the dam (0.9 miles (4,800 ft; 1,400 m)).
- Willow Falls Trail (hiking): Follows the shoreline from the campground to Willow Falls (0.9 miles (4,800 ft; 1,400 m)).
- Willow Falls Hill Trail (hiking): A steep shortcut to the falls from a separate parking lot (0.3 miles (1,600 ft; 480 m)).
- Trout Brook Trail (hiking): A level out-and-back route along the river below the dam (1.1 miles (5,800 ft; 1,800 m)).
- Oak Ridge Trail (hiking): A forested path between the lake parking and the campground (0.9 miles (4,800 ft; 1,400 m)).
- White Tail Trail (hiking): A loop off the Oak Ridge Trail through forest meadows popular with white tail deer (1.6 miles (8,400 ft; 2,600 m)).
- Knapweed Trail (hiking): Passes through fields being restored into prairie and forest (0.9 miles (4,800 ft; 1,400 m)).
- Pioneer Trail (hiking): Leads past the gravesite of early European settlers to an overlook of Willow Falls (0.9 miles (4,800 ft; 1,400 m)).
- Burkhardt Trail (hiking): A network of trails above the falls with several overlooks (3.0 miles (15,800 ft; 4,800 m)).
- Mound Trail (hiking): Follows the Willow River in the undeveloped northeastern part of the park, past a glacial mound (1.1 miles (5,800 ft; 1,800 m)).
The Willow River Nature Center is located near the main picnic area, and features natural history exhibits. Naturalists offer public programs throughout the year.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Willow River State Park", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
