Willow River State Park

Two dams, two lakes, a trout stream, sand beach, prairie remnants and a nature center are featured on 3,155 acres of rolling countryside.

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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. Willow Falls and a quality campground will surprise visitors at this Twin Cities getaway. Because of its proximity to Minneapolis-St.Two dams, two lakes, a trout stream, sand beach, prairie remnants and a nature center are featured on 3,155 acres of rolling countryside.

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. Willow Falls and a quality campground will surprise visitors at this Twin Cities getaway. Because of its proximity to Minneapolis-St. Paul it is one of the most visited state parks in Wisconsin. Willow River's campground, on the southern shore of Little Falls Lake, is very popular and has one of the highest occupancy rates in the Wisconsin State Park System. Trilobite fossils found in the lower layers of the gorge indicate the rock is around 600 million years old.

The park has a campground, a boat launch, and a 400-foot beach and picnic area centered on 172-acre Little Falls Lake. Willow River State Park draws more than 300,000 visitors each year. Popular campground and excellent cross-country skiing. Parts of the park are open to deer and turkey hunting in season. The constant flow of water from the falls and dam account for the abundant wildlife found at the park. Summer visitors enjoy fishing and canoeing on this peaceful, non-motorized lake, hiking, and camping. During the winter, the park becomes the domain of the deer, chickadee, cardinal, red fox, bald eagle and crow.

Anglers enjoy the placid waters harvesting walleye, pike, largemouth bass, and pan fish. The northern area of the lake is known for its wildlife sightings. Fly fishing is enjoyed along the Lower Willow stream. Swimming is a very popular Willow River recreation. The beach is located on the south side of Little Falls Lake. Sunbathing, picnicking, and field games dominate the open space.

Summer visitors enjoy fishing and canoeing on the peaceful, non-motorized Little Falls Lake, Frisbee Golf, hiking, and camping at over 70 campsites in the park. There's a prairie garden outside the Willow River Nature Center. The most popular hiking trail destination is the Willow Falls and the scenic overlooks of the river valley. The views of Willow Falls become even more spectacular in the winter when drifts of ice and snow make the Willow River seem to appear out of nowhere. The constant flow of water from the falls and dam account for the abundant wildlife found at the park. During the winter, the park becomes the domain of the deer, chickadee, cardinal, red fox, bald eagle and crow.

Hit the beach if you want, Browns Beach is practically right here; Saint Croix National Golf Club is a glorious golf course close by. Whitewater paddling is wonderful on nearby Apple River, Perch Lake if you're looking for a delightful journey. A day on the slopes of Afton Alps at Hudson (15 minutes from Hudson at: 6600 Peller Ave. S., Hastings, MN 55033 ) is just what you need. Nearby Willow River Rod and Gun Club at New Richmond organize turkey shoots, fishing tournaments, rifle sight-in days, conservation projects, bowhunter and rifle education, and league activities. You can play some golf at Hudson Country Club, White Eagle Golf Club Golf Course and paddling on Vermilion River is also so much fun. Burkhardt Mill Pond 169.1 is a nearby lake that you could pop by, and there are some splendid whitewater spots on Apple River.

The main campground is open to vehicles until first snowfall or late November. Afterward, the campground road is closed to all vehicles until April.

Willow River State Park Map

Friends of the Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park Private Campgrounds and Camping Reservations

Direction:
Willow River State Park in the City of Hudson - St. Croix County (Northwest WI).

Location

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