Willow River State Park – Hudson, WI

Four scenic overlooks provide spectacular views of the water falls and Willow River gorge.

Summer recreation:

Summer visitors enjoy fishing and canoeing on this peaceful, non-motorized lake, hiking, and camping.
The Nature Center, located near the main picnic area, features exhibits on animal and plant life, and park naturalists host many interpretive programs there throughout the year.
The park’s 13 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty. The most popular hiking trail destination is the Willow Falls and the scenic overlooks of the river valley. A gift shop is located in the Nature Center.

Winter recreation:

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. Even so, there is plenty of room for the outdoor enthusiast to partake in their favorite winter activity.

The park has 2 miles of hard packed trails on the north side of the river available for pet owners and for activities like snowshoeing, dogsledding, and hiking. The park?s 9 miles of cross-country ski trails on the south side of the river are groomed and tracked by volunteers for skate and traditional stride style skiing. The Nature Center classroom is opened for use as a warming house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Other winter activities include sledding, ice fishing or winter camping. A whole new experience is waiting for those who use and appreciate the park in its winter splendor.