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Wisconsin State Parks

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Willow River State Park
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Willow River State Park Willow River State Park © Danny Graber
A treasure hidden in the middle of nowhere in northwest Wisconsin.
Willow River State Park © Dawne Olson
Willow River State Park © Larry Marino
Looking for food
Willow River State Park © Larry Marino
Soaking up the sun
Willow River State Park Blue Heron © Larry Marino
Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park © Larry Marino
Willow River State Park © Larry Marino
at the lake
Willow River State Park © Larry Marino
after the rain
Willow River State Park © Laurie Maloney
Willow River State Park View from Above © Allen A. Barger
A view from above the Falls Area.
Willow River State Park Willow Falls © Joseph Valerius
Willow River State Park Willow River Falls © Allen A. Barger
View of the Falls
Willow River State Park Willow Falls © Joseph Valerius
Willow River State Park Under the Falls © Allen A. Barger
The ledge under the Falls
Willow River State Park Canoe on the Lake © Allen A. Barger
My Sisters Family out on the Lake
Willow River State Park Lake Scene © Allen A. Barger
The Lake from near the campsites
Willow River State Park Thistle Bud © Allen A. Barger
Close up of a thistle bud...
Willow River State Park Berries © Allen A. Barger
Berries along the path.
Willow River State Park Bug on a Flower © Allen A. Barger
Large bug on the Flower
Willow River State Park Flowers by the river © Allen A. Barger
Close up of some pretty flowers
Willow River State Park Flower Close up © Allen A. Barger
Another flower close-up
Willow River State Park Baby Grasshopper on Flower © Allen A. Barger
The flower was a bit smaller than a Penny.
Willow River State Park Reflections in Water © Allen A. Barger
Willow River along path to Falls
Willow River State Park Blue Heron © Larry Marino
Blue Heron Willow River State Park
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WILLOW RIVER STATE PARK
WILLOW RIVER STATE PARK
1034 County Highway A
Hudson, Wisconsin   54016

Phone: 715-386-5931
Reservations: 715-386-5931
Email: park email button icon
With 2,891 acres of prairie, forests, and panoramic river scenery, Willow River State Park offers year-round recreational and scenic attractions in western Wisconsin. Located 5 miles northeast of Hudson on County Road A, the park has a campground, a boat launch, and a 400-foot beach and picnic area centered on 172-acre Little Falls Lake.

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

The park draws more than 300,000 visitors each year.

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.
Passes
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas, please visit the VEHICLE ADMISSION STICKERS web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseSwimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
Camping
Willow River has a campground with 72 tent or recreational vehicle (RV) sites, flush toilets, and showers. See the map below. There also are six RV-only sites which don't show on this map. Some of the RV sites are pictured here.

To reserve a campsite call (888) WI PARKS ((888) 947-2757).
Swimming
Willow River State Park offers a beach area at Little Falls Lake for swimming during the summer months. Lifeguards are not on duty, so visitors swim at their own risk. The lake's designated swimming zone is marked with buoys to ensure safety and separate from boating activities. Changing facilities are available near the beach for convenience. Outside of the buoyed area, swimmers should be cautious due to boat traffic and varying water depths.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy river and lake fishing, targeting species like trout, northern pike, bass, and panfish.



Picnicking
Willow River State Park offers scenic picnic areas with tables and grills overlooking Willow Falls and the river. There are sheltered pavilions available for rent, perfect for group outings or family gatherings. Open grassy spaces provide ample room to lay out a blanket and enjoy a meal outdoors. The park also features playgrounds near picnic spots, adding convenience for families with children.
Bicycling
Be mindful when considering cycling options, as the terrain can be challenging. Stick to designated trails for safety.

The park offers a mixed-use trail system; however, not all paths are suitable for bicycles due to natural conditions and restrictions.

One of the main routes is Little Falls Trail, which accommodates bikes but requires caution due to potential foot traffic and uneven surfaces.

Burdock Trail also permits bicycling. It's important to watch out for hikers sharing this path and navigate respectfully around them.

Exercise care on Nelson Farm Trail if you choose it-its multi-purpose nature means encountering various users at any time.

Always check current trail statuses before your visit since weather or maintenance activities could affect accessibility or safety conditions unexpectedly.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can enjoy diverse habitats, including forests, prairies, and wetlands. Look for warblers during migration seasons. The park's riverine environment attracts waterfowl like ducks and geese. Woodland species include woodpeckers, nuthatches, and thrushes among the trees. Open areas are ideal to spot grassland birds such as sparrows and bobolinks in summer months. Raptors like bald eagles may be seen soaring above or perched near the Willow River.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 6 No water, No flush toilets, No grass by Kmpl
park review stars; one to five We just camped there this weekend, Oct 4-6. I had no idea that they had shut off all water until we got there and did not see that posted anywhere on the website when I made my reservation last week. It rained all weekend so the site having absolutely no grass made for alot of mud. The falls were beautiful and I would love to camp here again when they have water and flush toilets.
June 18 our second home by ajprincess
park review stars; one to five every year we seem to use our sticker more. the walking trails are awesome and are perfect if you need lots of cardio:)...especially towards the fall, we count the number of deer we see...its become a contest:)
May 26 Beautiful Park by Alex Wollangk
park review stars; one to five My family visited over Memorial Day weekend. This is a stunning park. Make sure to bring a camera.
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Directions
Use Mapquest and the address supplied below to generate a custome set of directions from your location to the park:

Willow River State Park

1034 County Highway A

Hudson WI 54016

(715)386-5931 Office

(715)386-0431 Fax

(715)386-9340 Nature Center

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Wisconsin
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Wisconsin State Parks

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