Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park is a scenic northwest Wisconsin park known for Willow Falls, the Willow River Gorge, Little Falls Lake, hiking trails, camping, picnicking, fishing, paddling, and swimming at the designated beach.
Visiting with Dogs
Dogs are allowed in designated areas of the park and campground but must be leashed and under control. Dogs are not allowed in the beach area.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Willow Falls, the Willow River Gorge, Little Falls Lake, hiking trails, camping, picnic areas, and a designated swimming beach are among the park's main attractions.
Tips from Visitors
- A vehicle admission pass is required for motor vehicles stopping in the park.
- Daily admission is currently $13 for vehicles with Wisconsin license plates and $16 for vehicles with out-of-state plates.
- Arrive early for parking, especially on busy weekends and holidays.
- Wear sturdy shoes on trails with steep hills, rocks, roots, or uneven surfaces.
- Stay well away from unprotected cliffs and supervise children near water and steep terrain.
- Use the designated swimming beach on Little Falls Lake for swimming; lifeguards are not provided.
- Check current trail conditions before visiting, especially after severe weather.
- Bring water and appropriate clothing for the season.
Best Time to Visit
The park offers outdoor recreation year-round. Late spring through early fall provides access to swimming and many warm-weather activities, while autumn brings changing foliage. Check current trail and park conditions before visiting.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Willow River State Park:
- Willow FallsThe park's signature waterfall and one of its most popular hiking destinations, reached by several trail routes.1 mile away
- Little Falls Lake BeachThe park's designated swimming beach on Little Falls Lake. Lifeguards are not provided.1.5 miles away
- Hudson Historic DowntownA nearby river town with restaurants, shops, and views of the St. Croix River.5 miles away
Things to Do at Willow River State Park
Camping at Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park offers family camping with tent, trailer, and motor home sites. The 300 campground has 70 sites with flush toilets and showers, while the 100 campground has another 50 sites.
Hiking Trails
Willow River State Park has 13 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy, accessible routes to trails with steep hills and varied terrain. Popular hiking destinations include Willow Falls and scenic overlooks of the river valley. Trail surfaces can include pavement, gravel, sand, rocks, roots, and other uneven terrain.
Burkhardt Trail
ModerateThis trail winds along the river bottom, climbs to scenic overlooks, and continues back down toward Willow River Falls. The distance varies depending on the route taken.
Hidden Ponds Nature Trail
EasyA paved, accessible interpretive trail behind the Nature Center that passes through oak forest and wetlands. It is a good trail for observing white-tailed deer and birds.
Knapweed Trail
EasyA trail connecting the Pioneer Trail near the group camp with the area near the 100 campground. It is named for spotted knapweed and passes through areas with wildflowers.
Little Falls Trail
EasyA paved trail running from Little Falls Dam to the campground, passing the beach, picnic area, and boat launch along Little Falls Lake. It is the only park trail that allows bikes and rollerblades.
Mound Trail
ModerateNamed for the glacial mound on the east side of the river, this trail follows a restored section of the Willow River and can be accessed from the Mound parking lot or Rattle Bridge lot.
Nelson Farm Trail
DifficultA scenic trail extending from the Trout Brook Trail through much of the northern part of the park toward Willow Falls. It passes through river bottom, wetlands, prairie, mature oak forest, and old-growth white pines, with terrain that includes very steep hills.
Oak Ridge Trail
ModerateA shaded trail accessed from the beach parking area that travels through mixed hardwood forest and over several hills. The trail also features signs of the glaciers that shaped the area.
Pioneer Trail
ModerateA scenic trail extending from the group camp past the 100 and 200 campgrounds. It follows the forest edge along the top of the Willow River valley and continues to historic gravesites and an overlook above Willow Falls.
Trout Brook Trail
EasyA fairly level loop beginning near the large parking area by the beach. It follows the lower Willow River through red pine and prairie areas and offers opportunities to see birds, deer, and other wildlife.
Whitetail Trail
EasyA trail through open fields and forest edge named for the abundant deer in the park. Visitors may see deer or find their tracks along the route.
Willow Falls Hill Trail
DifficultThe shortest route to Willow Falls from the Willow Falls parking lot. The trail travels up and down a very steep hill and requires extra care.
Willow Falls Trail
ModerateA scenic trail extending from the campground to Willow Falls along the shore of Little Falls Lake and the Willow River. The route offers opportunities to see deer, birds, wildflowers, and the waterfall.
Directions
From Hudson, take County Highway A to the park entrance. Willow River State Park is located near Hudson in northwest Wisconsin.
Contact & Info
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Willow River State Park best known for?
It’s best known for Willow Falls, a scenic waterfall area that’s a favorite for photos, short hikes, and family visits. Many visitors also enjoy the Willow River Gorge, wooded trails, Little Falls Lake, picnic areas, and the park’s swimming beach.
Are the trails at Willow River State Park difficult?
Trail difficulty varies. The park has hiking trails ranging from easy, accessible paths to trails with steep hills and uneven terrain. The DNR notes that some trails can have loose sand or gravel, exposed rocks or roots, and slippery surfaces when wet or leaf-covered. Stay well away from unprotected cliffs and use extra caution near the waterfall.
Can you swim at Willow River State Park?
Yes. Willow River State Park has a swimming beach on Little Falls Lake. Lifeguards are not provided. The Willow River is accessible in many places, but the DNR does not designate other areas of the park as swimming areas.
Is Willow River State Park good for families with kids?
Yes. The park has picnic areas, playgrounds, camping, a swimming beach, and trails suitable for a range of visitors. Some trails and areas near the falls have steep terrain, slippery surfaces, or exposed rocks, so children should be supervised near water, cliffs, and other potentially hazardous areas.
How crowded does Willow River State Park get?
The park can be busier on weekends, holidays, and during popular seasons. Arriving earlier can make parking and access to popular areas such as Willow Falls easier.
Do I need to pay to enter Willow River State Park?
Yes. A vehicle admission pass is required for motor vehicles stopping in Wisconsin state parks, forests, and recreation areas. Current daily rates are $13 for vehicles with Wisconsin license plates and $16 for vehicles with out-of-state plates. Annual 12-month passes are also available.