Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park is a park in St. Croix County covering 3,000 acres with grassland, dense forest, and a 172-acre lake. The terrain rolls across gentle hills and shallow valleys cut by a river, with walking trails following its banks.

The protected area was established by the Department of Natural Resources in 1967 after previous agricultural use on these lands. The conversion brought the restoration of forest and the creation of recreational facilities for visitors.

Families use the lakeside area for fishing and picnicking on summer weekends, while school groups join guided walks that explain animal tracks and plant species along the trails. The wide forest paths attract runners and cyclists moving through stands of oak and maple.

The grounds lie less than 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Hudson and offer access to camping areas, a 400-foot (122-meter) beach, and boat launches. Hikers find more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) of marked trails with varying difficulty that pass through forest and open ground.

The Willow Falls form a sequence of cascades over exposed bedrock, creating small pools and rapids along the river course. Visitors can observe the flowing water from several angles using trails that surround the falls.

Location: St. Croix County

Inception: 1967

Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/willowriver

GPS coordinates: 45.01940,-92.68750

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30