Willow River State Park image

Willow River State Park

Tourist attraction Park State park

One of the Best Places To Visits in Hudson


Address

1034 Co Hwy A, Hudson, WI 54016, United States

Website

dnr.wi.gov

Contact

+1 715-386-5931

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (3.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 6 am to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 6 am to 11 pm
  • Sunday: 6 am to 11 pm
  • Monday: 6 am to 11 pm
  • Tuesday: 6 am to 11 pm
  • Wednesday: 6 am to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 6 am to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: falls (38) park (27) hike (16) waterfall (16) water (16) time (14) trails (14) area (14) state (13) beautiful (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mushir Ahmed B. 8 months ago on Google
    Wow, what an incredible park! My entire day outing with family and friends couldn't have been any better. This place is simply amazing for a delightful BBQ and a memorable family reunion. The 2-mile walk to the breathtaking falls in Wisconsin was an enchanting experience, immersing us in the beauty of true nature. With around 600 campsites, both with electricity and without, the options were plentiful, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. I must say, this park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The picturesque surroundings and the abundance of activities kept us entertained throughout. We couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling and enjoyable outing. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a camping lover, or just looking to spend quality time with your loved ones, this place has something special for everyone. Highly recommended!
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jen H. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place! It was so fun swimming in the waterfalls. There is something to do for everyone. Dog friendly, kid friendly, and family fun. Did not know much about the falls until we actually went. Make sure you bring a swimsuit or wear clothing that you do not mind getting soaked in because you will not be able to resist going in! The trails are very well marked and clean. Overall a perfect place to visit on those hot summer days. Parking was a nightmare but definitely will be going again.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brodie P. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the more photogenic state parks in the system. Willow Falls is a pretty decent hike to a from, but the falls are beautiful and very pretty to look at. Willow Falls was also a dam at one point in its history, with some remnants from the past. Definitely worth a visit if you are coming from Minneapolis, St. Paul, or Eau Claire.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erika N. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved the short hike along the lake & river to get to the waterfall. I enjoyed seeing the falls peacefully in the evening and early morning. Plus i loved the fact it becomes a water park during the day. The campsites have some visibility to neighbors and ppl walking by but there was plenty of nature surrounding my site. I woke up to deer in and near my site twice and coyotes yelping near by. Nature is not scarce here. 🏕
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kate S. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited this week for the first time in over 11 years and it's still beautiful. We've camped here in the past, and their campgrounds are wonderful. Clean bathhouses, private spots. The hike to the falls from the falls parking lot is short (but STEEP). Stroller accessible, I just wouldn't want to be the one pushing the stroller back up 😂 We took 9 kids and they all could have spent hours there playing in the water. Great spot for sure.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lou L. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a fun winter hike! I have trekking poles and they came in handy here as the winter trails are very very hilly and can be slick fyi. I recommend parking at the Nature Center and then hiking to the falls. A 15,000 steps hike down and back.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Katie A. 5 months ago on Google
    A decent sized state park. There's a few things to see but not enough to stay for a long time. The campgrounds looks awesome though. Sucks that you have to pay for the campsite and a car pass. Check out the falls and the lake. 13 trails here and none are longer than 4 miles.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Darrin R. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice park, good trails, the campsites in the 300 block have good space and are woodsy, the 100 and 200 sites look to be much more open. The bathrooms were clean and stocked and had hot water. The falls are definitely worth the hike, especially in spring. The beach area is huge and basically all grass - too early to swim so not sure about the water but the lake is pretty brown at the moment. The nature center staff were knowledgeable and the mammal identification hike was well done. No store or anyplace to get coffee. Caught a trout with our bare hands at the falls!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Del A. 2 years ago on Google
    My favorite waterfall. Such a peaceful trail leading to the fall. Absolutely gorgeous waterfall. I take my kids there every time I am in the cities and near by. Wisconsin less than 20 minutes pass area I stay. We have gone when there was still snow and ice on floor and beginning of fall. Both great experiences. Very clean and beautifully done where there is easy access to the waterfall up close. Still have to be careful but a lot safer than many I've been to and easier trail and access. A must visit when you're near by. You will not regret it. The trail isn't difficult at all minute the couple minutes of the uphill which is a downhill beginning of your hike there. Other than that very clean paths and leveled. Closer to the fall you'll have open area and view to the river . And can hear the water minutes away from it. Just breathtaking. Go visit!!! Take some pictures and enjoy!! Help maintain its beauty and cleanliness by doing your part and not litering and just enjoy all the beauty around. I attached pictures from both visits there this year. March and October.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leika S. 1 year ago on Google
    Went camping here the second week of August. And there is a variety of things that you can do here. Just remember that this is a Wisconsin state park. You will have to buy a parking pass I believe it was $11. You can buy wood as well once you buy your pass. What I like best about this place is that there is organization and cleanliness in the campsites. The bathroom closest to my campsite was not open however there was another bathroom that was open a little further from the one closest to my campsite. You can go to the lake where there is a pavilion and plenty of space for picnicking. I saw a lot of families there with their children and even their dogs. We decided to go kayaking and paddle boarding. There is enough space in the parking lot so that you can get close enough. You can swim as well and there was a grill near the Pavilion. Also they have many trails and a beautiful waterfall. You can literally walk all day if you wanted to. There's a lot of history here as well that you can learn about. I highly suggest this spot for our first time camping trip. I went on a Sunday with my son and a bunch of his friends. It was not very crowded and the campsite itself was not too small nor too large. They do provide a fire ring and a picnic table. Check in is at 3:00 p.m. and check out is at the same time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brittany 8 months ago on Google
    Loved this park! Definitely one we will return to. The 300 campground is the nicest of the 3 so would recommend that. 100 and 200 have fewer trees and are more prairie - make sure you bring some kind of sun shade for those sites. We had an electric site in the 300 loop and loved being able to hike to the waterfalls and over to the beach. If you have pets, they are not allowed in the beach or picnic areas so keep that in mind. We were able to have pets in a separate area and found some places along the shore to let them play water fetch. Overall, great park!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Asha L. 10 months ago on Google
    One of my favorite places to go for a day hike from the twin cities! Beautiful in the fall too. I like to visit the falls from the trail to Burkhart Trail, which is outside the main park entrance on the backside. Steep climb in elevation but quicker with gorgeous main views.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simply E. 9 months ago on Google
    What an amazing day. So grateful we found easy parking spot. We made the descending hike down, sun was out so it was a hot 95, but that all disappeared once he hit the bottom. It was around 330 pm. You could definitely feel the cool mist from the falls. The forest that surrounds this hidden gem was so serene and calming. Good Medicine for the mind body and soul. We made it finally and there was quite a few people. We climbed around to make to to the bottom and make our way to behind the waterfall. Some spots were ice cold water but the main channel was fairly warm. My 9 year old didn't want to leave he was having a blast climbing and exploring while cooling in the side pools. I'd recommend some good sturdy sandals with some tread as some of the smoother rocks tend to be mossy and a little slippery. And don't rush, take your time, there's alot to take in. On your way out there is a climbing stairway 178 steps up to an overlook that is a must! There is resting benches along the way. I didnt see water fountains, or restooms. And did also see service dogs and a few other dogs too. We had an amazing time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abi T. 11 months ago on Google
    Fun little hike to a big waterfall! It takes about 15 minutes to get down to the falls but be warned it is VERY steep. You can feel it in your knees going down and going up kind of takes your breath away - literally. I took photos of a couple here for the engagement photos, it does get kind of crowded and I imagine very busy on summer weekends
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily L. 7 months ago on Google
    This place is magical! One of my new favorite hiking spots. The path to get down to the waterfall was a bit steep, so just keep that in mind. They had plenty of parking spots when we went, but we did get there early. I also loved that they have a selfie station to take pictures in front of the waterfall.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely LOVE this park. So much that we went twice in our trip. It’s $13 for a day pass for out of state license plates. You can route to the “Falls” portion of the park and it’ll bring you right to the parking lot. Take the quick trail down the hill and you’ll hit the falls. If you want to explore the falls, you’ll have to do a little climbing on rocky terrain. The falls/water is pretty slippery so be mindful. If you plan on exploring the falls and going up the pipe on the right, I highly recommend to wear crocs or water shoes of some sort. The water was pretty chilly and we went in June. Drove around a bit to see the other parts. Those are probably not as neat as the falls. Highly recommend this park!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa R. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved this beautiful state park. We biked but hiking would have been fun too. You do need a state sticker to get into the park. Clean restrooms and a park area for the kiddos. Dog friendly. The waterfall was most amazing! I enjoyed this so much. I definitely recommend going here and enjoying nature and all its beauty. Nature is a natural antidepressant and does wonders for anxiety too! Great place for some phenomenal pictures. Go here!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hank Z. 10 months ago on Google
    The waterfall is the main attraction, really cool area with observation deck. Lots of waders and a few that were climbing up under the falls. There is a lot of elevation to the hiking trails from the upper prairie areas to the lower gorge area where the falls and river are. Stairs lead to a 2nd deck far above the falls. The middle of the park is filled with campsites and the opposite end has a small beach and a nature center. Overall plenty to do here, and lots to do for kids also
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melissa B. 9 months ago on Google
    These falls are a must see! Recommend bringing water shoes as the rocks are slippery. Very steep, but paved hike down the yellow trail. Campground 100 is closest to the falls. Very clean restrooms. Found a beautiful prairie on a hike. A lot of deer. There is an ice cream truck along the trail on the weekends. The beach area has a little blue green algae. This area was over packed and dirty restrooms from a lot of day users. Very nice nature center near the beach.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Quinn K. 9 months ago on Google
    This park is so beautiful! It has so much to see and do, it takes more than one visit to see it all! The waterfall is so cool, the water is cold but you can swim in it! Also the surrounding geology is really unique and interesting, it adds a lot to the beauty of the waterfall.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joshua J. 1 year ago on Google
    This is an outstanding state park! Clean, open, plenty of camping spots and wide, well marked trails. Plus the cherry on top is the beautiful falls and the perfect viewing area and bridge. I actually noticed many elderly people here, just showing how easily accessible the falls really are. A big bonus if you're able to visit during the Autumn color season.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley A. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful state park. $13 for out of state vehicles. We hiked to the falls and they we gorgeous. Also did a fun Halloween scavenger hunt at the nature center. Great place for kids, dogs, or couples. A great Saturday morning spot :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jeff S. 2 years ago on Google
    This was my first time at Willow River State Park. It has a lot of potential. These trails have a decent amount of undulation. I hope to return another time that the trails aren't glare ice. Nice overlooking views of the river and falls as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lindsay S. 2 years ago on Google
    A gorgeous and large state park. It offers alot for families and individuals! From the beautiful falls, to nicely groomed hiking trails, a lake, a dam, and camping. Facilities look nice and taken care of. There's also a nature center. Look forward to visiting again for more than a day. Beach was closed due to blue/green algae.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcus Corbin (. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing hiking and snowshoeing trails! We came from MN and were so impressed by this park. The falls, while frozen, were still absolutely breathtaking. All of the trails were also neatly groomed and great for hiking, snowshoeing, and XC skiing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Will M. 7 months ago on Google
    Another of Wisconsin's amazing State Parks. Enjoyed the history behind the lake and dam. Was surprised at the layout of the campgrounds, the Falls are a whole story in themselves. You can rent Kayaks and fishing gear which is great for the lake.

  • 5/5 Rasikanand H. 6 months ago on Google
    Beautiful in fall. Took the Willow Falls, Burkhardt and Nelson Farm trail. First two are totally worth it. Nelson Farm trail had its moments but could've been skipped - also the longest trail. 8 miles total. Took about 2.5 hours at a moderate pace. Pictures make the falls look smaller than it actually is. The entire trail on the south side of Little Falls Lake has pretty views. Also some fun sights like giant pile of logs. Drive to the park is gorgeous too.

  • 5/5 Stephanie D. 8 months ago on Google
    This is absolutely a place to go! The falls are beautiful and the trails are great! Parking was fine in the morning when we went. The hill getting down and up was killer. Even our pup was tired afterwards!

  • 4/5 Joe S. 5 months ago on Google
    Well maintained park with respectable waterfalls and fishing lake (no dogs, no motorized boats). See pics. Picnic areas, grills (not clean), we saw one toilet, and a covered gathering area. No trash cans, but resultantly plenty of Modelo and Corona cans/bottles. For the admission fee they charge, taking care of a few trash cans would be reasonable.

  • 5/5 J. M. 8 months ago on Google
    I've said it once, and I'll say it again. These are the coolest waterfalls I've seen since Niagara Falls. No joke. Our pit stop visit was a last-minute decision, and man, was it a good one. My wife and I got caught in a bad thunderstorm with our 2 small kids and baby while there, but even that couldn't get us down. We just hid in a nearby cave until it let up a bit. The kids had fun chasing and catching a toad for a while. So enjoyable. I can't wait to go again.

  • 5/5 Lee N. 8 months ago on Google
    What a gem! Most of us need more wonder and awe inspired by creation in our lives. And this park - the falls especially - delivers big time! Enjoy the view from a safe distance or get up right next to the falls and even behind them! Bring water shoes and swimsuits to enjoy this experience fully. (Note: No restroom facilities are located at or near the falls, so plan ahead accordingly.) The walk from the falls parking lot to the main attraction is short (10 - 15 minutes) and mostly paved, but quite steep. There is plenty of shade and there are even a couple of benches along the way if you need a break! Daily parking is $10 for vehicles with WI plates, $13 for out of state plates. Very worth the small investment of supporting the state parks system!

  • 5/5 Ester Knowlen P. 8 months ago on Google
    Love the park, but it was actually the small parking lot that got me closer to where I wanted to be for a session with this beautiful couple. The gorgeous meadow / open area almost right off the parking lot had killer light, gorgeous backlit grasses, and intimate vibes, while the falls do tend to be a bit crowded and ... the water still pretty chilly. This was fun! Highly recommend for a hike or a shoot :)

  • 5/5 Melissa M. 10 months ago on Google
    This place was amazing! It is a very steep pathway down, but all paved. But the waterfall you get to witness at the end of the path is one of the best I've seen in my lifetime. Plus, they have a lookout point if you want to climb over approximately 150 stairs to the top. Again, well worth the burning muscles. Be prepared to get a workout. But you will not be disappointed. You can actually walk around the waterfall here. And the roar of it!!! I was in love!

  • 5/5 Quincy B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is place is quite serene in the winter! All you can hear is the crashing/cascading waterfall, which was almost fully frozen when we went 12/27. Hike from parking area off main road is fastest way to falls, it’s a quite steep path, so it’s a good workout on the way back! Falls and gorge were very cool and beautiful, did not hike to overlook as it a lot of stairs!

  • 5/5 Aymee D. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a great family camping trip here. The scenery is beautiful and the hiking trails are wonderful. We camped in the 300 loop. The bathrooms were nice with a few stalls and a couple showers. There was also a park for the kids.

  • 5/5 Beerar I. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a wonderful campground! We biked, hiked, had a fire and generally a great time. We arrived on Sunday so beware that those leaving may take their time. We arrived after the regular checkout time but people were still getting in line to dump and clean their tanks. Staff are very vitreous and helpful, though firewood on site is more expensive than other local sellers. It does support a great cause though. It's close enough to town that getting forgotten items is easy.

  • 4/5 Jessica H. 2 years ago on Google
    The state park has a beautiful hiking trail with fun wildlife sightings, good campsites, and the gorgeous falls. The only downfall was the lack of bathrooms around the campsites as well as along the hiking trail since they are all still closed making bathrooms few and far between. Also, unfortunately many bees in the area while I know they are natural it seems there were quite a lot and sadly around every water fountain.


Call +1 715-386-5931 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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