- Attraction: Willow River State Park
- Location: 1034 County Road A, Hudson, WI 54016
- Industry: State Park
- Website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/willowriver
Picture yourself standing beneath cascading waterfalls where you can actually wade right into the crystal-clear pools, surrounded by 2,891 acres of rolling prairies, dense forests, and scenic river valleys.
Willow River State Park features spectacular views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge, with prairie remnants, miles of scenic hiking trails, family and group campgrounds, lakeside picnic areas and a nature center all found within 2,800 acres of rolling countryside.
The state park opened in 1971 and has become one of Wisconsin’s most beloved outdoor destinations, drawing over 300,000 visitors annually who come to experience its unique combination of accessible waterfalls and diverse recreational opportunities.
What sets this park apart is its crown jewel – Willow Falls – where you can actually get into the water and explore multiple tiers of cascading waterfalls. Unlike many waterfall destinations where you can only view from a distance, this natural wonder invites you to wade, swim, and cool off in its refreshing pools during warmer months.
The Magnificent Willow Falls Experience
The Multi-Tiered Waterfall: Willow Falls is a pretty impressive multi-level waterfall that attracts photographers, rock climbers, vacationers, and people looking to cool off on a hot day. It is one of the few waterfalls with full access to the water.
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Keep Exploring →The 45-foot cascade drops through three distinct levels in a dramatic 200-foot deep gorge, creating natural swimming holes that range from shallow wading areas perfect for children to deeper pools where confident swimmers can take a refreshing plunge. The water falls are mellow and shallow enough for you to swim and play around in if you are game.
Getting There: You have two main trail options to reach the falls. The Willow River trail is 1.2 miles round trip and the Burkhardt Trails is 2 miles round trip. The shorter Willow Falls Hill Trail covers just 0.3 miles but involves a steep descent that becomes quite the workout on your return climb.
That steep hike down is also a VERY steep hike up. The longer Willow Falls Trail offers a gentler grade as it winds along the river, making it more family-friendly for those with strollers or anyone wanting to avoid the challenging incline.
Perfect Swimming Conditions: There are several places to wade at the base of the falls, but if you get too far in and the water is running high, a small and non-confident swimmer could be swept downstream.
The limestone and rock formations create natural ledges and pools where you can sit and enjoy the refreshing spray. Many visitors bring water shoes for better traction on the sometimes slippery rocks, and towels are essential for drying off after your waterfall adventure.
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Discover MorePhotography Paradise: The falls are nice. It’s a great place for pictures. And they have a stand to safely set your phone for a timed picture with your family. The bridge crossing over the falls provides an excellent vantage point for capturing the full cascade, while multiple scenic overlooks along the trails offer different perspectives of the gorge and surrounding landscape.
Diverse Trail Network & Outdoor Adventures
Hiking for Every Level: Willow River State Park is located northeast of Hudson on County Road A. This park contains a campground, a place to launch boats, a beach and also a picnic area close to Little Falls Lake.
There are many scenic views here, check out the scenery at the river, forests, or prairie. The park offers 13 miles of well-maintained trails ranging from the accessible 0.6-mile paved Hidden Ponds Nature Trail to the challenging 5.8-mile Willow Falls and Nelson Farm Trail Loop that takes you through diverse habitats including wetlands, prairies, and mature oak forests.
Rock Climbing Thrills: There are several bolted sport climbs on the gorge walls, ranging from 5.9 to 5.14c in difficulty. The majority of the routes are 5.12 and up. This area contains a high concentration of steep overhanging routes. The limestone and dolomite rock formations provide excellent climbing opportunities, though there are specific restrictions including no climbing on Saturdays or after noon on Fridays and Sundays.
Water Recreation: Little Falls Lake serves as the park’s recreational hub with its 400-foot sandy beach and swimming area. A boat ramp provides access to Little Falls Lake for non-motorized watercraft. Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound, with rentals typically available from the park office during peak season on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Keep Exploring →Winter Wonderland: 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 park transforms into a winter recreation paradise with 9 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, 2 miles of hard-packed snowshoeing trails, sledding areas, and ice fishing opportunities on Little Falls Lake.
Camping & Facilities
Campground Options: Willow River’s campground, on the southern shore of Little Falls Lake, is very popular and has one of the highest occupancy rates in the Wisconsin State Park System.
You can choose from three distinct camping areas: the wooded 300 Loop with 70 sites including flush toilets and showers, the newer 100 Loop with 50 sites in a more open prairie setting, and various electric hookup options to accommodate everything from tents to large RVs.
Nature Center & Education: The Willow River Nature Center near the main picnic area features natural history exhibits and serves as headquarters for interpretive programs throughout the year. During winter weekends, it doubles as a warming house for cross-country skiers and other winter recreation enthusiasts.
Family Amenities: The park also features playgrounds near picnic spots, adding convenience for families with children. Picnic areas with tables and grills are strategically placed throughout the park, including spots with spectacular views overlooking the falls and lake areas.
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Discover MorePlanning Your Visit
Admission & Access: A vehicle admission sticker is required for entry, with out-of-state vehicle fee $13 daily or $38 annual and lower rates for Wisconsin residents. Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round. The park is conveniently located just 5 miles northeast of Hudson, making it easily accessible from the Twin Cities metro area.
Best Times to Visit: This is a busy park, so coming mid-week or off season may be a more enjoyable experience for you if you’d rather not do the crowds. Summer weekends tend to be the most crowded, especially around the waterfall swimming areas. Spring and fall offer excellent hiking conditions with fewer people, while winter provides a completely different but equally magical experience.
What to Bring: Essential items include water shoes for waterfall exploration, swimwear during warmer months, plenty of water for hiking, and bug spray during summer visits. Consider wearing a suit or quick-dry clothing. We always like to bring some snacks or a picnic. For winter visits, appropriate footwear with good traction is crucial as trails can become icy.
Parking Strategy: Parking for the Willow River Waterfalls is a 1/2 mile past the ranger office. Two main parking areas serve different trail access points – the Willow Falls parking lot for the shorter but steeper route, and the River Road parking area for accessing the gentler Burkhardt Trail system. Summer weekends fill up quickly, so arriving early in the day ensures better parking availability and a more peaceful experience at the falls.
Willow River State Park
📍 1034 County Road A, Hudson, WI 54016
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