Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park is the Twin Cities’ favorite waterfall escape—a 2,891-acre wilderness just 5 miles northeast of Hudson, Wisconsin featuring the spectacular 45-foot Willow Falls cascading through a 200-foot deep gorge carved over 500 million years. Hike to the thundering falls, swim at the sandy beach on Little Falls Lake, and camp at one of Wisconsin’s most popular campgrounds (150 sites with some of the state’s highest occupancy!). Just 30 minutes from the Twin Cities, this is Wisconsin’s most accessible dramatic natural wonder.
❄️ February 2026 Winter Status
- Water systems: Seasonal shutdown (drinking water at maintenance building)
- Restrooms: Vault toilets only (flush restrooms closed)
- Camping: Limited winter camping (200-loop, first-come first-served)
- Trout fishing: Catch & release season through May 1
- XC Ski trails: Groomed (some icy patches)
Willow Falls – 45-Foot Cascade
| Waterfall Features | Details |
|---|---|
| 💧 Height | 45 feet over three sloping ledges |
| 🏔️ Gorge | 200 feet deep |
| 📏 Trail | 2 miles (moderate) to falls |
| 🪨 Geology | 500 million years of erosion history |
| ❄️ Winter | Dramatic ice formations; stairway/overlooks open |
🏞️ Nature Center
The park’s nature center explains the 500-million-year geological evolution of Willow Falls—from ancient seas to today’s dramatic gorge. A must-visit before hiking to the falls!
Little Falls Lake – Sandy Beach
| Lake Features | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beach | Sandy swimming beach |
| 🚣 Boats | Non-motorized only (no gas/electric motors) |
| 🎣 Fishing | Bass & panfish (recently restocked) |
| 🏊 Lifeguards | None—swim at your own risk |
| 📅 Beach Season | Memorial Day – Labor Day |
Camping – 150 Sites (Wisconsin’s Most Popular!)
| Campground Loop | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 🔢 100-Loop | 50 | Newer, less shade, fits large RVs |
| 🔢 200-Loop | 30 | Winter camping available (first-come) |
| 🔢 300-Loop | 70 | Most wooded, flush toilets/showers |
| Camping Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Reservations | Mid-May through October |
| ❄️ Winter | 200-loop only, first-come first-served |
| 🔥 Firewood | Available at park office & campground hosts |
| 📊 Popularity | Highest occupancy in WI State Parks! |
Trails – 9+ Miles
| Trail Activities | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Hiking | 9+ miles, easy to challenging |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed on trails (leashed) |
| ⛷️ XC Skiing | Groomed trails in winter |
| 🚲 Fat-Tire Biking | Allowed (shared with hikers/snowshoers) |
February 2026 Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 1 | 🌕 Full Moon Snowshoe Hike to Willow Falls |
| Feb 7-8 | ❄️ Snow Day at Willow |
| Feb 14 | 💕 Valentine’s Day Hike |
| Feb 28 | 🔍 Winter Scavenger Hunt |
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 💵 Entry | WI State Park Vehicle Admission required |
| 📐 Size | 2,891 acres |
| 📍 Location | 5 mi NE of Hudson, 30 min from Twin Cities |
| 🕐 Hours | 6 AM – 11 PM, year-round |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the hike to Willow Falls?
The hike to Willow Falls is approximately 2 miles from the main trailhead (moderate difficulty). The trail leads through wooded terrain to overlooks and a stairway providing views of the 45-foot cascade dropping through a 200-foot deep gorge. The falls are accessible year-round—winter brings dramatic ice formations! The nature center provides geological context on the 500-million-year history of the gorge.
Can you swim at Willow River State Park?
Yes! Little Falls Lake has a sandy swimming beach open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The lake is non-motorized (no gas or electric motors allowed), making it peaceful for swimming. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. The beach area is a popular destination—arrive early on hot summer weekends!
How popular is camping at Willow River State Park?
Extremely popular! Willow River has one of the highest campground occupancy rates in the entire Wisconsin State Park System. With 150 sites across three loops (100, 200, and 300), the 300-loop is most wooded and desirable. Reservations open in mid-May and fill quickly for summer weekends. Book well in advance! Limited winter camping is available first-come first-served in the 200-loop.
Can you visit Willow Falls in winter?
Absolutely! Winter is magical at Willow Falls. Complex ice formations mingle with the rushing water, creating a stunning frozen landscape. The stairway and overlooks remain open year-round. The park offers groomed cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing on 9+ miles of trails. Special events like the Full Moon Snowshoe Hike (February 1, 2026) take visitors to the falls after dark!
How far is Willow River from Minneapolis?
Willow River State Park is approximately 30-35 minutes from downtown Minneapolis/St. Paul (about 35 miles). It’s located just 5 miles northeast of Hudson, Wisconsin, making it the closest dramatic waterfall destination for Twin Cities residents. Take I-94 East to Hudson, then follow County Road A north to the park entrance.
💧 The Twin Cities’ Waterfall Escape
Hike to Wisconsin’s most accessible waterfall, swim at a sandy beach, and camp at one of the state’s most popular campgrounds—all 30 minutes from Minneapolis. Visit the official Willow River State Park website for current conditions and campsite reservations.
Explore More Wisconsin State Parks
Willow River State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Wisconsin. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Wisconsin guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
