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Willow River State Park wilderness guide
State Park · WI

Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park is a stunning outdoor retreat in northern Wisconsin, known for its scenic waterfall and diverse recreational opportunities.

State Park2,8914+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

2,891

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park is a stunning outdoor retreat in northern Wisconsin, known for its scenic waterfall and diverse recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Willow River State Park, spanning 2,891 acres in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, is a popular recreational area renowned for its stunning landscapes and ecological diversity. The park's centerpiece is the magnificent Willow Falls, a cascading waterfall set within a dramatic gorge that attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The surrounding environment consists of diverse ecosystems including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands supporting a variety of plant and animal species. Established in 1967, the park has grown to offer extensive facilities and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Visitors can explore nearly 13 miles of trails that vary in difficulty, allowing them to experience panoramic views, encounter local wildlife, and enjoy the tranquil settings of Lake Mallalieu. Beyond the natural attractions, the park provides educational opportunities about the area's geology and local history. It's a year-round destination, offering snow sports during winter months for an added seasonal allure.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Willow River State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Exploring Willow River State Park's Waterfall Wonders★ 8.5⌖ 2 miHiking
Willow River State Park

Exploring Willow River State Park's Waterfall Wonders

Explore Willow River State Park in Hudson, WI. Known for its stunning multi-tiered waterfall, enjoy hiking with family-friendly trails and wildlife viewing. Drive-in access makes it a convenient destination for spring and fall visits. Busy in summer.

Nolichucky River Fly Fishing in Knoxville★ 7.8⌖ 10 miFly Fishing
Knoxville

Nolichucky River Fly Fishing in Knoxville

Explore fly fishing on the Nolichucky River near Knoxville, TN. Offering a peaceful experience with chances to catch brown and rainbow trout, this location is ideal for adventure seekers in spring and fall. Drive-in access keeps it accessible but not overly crowded.

Fly FishingView Details→
Scenic Lake Phalen: A Natural Retreat in Minnesota★ 6.5⌖ 19 miPaddleboarding
Lake Phalen

Scenic Lake Phalen: A Natural Retreat in Minnesota

Lake Phalen in St. Paul, Minnesota features an easy 3.1-mile paved loop trail with lakeside views and small waterfalls. Ideal for paddleboarding, hiking, and picnics, it offers family-friendly recreation with playgrounds and boat rentals. Best visited late spring through early fall.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Lakeside Calm at Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis★ 6.8⌖ 29 miPaddleboarding
Lake Hiawatha

Lakeside Calm at Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis

Lake Hiawatha in Minneapolis offers an easy, family-friendly lake experience with calm waters ideal for paddleboarding, walking trails, and birdwatching. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, it's a peaceful urban spot great for nature lovers and casual outdoor activities.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Scenic Lakeside Retreat at Lake Nokomis★ 7.5⌖ 29 miSwimming
Lake Nokomis

Scenic Lakeside Retreat at Lake Nokomis

Located in Minneapolis, Lake Nokomis offers an easy and accessible urban lake experience with swimming, biking, kayaking, and fishing. Popular in summer, the 2.7-mile paved trail circles the lake, making it great for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking relaxation and recreation.

Lakeside Relaxation at Lake Nokomis Park in Minneapolis★ 6.5⌖ 29 miPaddleboarding
Lake Nokomis Park

Lakeside Relaxation at Lake Nokomis Park in Minneapolis

Lake Nokomis Park in Minneapolis offers an easy, 2.7-mile paved trail around an 800-acre lake ideal for paddleboarding, fishing, running, and swimming. Family-friendly with lifeguards in summer, it provides accessible urban nature just 20 minutes from downtown.

PaddleboardingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Willow Falls – a stunning waterfall with dramatic drops and scenic views✦ Unique geological formations within the park's gorges✦ Scenic vistas from the Little Falls Lake Dam✦ Hidden trails leading to serene spots along the Willow River
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Willow River State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Willow River State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Willow River State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Willow River State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Willow River State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Willow River State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Willow River State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Willow River State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Vehicle admission sticker required for entry.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Willow River State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Willow River Family Campground

Located near the Willow Falls, offering electric sites and access to hiking trails.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Willow River State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

North Hudson
⌖ 4.83 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Hudson, Wisconsin

A peaceful river town offering easy access to water adventures, scenic trails, and nearby natural areas with a relaxed Midwest charm.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Hudson
⌖ 5.13 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hudson, Wisconsin

A charming riverside community offering year-round outdoor adventures with a quaint, small-town feel.

Spring to FallExplore Town
Lakeland
⌖ 6.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lakeland, Minnesota

A peaceful lakeside town offering easy access to water sports, scenic trails, and seasonal outdoor activities within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro region.

Late Spring through Early Fall, Winter for skiingExplore Town
Oak Park Heights
⌖ 6.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Oak Park Heights, Minnesota

A peaceful riverside town offering easy access to water and forest activities, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking quiet paddling, biking, and seasonal adventure.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Stillwater
⌖ 8.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stillwater, Minnesota

Historic river town with scenic charm offering a mix of trails, water activities, and winter fun.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Afton
⌖ 9.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Afton, Minnesota

A scenic river town offering easy access to hiking, paddling, and biking amidst rolling bluffs and state parks along the St. Croix River.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Willow River State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Voyageurs National Park Best-of Boat Tour: Ellsworth Rock Gardens & Kabetogama WaterwaysStillwater, Minnesota · 8.00 mi away
On the Water· Voyageurs Adventures

Voyageurs National Park Best-of Boat Tour: Ellsworth Rock Gardens & Kabetogama Waterways

Glide across Voyageurs National Park’s Namakan Basin on a private two-hour boat tour that hits Ellsworth Rock Gardens, Hoist Bay, Steven’s Island, and the shoreline of Kettle Falls Hotel. Perfect for photographers, families, and anyone who wants concentrated, water-accessible history and wildlife viewing.

2 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.