Photo: Wisconsin DNR
This popular park in northwest Wisconsin features spectacular views of Willow Falls and the Willow River Gorge. Prairie remnants, miles of scenic hiking trails, family and group campgrounds, lakeside picnic areas and a nature center are all found within 2,800 acres of rolling countryside. Visitors will also enjoy paddling, fishing and swimming opportunities on Little Falls Lake.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Willow River State Park?
It depends on what you came for. Camping is best in June–September, fall color in October, swimming in July–August and boating & paddling in June–September.
What can you do at Willow River State Park in each season?
Winter (December–February): winter camping, hiking, fishing, ice fishing, mountain & fat biking, cross-country skiing, waterfalls, sledding and nature centers. Spring (March–May): camping, hiking, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, waterfalls, hunting and nature centers. Summer (June–August): camping, hiking, swimming, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, waterfalls, nature centers and picnics & shelters. Fall (September–November): camping, hiking, fall color, boating & paddling, fishing, biking, mountain & fat biking, waterfalls, hunting, nature centers and picnics & shelters.
Do you need a state park sticker at Willow River State Park?
Yes. Every motor vehicle that stops at Willow River State Park needs a Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker, daily or annual (from $13 a day with Wisconsin plates). Our Pass page has every price and which one to buy.
Can you camp at Willow River State Park in winter?
Yes. Other winter activities include sledding, ice fishing and camping.
What state parks and trails are near Willow River State Park?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Kinnickinnic State Park (12 mi), Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (22 mi) and Interstate State Park (27 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Camping
- Waterfalls
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice fishing
- Mountain & fat biking
- Nature centers
- Picnics & shelters
- Sledding
- Swimming
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November
Visiting
- Admission: A vehicle admission sticker is required.
- Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.
- Address: 1034 Cty Hwy A Hudson, WI 54016
- Phone: 715-386-5931
Accessibility
- Accessible campsite -- every developed campground here has at least one
- Accessible fishing pier
- Universal trail: Hidden Ponds Nature Trail
From the DNR's accessibility guide, reviewed October 2026. Call the property to confirm before you go.
Nearby
- Kinnickinnic State Park (12 mi)
- Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (22 mi)
- Interstate State Park (27 mi)
- Cattail State Trail (34 mi)
- Red Cedar State Trail (40 mi)
Closures and alerts for Willow River State Park: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.