If you are planning a trip to Willow River, Minnesota, you must know that there are several places to visit. You can go whitewater rafting on the Willow River, explore Little Falls Lake, or go camping. There are also many historic attractions nearby. These places are located about an hour and a half away from Willow River.

Whitewater rafting on the Willow River

The Willow River is a popular spot for whitewater rafting in Wisconsin, especially the two-mile section near the state park. It also features a gorge and waterfall. Two intrepid explorers have plied the river: Frank Piraino and Rick Kark. Piraino encountered the upper portion in the mid-1990s, and Kark paddled the river in 1982.

Flows on the Willow River can fluctuate dramatically from year to year. Snowmelt and rainfall in the Sierra can increase or decrease the river’s flow. For the best conditions, paddlers should plan trips from June through October. Flows are most consistent during this time, making it ideal for family and group activities. If you’re planning to go on a float trip during this time, make sure to contact rental companies in advance.

The Willow River’s rapids are not difficult to navigate, but you need to be alert and ready for the unexpected. If you’re a beginner, you may be pushed to the outside bend of a rapid, which can be treacherous. You should also know how to deal with sweepers and strainers.

Little Falls Lake

Located just five miles north of Hudson, Wisconsin, Willow River State Park has panoramic river views and almost 3,000 acres of prairie and forest. Its 172-acre Little Falls Lake is a popular destination for swimming and relaxing, and there are 13 miles of hiking trails, including ones that lead to scenic overlooks. The park also has a campground with the highest occupancy rate in the Wisconsin State Park System.

Visitors can fish the upper Willow River, near County Highway T, which is renowned for trophy brown trout. According to recent surveys, the river’s watershed is a reliable source of 16 to 20-inch trout. Anglers can also enjoy a mixed brook and brown trout fishery on the South Fork. In total, there are more than five miles of fly-fishing water in the Willow River.

Little Falls Lake is a hidden gem in Willow River State Park. When the sun is low in the sky, the lake is calm and serene. At sunset, it turns a stunning color.

Camping

Camping in Willow River State Park is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of this area. The campground is close to many of the state’s favorite outdoor activities. The state park has a total of four campgrounds, each with their own unique features and amenities. The campgrounds are organized by site type and amenities, and include both group and individual sites.

The Willow River State Park offers two camping areas, one with RV campsites with electrical hookups and another with unhooked sites in the natural prairie. Both campgrounds allow pets, but they must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks is a nonprofit organization that provides volunteer programs and funds for park improvements. They also help promote visitor services in the parks. Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks is a 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to supporting the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by promoting park use and services.

Golfing

There are many golf courses in and around Willow River. The Old Course features a 173-acre layout with beautiful rolling landscapes. The nine-hole, par-72 course features a beautiful water feature that resembles a creek. The Old Course also features holes #4, #5, and #7, which are known as Amen Corner.

One of the best things to do in Willow River is to take a walk through the park. The park is located five miles north of the town of Hudson and offers spectacular views. There are several trails to explore, including the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail, which is accessible.

If you have time to spend outdoors, you can also visit the nearby Willow River State Park. The park offers several outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and cross country skiing. While the spring is the most popular time to visit, there are many other activities to enjoy in the park.

Hiking

If you want to spend a beautiful day hiking around the scenic areas of Wisconsin, you should definitely consider visiting Willow River State Park. The park features seven hiking trails and three different campgrounds. There are also dog-friendly trails. You can check online to find a list of dog-friendly trails near the park.

The main attraction of this state park is the waterfall, which cascades over a wide gorge. The water is crystal clear and cold, and there are many places where you can wade and cool off. However, be aware that the waters are a bit slippery in some spots, so use caution.

You can also hike on the Trout Brook Trail, which extends through much of the northern half of the park. This trail is easy to access from the beach parking lot, and it passes through a variety of habitats, including mixed hardwood forest and a geologic sign from glaciers. A short hike on this trail will take you to a picturesque overlook of the lake.

Another trail is the Mound Trail, which runs along a restored section of the Willow River. It offers scenic river views, and it’s quieter than many of the other trails. It should take about one and a half hours to complete. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring plenty of water. You may also want to bring binoculars or a camera.

State park

Willow Falls State Park is a gem of a Wisconsin state park. With its gorgeous waterfall, lakeside picnic areas, and nature center, this park offers many fun activities for visitors. The park also features miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a paddling area on Little Falls Lake. Here, you can take a break from your hectic day and enjoy the scenery of the area.

If you love to hike, this state park is the place for you. Its hiking trails are easy to navigate and offer a mixture of loops and out-and-backs. The park is filled with gorgeous trees and offers scenic views of the Willow River. There are also several covered picnic areas, so you can enjoy a picnic lunch in comfort. You must purchase a day pass in advance to enjoy the park’s facilities.

The best time to visit the park is in the spring and summer. It’s warm and pleasant in these seasons, but winters can also be cold. Regardless of season, you’ll find a great variety of wildlife to observe in the park. There are deer, foxes, bald eagles, chickadees, and cardinals, among many others.