If you’re a traveler, you are trying to find any way you can to scratch the itch. There are boring days, and grieving days, and hopeful days that seem to just rotate through each and every week. But hopefully, most of us haven’t completely left our travel spirits behind. Hopefully, we’ve spent time getting outside in our own city limits and surrounding areas. And when it comes to exploring places near the Twin Cities, Willow River State Park should be at the top of your list. And let me tell you…
Willow River State Park does not get enough love.
Technically in Wisconsin (5 miles north of Hudson), just on the other side of the St. Croix River, this extraordinary location offers nearly 3,000 acres of prairie, forest, and falls that make for a perfect day trip from Minneapolis. A trail will lead you to a series of four short waterfalls. each one a level down from the next, creating small wading pools underneath each one. High rocks surround you, slippery rocks below you, and a scene that will have you thinking you traveled way farther than the 35 minutes that you actually did.
Willow River State Park can be a great experience during any season—snowshoe in the winter, color tour in the fall, fish in the spring—but summer is the time to do it. You can’t beat rewarding your hike with a dip in the “pool” and the rush of standing underneath a waterfall.
What to Bring
Here are the essentials you need in your backpack when visiting Willow River State Park:
- Swimsuit—you’ll get wet!
- Sandals—totally fine for the hike. Bring full shoes to be safe.
- Towel
- Change of Clothes
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Phone—just one per group for the camera.
- Admission Pass—details below.
- Toilet Paper—just in case!
Tip: Limit valuables. Once you’re at the falls, you’ll be putting your backpack down and might not have two eyes on it 100% of the time. Be mindful.
What To Do
Hike Burkhardt Trail
This is my recommended hike for your day trip to Willow River State Park. It’s long enough to get some exercise, has a couple of different routes that bring you through forests and prairies down the river and has great trail paths. Your destination is the halfway point so it makes for a nice break, and your kids (or friends who don’t hike much!) will be able to make the trek just fine.
Easy-Intermediate: 3-mile loop (1.5 miles or so to Willow Falls)
Parking: Burkhardt Trail Head (put that into Google Maps). It’s off River Rd.
Map: If you’re looking for areas to park that make for a shorter hike, or want to find additional trails, use the Will River Park Map.
Go Underneath the Waterfall
Go to the top of the falls where you’ll be able to crawl underneath the waterfall and journey through to the other side. It almost makes you forget where you are! The loud crashing of water. Your view reduced to one foot in front of you. Wet rock on your feet and the powerful force when you stick your hand in. It’s a rush! Super cool experience.
Swim in the Shallow Pools
Enjoy a little cool down and relaxation. Make your way out to the middle of one of the 4 staggered pools – it’s very shallow (and slippery!) and take a seat to let the falls water carryover you. It really is the perfect place on a hot summer day!
Outdoor Activites
In addition to the falls, there are areas to fish, 13 miles of hiking trails, climbing, spots to have a picnic, and places to put your kayak in. You can easily spend a full afternoon here!
Everything Else You Need to Know
HOURS
NORMAL: Daily from 6 AM-11 PM. 7 Days a Week.
ADMISSION (REQUIRED)
You do need an annual park sticker or trail pass sticker to visit the park. For a Willow River Daily pass, it’s $13 for a vehicle with out-of-state plates. ($10 for those with Wisconsin plates.) Call 1-888-305-0398—annual and daily passes are not available for purchase at the park.
Plan on coming back?
Or heading to additional Wisconsin State Parks this year? Annual park stickers can be purchased online. You can get an annual admission sticker for $38 out-out-state ($28 in).
If you purchase an annual sticker and want to visit the park before your sticker arrives, print off and bring your receipt for the dash of your vehicle. For additional options, visit here. Full admission information can be found here.
COVID-19 INFO
The park can temporarily prohibit visitors based on capacity limitations. To be safe, arrive before 10:00 AM (or after 4:00 PM). You can check the capacity here.
All restrooms, water fountains, overlooks, towers, playgrounds, and buildings are closed. Make sure to bring a water bottle, snacks, and some toilet paper. Remember, this park is in Wisconsin and follows their rules. You can check here for any updates!
CAMPING
You can make reservations to camp. Most campgrounds are open with special conditions.
Places to Explore in the Twin Cities
If you need somewhere to check out that’s a little closer to home, read 11 Places to Get Outside in the Twin Cities.
