Amanda M.

Beautiful park with a waterfall! We were In Minnesota and decided to cross the state line to check out this park. It was fall time so not many people there. I think it costs $13 for the entrance fee which I thought was high especially for the time of year we visited. We drove around the park to check out everything and decided to park near the main entrance to walk to the waterfall. This is the longer way to get there. You walk past camping spots and other wooded areas before going down the hill to see the falls. The falls were really beautiful and they had a fun spot to take pictures.

Suzie R.

This is a great camp site and enjoyed going there last year but this year seemed a bit off. There were other campers playing their music loud which overtook our campsite. Just saddens me that with camping you want to unwind from the world of technology and get back to nature - very inconsiderate of other campers (this particular group). The rangers are very nice.

Alyssa F.

We drove from Milwaukee to hike and camp for a weekend at this state park. It was well worth the 5 (near 6) hour drive. We arrived after sunset around 9pm on a Friday. We had no issues locating our campsite and backing our camper into our assigned campsite. We had no issues with electric. Facilities onsite are well maintained and accessible. Probably the nicest showers we have come across at a WI state park so far with water temps you can adjust. The park is overall very quiet. It is a family campground and noise ceased at 11 pm. For a campsite with electric for our camper we paid about $35 / night. Can't beat it! As for the hiking and trails, it was lovely. We hiked 8 miles total. The waterfalls, called Willow Falls, is the superstar of this state park. It is unbelievably stunning, and photos actually do these falls justice! You can climb the falls at your own risk. If it was hot, we would have gone for a swim. An easy way to access the falls is via the Willow Falls Trail (blue and is about 1 mile). You can pick this trail up in the 300 Campground area. The footpath was relatively busy. This is an easy trail for all ages and leads straight to the falls. Another trail with views we really enjoyed was the Nelson Farm Trail. This is a long trail almost 4 miles long (silver trail). It has nice overlooks of the lake/park and isn't very busy. It is more challenging though with lots of inclines and declines. Another stellar part of this park is its proximity to Minneapolis/St. Paul and the charming town of Hudson, WI. Hudson is absolutely worth a visit to. Located about 15/20 mins from the state park and has lots of local breweries, a lovely riverside park and you can even walk to the Wisconsin islands via a cement pier.

Patricia L.

Easy hike to see the falls. 3 miles in and out. But if you want more of a challenge, there is a steeper trail but shorter distance to the falls. Park in the lot near the beach or nature center for the easier trail. Lots of birds, turtles, butterflies, and deer on this trail. There are drive up campsites as well and other trails to do at this park. A summer must do!

Jon H.

Located right across the Wisconsin border- Willow Falls was a great summer hike and swimming spot! I took a group of 8 teenage boys to Willow Falls with no intent to swim, but the water and unique terrain led most to jump in and enjoy the summer day. Next time I plan to pack a swimsuit, a picnic lunch and make a day out of it! Parking was a 10 minute walk from the falls.

Hallee W.

I went to Willow River State Park on October 9th and it was as close to fall peak colors as it could have been. We hiked the Willow Falls and Nelson Farm Trail Loop. It fully lived up to the hype of AllTrails and exceeded my expectations. The hike was about 6 miles and definitely moderate due to several very steep hills. The trails were all marked clearly and it was a very scenic and enjoyable route along several lakes, marsh type areas, creeks, and of course the falls. It was truly beautiful and I'll definitely be back (quite possibly the same exact weekend next year)

Marguerite A.

W H A T A G E M !!! A wonderful way to spend my Mother's Day afternoon. After a spectacular breakfast at Chilkoot Cafe in Stillwater, this activity was beyond our hopes. Neither my daughter or I had been here before, so we were flabbergasted to realize that this park was within driving distance of the Twin Cities, and so updated! The non resident fee was $13 for a day pass. Well written maps were available to the entire area with all the trails detailed. I also grabbed the flyers for Wildflowers in the park and Birds in the park. They were mostly check off sheets. There were only 2 different flowers blooming, but many birds! We saw a Blue Heron, a cardinal, Baltimore orioles, among many many others. Be sure to bring your Bird Book and Wildflower Book to identify them all. The picnic areas were plentiful and well appointed. There were water fountains everywhere, so no excuse to become dehydrated! In addition, sturdy modern clean real restrooms were available at many locations. In other words, it is kid and senior friendly :-) Pets are welcome in most parts of the park as well. Judging by all the ski racks outside the fascinating Nature Center, winter activities include cross country skiing. I wish that there were more signs labeling trails, especially at the forks. Other than that signage issue, this place is incredible. Just do it! G O S P E N D T I M E H E R E ! N O W !

Xia Y.

A short hike down the steep hill to the falls but coming back up is a whole other story. Nonetheless, beautiful falls, close to the cities for a days trip. The water was too cold for me but there were a lot of people swimming in it. Lots of hiking trails but I only went for the falls.

Somruedee T.

I love this place so much very much!!!!! Me and my family was a lot of fun!!!!! They have parking lots and have two way to walk to the water fall you can pick which one you wanna walk #don't carry too much stuff will make you easy and fun!!

Ann R.

My daughters and I visited Willow River State Park during the summer and hiked down to the waterfall. What a beautiful walk! There were no bugs which was a pleasant surprise, and as we got closer to the waterfall we could hear the water in the distance. There is a bridge that provides a beautiful view of the multi-level waterfall. People were enjoying swimming, sitting, relaxing, and exploring the waterfall. We wished we had more time to more fully explore the waterfall and the trails around it. The hike back up the hill is challenging and invigorating. Thankfully, there are well-placed benches along the way to stop and enjoy the scenery (and catch your breath, if needed). We look forward to our next visit!

Amy R.

I feel like I've done my time in nature today. Between the heat, $10 parking sticker and the LONG ass walk to the falls, our time with nature is over for today at least. A co-worker told me about this park. I had no idea that this park even existed. Again, not a huge nature lover and after today's long ass nature walk who knows? I was never a fan of camping. I was a girl scout for a very short time had to go to camp and hated every minute of it. My parents have a picture of me shooting daggers at them as they left me sitting by the hot camp fire and sharing circle. Our journey to the falls at first kind of reminded me of that trip. Parking was in a gravel lot. Then its follow the signs to the falls. I guess the signs weren't clear to us. We ended up taking the long long long way.....holy crap it was long... Finally made it to the vicinity of the falls and we had another half a mile to go down one long hill. Going down OK....going back up SUCKED, but it kind of felt good. Had there been a tram from the bottom of the hill I might have hopped on. It's true... If it hurts a little bit, its probably worth it. The falls are beautiful and worth the hike. I didn't care how cold the water was, the water cascading down felt good. It was refreshing clean water and it was fun wading around in the water and climbing around on the rocks. There were tons of RV's and tents. Plenty of campground for the serious camper. Park is clean. The falls are worth it. Beautiful scenery and overlooks. Climb up to the top of the falls. Less crowded. We had a great time.

Kim C.

I can't say enough good things about this park. I love it! I hike here weekly and always take a different trail. This is a big park with many miles of hiking trails. Lots of camp sites and ammenities for visitors. The crown jewel of this park is a gorgeous waterfall at the center of the park. It flows heavily all year round, especially in the spring. You can access it several ways. The shortest distance is from the small lot off hwy A. Be warned though, the trail there is a deep descent and climb back. You are better to park near the beach (used to be a beach before they drained the lake) and walk the mile to the falls. My favorite hike to lead my hiking club is on the nelson farm trail. You start at the beach parking and follow the trout brook trail, cross willow river and follow the trail up through trees and valley. There is a hard 1/4 mile climb to the first vista and another further into the hike, but the reward is a breathtaking view of the valley and river bed below. You eventually get to the falls where you can climb many stairs to see the falls from above or continue on back to the parking. The trail from the parking lot to the falls is handicap accessible with pack dirt and pavement. Another trail i love is the oak ridge and white tail trail loop. This is the place to hike early evening. You will see many deer on the trail and they aren't afraid of people. Lots of hills and climbs. This is a great hike for someone who enjoys a good workout! There are so many other wonderful trails in this park. It would take a good 2 days to hike all of the trails there so its a great camping and backpacking destination. You need a permit to park here. $7 per day if you are a wi resident and $11 out of state. I buy an annual pass since i come here often.

Molly M.

What beats a snowshoe/winter hike adventure here in winter? Cooling off in the waterfalls on a hot summers day! The waterfalls were amazing! The hike down from the parking lot was worth it! The only caveat was the parking/permit situation since the ranger station at the entrance was closed.