Willow River State Park Conditions

Conditions as of Monday, November 16, 2009:

• Camping
• Hunting and Fishing
• Nature
• Trails
• Admission Stickers

Trails

Many of our regular non-hunting visitors go about their activities as usual during the gun hunt and they wear bright clothing. Many of these people are not here at low light; they always come out during the mid day hours. Trailheads that enter or are near open hunting areas will be posted with informational signs so visitors can make informed choices. Maps are posted at the office showing the open and closed areas. Areas completely away from the open hunting zones include the Hidden Ponds Trail, the road within the park, the former disc golf area, the boat launch, the family and group campgrounds, the Brown Trail, and the Yellow and Orange Trails. Going down the hill to Willow Falls does bring the hiker directly across the river from an open hunting area but for only a short distance. The hiker is on a higher elevation than the hunting area. A couple of alternate choices would be county or township parks with no hunting. Homestead Parklands is at nearby Perch Lake and Glover Park in Troy Township has a variety of trails.

The Willow River Nordic skiers have done more trail brushing, and weekly dry land training continues. Meet at the Purple trail head at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays for training. Bring a headlamp, classic length poles, and appropriate footwear. Some of the trainers wear boots for the added ankle support and warmth as the sun goes down. The trainers always see wildlife. Willow River Nordic Skiers will offer cross country-ski lessons for adults again in 2010. Dates will be announced later. Classic and skate classes will be offered. Students provide their own equipment.

Skiers can expect a re-route on the eastbound Yellow Trail since the new campground has covered up the split. This is the sharp but straight hill down and up the ravine. The hill remains but the entry approach on flat ground will be slightly different. Willow River Nordic skiers and park officials will determine a temporary route to get through the coming ski season. The skiers will have the route well marked.

The current version of the Winter Trails Map (2006) is a bit outdated with all the new construction. The trails are correct except the mentioned change to the Yellow. There will be a new edition when 2006 stock runs out this season. Maps will be available at several trailheads again and at the office.

Hunting and Fishing

Little Falls Lake has been drawn down somewhat to complete repair on the seawall. Please do not enter the construction zone. From the shoreline, it is an uncommon opportunity to see some of that cover that holds fish.

The gun hunting season for deer opens Saturday, November 21 in undeveloped parts of the park. These areas are generally north of the Willow River and some property off to the east. Hunters can expect to share the area since opening weekend tends to draw a lot of participants. All open area are posted as such and trails near or in hunting areas are posted. No rifles are allowed. Hunters need a park sticker on their vehicle and a deer hunting license to hunt in Willow River State Park. The park is now in a Herd Control unit. For more information, see:

Willow River Hunting Information

Opening weekend sees the most activity and it drops off from there. Hunters are least active at mid-day. Most regular non-hunting visitors wear bright clothing and go about their activities. If you do not wish to visit the park during hunting season, there are some other parks in the area such as Glover Park in Troy Township, Homestead Parklands on Perch Lake, and several city parks and trails in the city of Hudson.

Events

The last Full Moon Hike of the year will be Saturday, December 5. Meet at the Nature Center. The event begins inside with a presentation, then a hike outside afterward.

Campgrounds and Facilities

The campground remains open to vehicles until measurable snow falls and sticks.

Vault toilets are open near site # 63. The dump station will remain open to unload water until freeze up. Water may be picked up at the service building down the road on the left side. Some camp sites have firewood in them. If the site is vacant, help yourself to the wood. You may find some scattered along the edges of the campground road.

Reservations may made be for dates through October 31 and for late April through 11 months from today by calling (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275 or using the Web. Campsite # 26 requires that someone in the camping party must have a disability. The group camp is also available for reservation.

Please Note: Convenience stores nearby have firewood. Any firewood brought in from more than 50 miles away or from a quarantined area [PDF, 102KB] or from out of state will be confiscated due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers [exit DNR].

Progress continues on the new loop of campsites due to open in 2010. When that loop opens, there will no longer be sites on the parking lot near the beach.

When you arrive, buy a vehicle sticker (if you don't already have one) at the window and go inside to the counter to register for camping.

If the office is closed when you arrive, please self-register for camping and vehicle admission as needed outside the office. Self-registration camping stays are limited to two nights. Complete instructions and fees are posted above the yellow box and inside the bulletin board under the light. Annual stickers bought via self-registration by campers may be picked up at the office.

Nature center hours vary on Saturdays and Sundays, depending on volunteer availability.

Vehicle Admission Stickers

Please self-register for 2009 vehicle admission stickers as needed. Self-registration boxes and complete instructions are at the park office and several outlying parking areas. We will mail annual stickers and change as needed.

Plan ahead for that 2010 annual sticker. We expect to have it the first week of December, and the office will be staffed.

Reminder: If you are a Wisconsin resident and you enter the park in a vehicle with Minnesota or other out-of-state plates, non-resident vehicle admission fees apply. Self-registration camping is limited to only two nights until reservable dates end.

Other Conditions

Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Willow River State Park office, (715) 386-5931; Nature Center, (715) 386-9340. When the office is closed, the answering service has optional messages include seasonal topics like camping, skiing, and special events.

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