With so many incredible hiking destinations in Wisconsin to choose from, it’s quite surprising that some of them are particularly crowded – I mean, there’s room for everyone, right? Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and in some places, like Devil’s Lake State Parkare particularly notorious for their parking woes, with hikers and other visitors fighting for spots in parking lots that can be full as early as 9 a.m. Another place where parking can feel more like Costco at Christmas than a peaceful nature getaway is Willow River State. Park, near Hudson, WI – especially on weekends. Still, it’s beautiful and definitely worth the trip – you just need to know when to go.

I think Willow River is one of the most beautiful state parks in Wisconsin – and we have lots of beautiful parks. This is certainly one of the reasons for its popularity. With over 2,800 acres of mixed terrain, from forest to rushing river, people flock to this park for outdoor fun.

Proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota is another factor. On a good traffic day, you can drive to Willow River State Park from St. Paul, Minnesota in half an hour. The eastern suburbs are even closer. So on summer weekend days, you can expect to see a lot of people in parking lots and on trails.

The parking lots and trails closest to Willow Falls tend to be the busiest.

So if you’re going on the weekend, try to arrive as early as possible or park far from the falls. Otherwise, plan a visit during the week or shoulder seasons – although fall is also busy due to leaf peeping. The park is also lovely in winter, when snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. Come at one of these times and you might have the trails – and the falls – all to yourself.

If you haven’t been to Willow River State Park yet, I highly recommend doing so, especially if you can get there on a weekday. Otherwise, have a little patience; it’s worth it. However, there is much more to this magnificent park than its waterfall. With 13 miles of trails through terrain ranging from meadows to forest, as well as climbing routes and the Willow River water trail, this park is a hot spot for outdoor adventure in Wisconsin. Camping is available in the park, with more than 150 sites spread across three different campgrounds. Visit the Willow River State Park website for information about the campsite or to make reservations. AllTrails Plus is a great resource for trail maps and an overview of the best hikes in the park.

Have you hiked in Willow River State Park near Hudson, Wisconsin? Tell us about your experience and don’t forget to give us your favorite tips and tricks for avoiding crowds in parking lots or on the trails.