For those looking to enjoy the outdoors, Willow River State Park in Hudson is the place to be this winter. With more than five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and snowshoeing, and 14 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, the park has something for everyone. Winter camping is also available. Approximately 1.9 miles of the multiuse trail is wider and snow-packed, which makes it ideal for dog sledding or skijoring, which involves being pulled on skis by a dog.
Aaron Mason, Willow River State Park superintendent, says the park is a popular destination for many activities, particularly cross-country skiing. “We offer a wide variety of opportunities and a very scenic location,” he says. “People who live up north expect to get outdoors in the wintertime, and we’re definitely a great place for people to do that.” He also notes that ice fishing is unavailable this year due to a drawdown of Little Falls Lake.
A warming house at the park’s nature center is open on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities at the park are free, although park vehicle passes are required to enter. Admission fees are as follows: Resident, $28 annually, $8 daily; non-resident, $38 annually, $11, daily.
For more information on the Willow River State Park, visit the website here.
