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Published Sep 26, 2024

The Parking Lot for This Waterfall Hike in Wisconsin Fills up Fast on Weekends

Discover the beauty of Willow River State Park in Wisconsin. Learn tips to avoid crowds and enjoy hiking, camping, and winter activities in this scenic park.

Published Sep 26, 2024

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With so many incredible hiking destinations in Wisconsin to choose from, it's kind of amazing that any of them are particularly crowded - I mean, there's room for everybody, right? Unfortunately that's not always the case, and some places, like Devil's Lake State Park, are particularly notorious for their parking boondoggles, with hikers and other visitors battling for spots in lots that can be full as early as 9 a.m. Another place where the parking lot can feel more like Costco at Christmas than a peaceful nature getaway is Willow River State Park, near Hudson, WI - especially on weekends. Even so, it's beautiful and absolutely worth visiting - you just need to know when to go.

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alt — Jenny Cheney/AllTrails

I think Willow River is one of the most beautiful state parks in Wisconsin - and we have a lot of gorgeous parks. That's certainly one reason for its popularity. With more than 2,800 acres of mixed terrain, from forest to rushing river, folks flock to this park for outdoor fun

alt — Angela Miklasz/AllTrails

It's close proximity to the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota is another factor. On a good traffic day, you can get to Willow River State Park from St. Paul, MN in half an hour. The eastern suburbs are even closer. So, on summer weekend days, you can expect to see plenty of people in the parking lots and on the trails.

alt — Madelyn Cary/AllTrails

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

alt — Jennifer Porzondek/AllTrails

So, if you go on a weekend, you should try and arrive as early as possible, or park far away from the falls. Otherwise, plan on visiting during the week or the shoulder seasons - although autumn is busy, as well, because of leaf peeping. The park is also lovely in the winter, when snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. Come at one of these times, and you may just have the trails - and the falls - to yourself.

alt — Kevin Chard/AllTrails

If you haven't made it over to Willow River State Park, I highly recommend doing so - especially if you can get there on a weekday. Otherwise, pack some patience; it's worth it. There's a lot more to this wonderful park than just its waterfall, though. With 13 miles of trails across terrain ranging from prairie to forest, as well as rock 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 across three different campgrounds. Visit the Willow River State Park website for camping information or to make reservations. AllTrails Plus is a great resource for trail maps and to preview the best hikes in the park.

Have you hiked in Willow River State Park near Hudson, WI? Tell us about your experience, and be sure to clue us in on your favorite tips and tricks for avoiding crowds in the parking lots or on trail.

Published Sep 25, 2024

The Audubon Center in Wisconsin Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

Explore Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a prime birdwatching destination with diverse habitats, hiking trails, and year-round activities.

Published Sep 25, 2024

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With all the avian traffic we get here in Wisconsin - especially during the spring and fall migrations - you'd be forgiven if you occasionally thought of us more as the Birder State than the Badger State. Folks follow these seasonal visitors and winged residents, flocking to internationally renowned spots like Horicon Marsh and Crex Meadows. But there are also plenty of smaller, more intimate locales that see plenty of ornithological action - and fewer clambering visitors - in Wisconsin. One such place is Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, which is located right in Milwaukee.

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alt — Drew Saunders/Flickr

Don't get me wrong - Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is pretty well known in the area, but most of the visitors here are Milwaukee locals and not out-of-staters from Ohio or, worse, those flocking Illinois birders (just kidding - we love you guys!). This makes for a more laid-back, birding experience. Fortunately, the birds, themselves, are all business here. The center is located along the Lake Michigan flyway and within a designated Important Bird Area. More than 262 species have been recorded at Schlitz Audubon over the last 50 or so years.

alt — Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

Many of these are migratory, like the 36 warbler species that've been identified on nature center property. Others are year-round residents that enjoy the wide array of diverse habitats - from Lake Michigan shoreline to marsh and wetlands to hardwood forest - the center's 185 acres have to offer.

alt — Alexandra Taylor/AllTrails

And it's not just birds and birders who enjoy the nature center's six miles of hiking trails that include accessible, paved pathways, wooded footpaths, and boardwalks. Plenty of other animals and nature lovers of all sorts enjoy time at Schlitz Audubon. There's even a 60-foot observation tower that you can climb for your own bird's-eye view of the area. Check out AllTrails Plus for trail information and previews.

alt — Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

The nature center's trails are open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., throughout the year, so you can take advantage of this unique space in all seasons - even winter. There are plenty of resident birds and animals that overwinter here, like the eastern screech owl, and snowshoes are available for use on the trails.

alt — Trent Jonas/Only In Your State

There is a small entrance fee for non-members who wish to enjoy the facilities. But if you ask me, this Milwaukee gem is a birder's paradise in Wisconsin. In spring and fall, you can literally see dozens of birds species on a single visit. For more information, check out Schlitz Audubon Nature Center's website.

Have you visited Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Milwaukee? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us some of your favorite birding spots in Wisconsin.

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