Willow River State Park Conditions

Conditions as of Monday, February 6, 2012:

• Camping
• Trails
• Park Office

Trails

Hiking remains open on all trails. Do not expect to find any skiing since trails are again in meltdown mode. Expect to find a mixed bag of surfaces on the trails.

Events

There will be a Candlelight Hike on Saturday, February 11, 2012 starting at the Nature Center. The Nature Trail and the trail to the boat launch will be lit with candles. The Nature Center will be open and there will be a bonfire. 6-9 p.m.

Nature

The woodpeckers have cut into a couple of dead trees outside the 200 campground. A pileated woodpecker was spotted on the Purple Trail. The river below the dam holds a variety of ducks especially toward sundown. Some of the bucks have shed their antlers already.

Lake and River

Ice fishing continues in all commonly fished areas on Little Falls Lake. Power augers are allowed on the lake. Pan fish catches have slowed to the normal mid-winter rate.

With the lack of snow and the below freezing temperatures, Willow Falls will have ice formations. The ice will be normal color or stained. Blues and yellows are common. The colors are never bright. It is more pastel than a color that pops. The ice forms on the falls or near the springs. Big snow will eventually cover a lot of the ice formations.

Camping

Campers may drive in or walk in on the 200 loop only. The 200 campground has four sites open for vehicle access. Tents may be carried in to any site in the 200 loop. Water is available at the service building. The dump station is closed. Electric hookup is available.

The 300 loop is closed to all camping until April, 2012. The 100 campground is also closed for the season.

Water is turned off in all buildings in the campgrounds and in day use areas. Vault toilets are open in all campgrounds and in the day use areas. The dump station is closed for the season.

Camping Tips and Rules.

To check campsite availability or to reserve a site, use the web or call (888) 947-2757.

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

Firewood Notice: Due to the potential of carrying harmful tree pests and diseases, firewood from out of state or from more than 25 miles away is not allowed on Wisconsin State Park or Forest properties. Also, firewood that has been in the Wisconsin emerald ash borer quarantined area [PDF 102KB] is not allowed on properties outside of the quarantined area. Please buy firewood at or near the park or forest where you are going. Call the DNR toll-free Firewood Hotline, (877) 303-WOOD ((877) 303-9663) for information before packing for a trip.

Convenience stores nearby have firewood. Firewood is also available at the park office during open hours.

Park Office

Office hours Monday through Thursday are generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. depending on our staffing level. If the office is closed when you arrive, please self-register as needed for camping and vehicle admission.

Reminder: No matter where you live, if you enter the park in a vehicle with Minnesota or other out-of-state plates, non-resident vehicle admission fees apply.

More Information

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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