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Universally Accessible Kayak & Canoe Launch

EFFORTLESS ENTRY FOR EVERY BODY.

Experience the beauty of Willow River State Park like never before. Our biggest project yet is breaking down barriers with a Universally Accessible Launch, bringing a new level of freedom to Little Falls Lake.

 

Whether you’re a kayaker or canoeist, our state-of-the-art, stable design ensures every paddler can safely enjoy 170 acres of stunning water and fresh air.

 

We’re redefining the great outdoors—making the views spectacular and the access seamless for everyone.

​​​​​This is more than just a place to launch. It ensures that every paddler has safe, stable and convenient access to our lake.

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Why this matters:

  • Accessibility for All: Designed for paddlers of all abilities.

  • Leading the Way: This will be the first system of its kind in St. Croix County.

  • Preserving the Experience: Enhancing how we enjoy our non-motorized waters.​​

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This is a huge milestone for Willow River State Park, and we’re just getting started.​

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Help us fund

an inclusive shoreline

How It Works

​​For many individuals with mobility limitations, the opportunity to glide across open water can bring a profound sense of freedom, independence, and connection to the natural world—an experience too often out of reach.

A loading ramp, wheelchair transfer bench along with overhead grab bars and other key accessible features make this all possible with this launch system.

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Alongside the accessible features, the launch will also serve as a stable, user-friendly entry point, ensuring everyone can enjoy a smooth start to their paddling journey and enjoy the natural beauty and recreational treasures of your park.​​​​​​​​​​

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We couldn't have done it without our community support.

To Everyone Who Believed in an Inclusive Shoreline,

THANK YOU

  • ​Afton House Inn

  • Peggy Audley

  • Back Nine Golf

  • Virginia Ballantine

  • Bill Barfknecht

  • Stef Beauchene

  • Bending Branches

  • Laurence Berg

  • Jon Berglund

  • Robert Berglund

  • Black Rooster Bistro

  • Steve Block

  • Terri Boos

  • Scott Breaker

  • Nancy Briske

  • Jean Connors & Western WI Realtors Association

  • Andrew Dahl

  • Art Doyle's Spokes & Pedals

  • Susan Dorsch

  • Ecolab

  • Joey & Tim Filipiak & Filipiak Insurance Agency

  • Fleet Farm of Hudson

  • Grand Fete

  • Kim Greiveldinger

  • Thomas Gujer

  • Erin Harrison

  • Beth Hoppe-Stidham

  • Hall Family Foundation

  • Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Hudson Community Foundation

  • Hudson Grocery Co-op

  • Nancy Huntley

  • Kathleen Jenkins

  • Jeremy & Oliphant Brewing, LLC

  • Jodi Karshbaum

  • ​​​​Beth Kidd

  • Knoke's Chocolates & Nuts

  • Knowles-Nelson Stewardship

  • Jeffery Kuhlman

  • William Leifheit

  • Paul Meyer

  • Lynda Meyers

  • Curtis Moe

  • Jessica Newman

  • Melissa Nyhus & LE Phillips Foundation

  • Don & Diane Peavey

  • Melissa Phillips

  • Phipps Center for the Arts

  • Laura Poulsen

  • Margaret Reeves

  • David Richardson

  • Dawn Richardson

  • Robert Richardson

  • Robert Schultz

  • Carol & Joel Skinner

  • Peter Solac

  • LuAnne & Steve Spetcher

  • St Croix Baking Company

  • Striker

  • John Sutherland

  • Karen Swisher

  • Dan and Traci Takkunen

  • Cheri Thies

  • David Thofern

  • Andrew Turczyn

  • Erin Walejko

  • White Eagle Golf Club

  • YMCA of Hudson

  • Anonymous

​Questions? Please reach out to:​​

Bob Richardson, Board Director | bob.richardson@willowkinnifriends.org​

Hannah Addyman, Communications Manager | communication@willowkinnifriends.org

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