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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.

THE LAUNCH IS OPEN:

We Need Your Help to

CLOSE THE FUNDING GAP!

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​​​​​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

  • 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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