September Events
All programs are free to attend (unless otherwise noted) but vehicle admission into the park is required.
Donations are greatly appreciated and make programming possible.
All outdoor events are weather dependent.
For questions about an event email: naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org
**All programs are sponsored by the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks, Excel Energy Foundation and The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks**
Skulls, Pelts, Tracks and Scat!
Saturday, September 3 anytime from 10-11:30AM
Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Get up close and personal to numerous animal skulls, pelts, and more! Identify different animal tracks and scat and learn interesting facts about several Wisconsin animal species.
Explore New Trails!
Saturday, September 3 at at 1pm sharp. Meet at the Rattle Bridge Parking Lot off of County Road E.
Not into the hustle and bustle of holiday weekends? We don’t blame you!
Join the Naturalist on a peaceful hike along the Mound Trail located on the outer boundaries of Willow River State Park. This trail runs along a section of the Willow River which was restored after the mound dam was removed in the 1900’s. This 2-mile hike offers beautiful views of the river and quieter surroundings than some of the busier trails within the park. The hike should take roughly 1- 1 ½ hours to complete. Please dress for the weather and bring along, water, good hiking shoes, binoculars, and a camera if you wish.
Fungi in our Forests!
Saturday, September 10 at 10AM.
Meet at the Willow River Nature Center
Some of the tastiest mushrooms can be found right here in St. Croix County; if you know where to look! Join us for a presentation where you’ll learn when, where and how to pick them yourself. Then join the naturalist on a short hike and see how many we can find right here in the park (weather permitting).
Mindfulness Meditation and Hike!
Saturday, September 10 and/or
Saturday, September 17 at 9am.
Meet behind the Willow River Nature Center.
COST: $10 per session.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/willowmindfulmeditation
Join Kelly Gillespie, Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher, for this one-hour program that will aim to reduce anxiety, clear your mind, and relax your body. Each Saturday there will be a unique 15-minute guided meditation followed by a 30-minute hike which will incorporate the mindfulness techniques from the meditation. The last 15 minutes will be dedicated to journaling about your experience. Writing materials will be provided or feel free to bring your own. Please bring water and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Participants ages 12 and up are welcome in!
Discover The Willow 6-Mile Hike!
Saturday, September 17. Hike leaves at 10am sharp.
Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Get some fresh air and join the naturalist on a 6-mile round trip hike where you will discover some of the most beautiful sights at Willow River State Park. This hike takes you along the Willow River, above Little Falls Lake and up close and personal to the Willow Falls. Along the way, you will venture through a variety of habitats including wetlands, prairie, river bottoms, and mature deciduous and coniferous forests. The terrain varies throughout the hike and includes some very steep hills. The hike will take roughly 2 ½ -3 hours to complete. Please dress for the weather and bring along, water, good hiking boots, binoculars, and a camera if you wish.
A Geological Tour of Willow River State Park!
Saturday, September 24 Hike leaves at 10am sharp. Meet at the Dam Picnic Shelter at the end of the park road.
Saturday, September 24 Hike leaves at 1pm sharp. Meet at the Dam Picnic Shelter at the end of the park road.
Willow River State Park is an outstanding place to enjoy natures beautiful scenery and geological landforms. Lace up your hiking boots, and join the naturalist on a 5-mile hike where you will discover several geological phenomena’s within the park, some dating back as far as 570 million years ago! This is a 5-mile hike and includes some hilly and rugged terrain. The hike will take roughly 2.5-3 hours to complete depending on how blown away we are by all of the sights we’ll see. Please dress for the weather and bring with you water, a snack, binoculars and a camera if you wish.
All programs are free to attend (unless otherwise noted) but vehicle admission into the park is required.
Donations are greatly appreciated and make programming possible.
All outdoor events are weather dependent.
For questions about an event email: naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org
**All programs are sponsored by the Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks, Excel Energy Foundation and The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks**