September Events
PLEASE NOTE:
Some of our events cost $5/individual or $10/family in support of our non-profits mission.
Friends Members get into events for free.
Vehicle admission into the park is required for all of our events.
Outdoor events are weather-dependent.
For questions or more info email: naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org
Tree ID Hike!
Saturday, September 23rd. Hike leaves at 10am.
Meet at the purple Trout Brook Trail heading.
Trees are fascinating in so many ways. Here in Wisconsin we have several different kinds of deciduous and coniferous trees. Join the naturalist on a 1½ mile hike and learn how to identify several different kinds of trees using a dichotomous key and discover how each one benefits us, the wildlife and the environment around us.
**This event costs $5/person or $10/family (cash or card) in support of our nonprofit's mission. Events are free to Friends members, become one here: https://tinyurl.com/Friendmember
Whispered Wisdom: A Mindful Hike
Saturday, September 30th at 9am.
Meet at the gravel parking lot off of 770th Avenue.
Reconnect with your inner wisdom and find your calm on a mindful hike with Kelly Gillespie, Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher. On the last Saturday of each month, you’ll explore a different area of the Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks. Each hike will be approximately three to four miles and will include three mindfulness activities. Please bring a backpack with water and a small blanket, mat, or towel to sit on.
Cost: $20/person and vehicle admission into the park is required.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/Mindfulnesshike
October Events
PLEASE NOTE:
Some of our events cost $5/individual or $10/family in support of our non-profits mission.
Friends Members get into events for free.
Vehicle admission into the park is required for all of our events.
Outdoor events are weather-dependent.
For questions or more info email: naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org
Fall Scavenger Hunt
at Kinnickinnic State Park
Saturday, October 7 anytime from 1-3pm.
Meet at the St. Croix Picnic Area.
Join us at Kinnickinnic State Park for a fun and educational scavenger hunt. Search for items, solve riddles, and uncover hidden animals in the forest while surrounded by beautiful fall colors and fresh, cool air.
**This event costs $5/person or $10/family (cash or card) in support of our nonprofit's mission.
Willow’s Resonance:
Nature-Infused Sound Experience
Sunday, October 8th from 10-11am.
Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Join Holistic Practitioner Ryan Wimperis from Amethyst Healing for an hour-long nature-infused sound experience. You will be led with a guided meditation followed by the sounds of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls alongside the sounds of nature that will lead you to synchronize with nature while elevating your well-being.
Nature and sound healing offers a synergistic approach to well-being, combining the natural world's restorative power with sound's therapeutic qualities. This combination can deepen relaxation, reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and connect deeply to the environment and one's inner self. This event will take place outdoors, so please bring along a yoga mat or blanket to lay on.
**This event costs $35/person or $50/couple and children ages 10 and under get in for FREE. There must be at least 5 people registered on the day before for this event to take place.
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/soundsofwillow
Fall Colors Hike
at Kinnickinnic State Park
Saturday, October 14. Hike leaves at 10am sharp.
Meet at the gravel parking lot off of 770th avenue.
Join Naturalist Ashley on a 3-mile round trip hike along the Kinnickinnic River while observing the beautiful fall colors of several deciduous trees. Be sure to bring water, a camera, good hiking shoes, and dress in layers for the ever-changing weather!
This event is free to attend but vehicle admission into the park is retired.
Fall Foliage Painting!
Sunday, October 15th from 1-3pm.
Meet at the Dam Shelter at the end of the park road.
Shorter days and cooler nights have brought out the beautiful fall colors we’ve all been waiting for. Throw on your cozy fall sweater, grab a cup of warm apple cider, and join the naturalists in a self-guided painting class! We will provide canvases, acrylic paint, and other painting supplies, but feel free to bring your own along!
There are only 15 spots available for this event.
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/willowfallpaint
**This event costs $15 (cash or card) in support of our nonprofit's mission.
Vehicle admission into the park is required.
A Geological Tour of Willow River State Park
Saturday, October 21. Hike leaves at 10am. Meet at the Dam Picnic Shelter at the end of the park road.
Lace up your hiking boots, and join the naturalist on a 5-mile hike, where you’ll learn about several geological landforms within the park, some dating back as far as 570 million years ago! We’ll start by gaining a brief background on geology and WI’s geological past, and you'll have a chance to look at some amazing fossils, rocks and minerals that have been found right here in the park and in St. Croix County. Then we’ll head out on a 5-mile hike (round trip) which will include some hilly and unlevel terrain. The hike will take roughly 2.5-3 hours to complete depending on the pace of the group. Please come dressed for the weather and bring along water, a snack, binoculars and a camera if you wish!
Let’s Go Mountain Biking!
Sunday, October 22nd from 1-3pm.
Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Join WIKI Mountain Bike club members Dave and Walt on an easy-going, beginners level bike trail, perfect for getting a feel for mountain biking! We recommend wearing good sturdy shoes, safety glasses, gloves, and make sure to bring along plenty of water.
You must provide your own helmet and mountain bike for this class.
Members of the public may rent a mountain bike from UWRF in River Falls for $10/day.
Details on their website: https://tinyurl.com/rntbk
**This event costs $10/person (cash or card) in support of our nonprofit's mission.
This class is limited to 15 participants.
**Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/mtnbikewilow
Flashlight Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, October 28th anytime from 6:30-8:30 PM. Last group heads out at 8pm. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center.
With Halloween approaching and the nights becoming dark and eerie, there’s no better time to embark on a flashlight scavenger hunt. Search for items, uncover nocturnal animals, solves riddles and claim a participation prize before the creatures of the night claim you!
Don't forget to bring a flashlight and wear your Halloween Costume!
This event costs $5/person or $10/family and vehicle admission into the park is required.
Don’t Forget About Our Preschool Young Naturalist Classes!
Every Wednesday or Thursday from 10-11am bring your preschooler (ages 3-5) to the Nature Center to learn about all things nature!
Classes include hikes, games, crafts, story time and more! Always come dressed for the weather and with plenty of water.
Learn more or Register here: https://tinyurl.com/fallpre-knatclass
PLEASE NOTE:
Some of our events cost $5/individual or $10/family in support of our non-profits mission.
Friends Members get into events for free.
Vehicle admission into the park is required for all of our events.
Outdoor events are weather-dependent.
For questions or more info email: naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org