Let’s Go Ice Fishing

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Saturday, January 31 from 1:00-3:00pm. Park at the beach/Nature Center parking lots, then walk out and meet us on the lake. 

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Join us at Willow River State Park as we drill into the ice on Little Falls Lake. We’ll have all the necessities needed to help you, or your child catch a fish. 

While out on the ice, you'll also learn basic ice safety tips, how to use a variety of ice fishing equipment, fish identification skills and more! 

All you need to bring is your favorite warm beverage, a bucket or chair to sit on and water-proof winter gear to help you stay warm! Like our true grit ancestors, we will be sitting directly out on the ice without shelters/shacks. If you are 16 years of age or older, you'll need to bring a valid WI fishing license, or purchase one prior to fishing.

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Spots are limited for this event.  Register here: https://tinyurl.com/icefishwillow13126  

This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. This event is weather-dependent and can/will be cancelled if weather is severe. ​

Winter Wonderland Painting

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Sunday, February 1st at 10am- 12pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center. 

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Throw on a cozy sweater and join naturalist Amber for a self-guided painting class here at the park! You’ll have the option of painting a winter scene masterpiece using picture references of the park. Or, by hitting the trail and choosing the scenery of your desire. We'll provide canvases, acrylic paint, and other painting supplies, but feel free to bring your own along.

 

Seats are limited! Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/winterpaintingwillow21 

This event costs $10 and vehicle admission into the park is required.  

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike

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Sunday, February 1 at 5:00 pm. Meet at the Group Camp parking lot. 

 

Join Naturalist Educator Rae Skog and Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher Kelly Gillespie for a full-moon snowshoe hike through the woods to the Willow Falls. We’ll begin at the Group Camp, gathering around a fire to settle in with a brief mindfulness meditation. Following the meditation, we’ll share moon tales from different cultures connected to February’s full moon. With these stories dancing around in our minds, we’ll set out on a 2.5-mile round-trip snowshoe hike to the Falls, which will include some steep/hilly terrain. Please bring water and dress appropriately for the weather. 

 

This event costs $5/person and $15/family via cash, Venmo or Paypal upon arrival and vehicle admission into the park is required.

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For questions, call/text Kelly at 612-475-9445, or Rae at 651-368-1703.

Snow Day at Willow

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Saturday, February 7 AND Sunday, February 8 anytime from 10am-Noon. Meet At the Sledding Hill. 

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Let’s get outside and embrace winter and all of the fun activities it provides! Drop in anytime from 10am-noon and hit the sledding hill, explore the natural playground area, go on a self-led winter scavenger hunt, or even paint the snow! We will have a couple of sleds available to use but feel free to bring your favorite one along with you. 

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This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. Donations are welcome and make our programming possible. All outdoor events are weather dependent. ​

Valentines Day Hike

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Saturday, February 14. Hike Leaves at 10:00am sharp. Meet at the Willow River State Park

Nature Center. 

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Grab a loved one and join us on a wintery walk to the Willow Falls! This is a spectacular time of year for viewing the frost-covered falls. But don’t just take our word for it, grab your beloved, or simply love yourself enough to get out here and see for yourself! 

This will be a 4-mile round-trip hike. Depending on the weather and depth of snow, it can be considered moderately strenuous with hilly/rugged terrain throughout the hike. Be sure to dress in warm layers, bring drinking water, and waterproof hiking boots with ice cleats, or snowshoes.

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This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. Donations are welcome and make our programming possible. 

Naturally Crafty: Sip and Sort Collage 

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Sunday, February 15th anytime from 10am-12pm. Meet at the Willow River State Park

Nature Center. 

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Bring your favorite mug and join us for a relaxing afternoon of creativity and community! Sip on hot cocoa or tea in the Nature Center classroom while making your own unique collage masterpiece.

We’ll be turning “scraps” into art—so gather up those old magazines, newspapers, and books (or use some of ours!) and see what you can create. Make a 2D collage to hang on your wall, or bring an item from home—a box, lamp shade, picture frame, or anything you’d like to decorate—and give it a new life.

All basic supplies and materials are provided, but we encourage you to reuse what you have at home to help reduce waste and spark creativity.

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Seats are limited for this event. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/sipandsortcollage 

This event costs $5 per person and vehicle admission into the park is required.  

Wings & Wilderness Walk 

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Sunday, February 22nd. Hike leaves at 10 am sharp. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

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Join us for a relaxed, family-friendly hike! This short trek will lead us through some of the best local habitats for spotting wildlife. Bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) and learn to identify a variety of feathered friends by sight and sound. Our guide will share tips on spotting wildlife and help you discover what makes our local species unique. Dress warmly, bring a water bottle, and get ready to experience the wonders of winter birdlife!

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This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required.

Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt 

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Saturday, February 28 anytime from 1-3 pm. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center.

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Bundle up and bring the family out to the park for a fun-filled Winter Scavenger Hunt! Follow our checklist-style scavenger hunt to spot winter wonders, or take on the challenge of solving riddles along the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. After your adventure, return to the nature center to claim a participation prize! Be sure to dress warmly, and bring water, waterproof boots, and cozy layers for a day of outdoor winter exploration.

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This event costs $5/family  and vehicle admission into the park is required.