Upcoming Events
UW-River Falls Earth Fest
​
Saturday April 26th from 11 am - 4 pm at University of Wisconsin River Falls-University Center.
​
Join us and several other community organizations and businesses at UW-River Falls to celebrate both community and environmental wellness! Earth Fest is a free community celebration of the past, present, and future sustainability efforts in River Falls and the surrounding area. This family-friendly event includes live music, fun family activities, food sampling, a sustainability and wellness fair, free giveaways, and more!
​
This event is free to attend.
For parking and more event info visit: https://www.hopeforearth.org/earthfest
Spring Nature Journaling 5-Week Course
​
Every Thursday in May from 10am-12pm at the Willow River Nature Center.
​
Join us weekly on Thursdays, to learn the art of nature journaling guided by naturalists. Deepen your appreciation for the natural world and create a personal journal filled with your observations and reflections. All participants will receive a nature journal and basic art supplies, but feel free to bring your own!
​
This 5-week course costs $10/person and spots are limited. Vehicle admission into the park is a separate and required fee.
​
Learn More & Register Here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/friends-of-willow-river-and-kinnickinnic-state-parks-inc/spring-nature-journaling-5-week-course
Hello Spring 6-mile Hike
​
Saturday, May 3rd. Hike leaves at 10 am sharp.
Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
​
Get outside and greet spring as you embark on a guided 6-mile round trip hike and discover some of the most beautiful sights at Willow River State Park. This hike will take you along the Willow River, above Little Falls Lake and up close and personal to the Willow Falls. 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 plenty of water, and good hiking boots.
​
This event costs $5/person or $10/family. Vehicle admission into the park is a separate and required fee.
Flint Knapping Demonstration
​
Sunday, May 4th at 10am. Meet at the Willow River State Park Dam Pavilion at the end of the park road.
​
Join us at the park with David Skrupky, a retired Biologist and HS Biology Teacher from Turtle Lake WI as he gives an interesting demonstration on the ancient skill of ‘flint knapping’, which is the process of turning rock into usable tools.
His program includes displays of some of the ancient artifacts that he has found. He’ll also share how Native American people and cultures all around the world made and used stone spearheads, knives, arrowheads, awls, axes, and hammers.
If you have any stone tools and would like to know how old they are, bring them along, he would be happy to look at them to provide you with that information!
​
Register here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/friends-of-willow-river-and-kinnickinnic-state-parks-inc/flint-knapping-demonstration
​
This event is free to attend but vehicle admission into the park is required.
Fungi In Our Forests
​
Saturday, May 10th at 10 AM. 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 1-hour presentation, where you’ll learn when, where and how to pick them yourself. Then join the Naturalist on a short hike afterwards (weather permitting) if you wish and see how many we can find right here in the park. Be sure to wear closed hiking shoes and long pants if you plan to join the hike afterwards.
​
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/WillowFungiForests
This event costs $5/person. Vehicle admission into the park is a separate and required fee.
Mother’s Day Hike at Kinnickinnic State Park
​
Sunday, May 11th. Hike leaves at 10am sharp. Meet at the Kinnickinnic State Park red trailhead gravel parking lot off of 770th avenue.
​
This hike is for everyone who wants to celebrate the spirit of Mother’s Day! Bring along someone special—a friend, family member, mentor, or anyone who has been a caring presence in your life—and join us for a refreshing 3-mile round-trip hike through the beautiful trails of Kinnickinnic State Park. Please come dressed for the weather, bring water, and wear sturdy hiking boots. We look forward to celebrating together!
​
This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required.
Mindful Hike
​
Saturday, May 17 at 9am. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center.
​
Join Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher and Volunteer Wisconsin Master Naturalist Kelly Gillespie for a guided mindful hike designed to cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. This immersive experience includes a brief meditation and simple mindfulness practices to help you strengthen your ability to stay present. Along the way, Kelly will share fascinating insights into the powerful mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature.
April’s hike will be from the nature center to the Willow Falls and back, which is approximately four miles in total. Bring a backpack with water and a small blanket, mat, or towel to sit on. Dress appropriately for the weather, and be sure to have footwear suitable for walking on unpaved paths. Ages 10 and up are welcome.
​
This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required.
"What Do You Spy with Your Eagle Eyes?"
​
Saturday, May 17 at 10am. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
​
Join local author and photographer Jean Maher and learn what is special about taking photos in nature by using your powers of observation. Slide show/activity followed by a hike to take your own photos. We'll come back and share a few together. Come to this fun event with your child, ages K-5th grade. Please dress for the weather and bring a water bottle along with you. Approx. finish time: 12:00-12:30pm depending on the pace of the group.
​
This event costs $5 at the door per family/group (cash only). Vehicle admission into the park is a separate and required fee.
PLEASE NOTE:
Some events are free, others incur a fee in support of our mission.
Vehicle admission into the park is required for all events.
Friends Members get into events for free (except special events), become a member here: https://tinyurl.com/Friendmember
Outdoor events are weather-dependent.