CANCELLED: Holly-Jolly Scavenger Hunt!

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The Saturday, December 13th event has been cancelled due to frigid temperatures. ​

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Join us at the park for a holly-jolly scavenger hunt along the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail. Search for items, solve riddles, and jingle all the way as we celebrate one of the most wonderful holidays of the year! Please come dressed for the weather and bring drinking water along with you. 

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This event costs $5/family (cash or card) and vehicle admission into the park is required.

Holiday Story Outdoor Exploratory!

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Saturday, December 20 anytime from 12-3pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

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It’s the Holiday season and what better way to celebrate than with some fresh air, stories and smiles?! Join us at the park for some fun and fictional exploration. Search for several holly-jolly stories hidden throughout the park and make note of your merry work. Bring back your list so we can check it twice and receive a small participation prize for being oh-so-nice! Please dress for the weather and be prepared to hike and drive to different locations within the park to uncover hidden stories.

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

Nature Ornament Painting

 

Sunday, December 21 anytime from 10am to noon. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center.

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Get into the holiday spirit with a fun and creative ornament painting session! Whether you’re looking to add a personal touch to your tree or make a heartfelt gift, we’ve got everything you need. Join us for a morning of festive crafting as we provide the supplies, and you provide the creativity. Paint your own unique ornament, bring it home to hang, or gift it to someone special!

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little paint on. No experience needed—just bring your holiday cheer! All children are required to have a parent or guardian present. 

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

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

Natural Playground Scavenger Hunt 

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Saturday, December 27 anytime from 1-3pm. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center. 

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Drop into the nature center and pick up a scavenger hunt sheet before heading out into the crisp, winter air to explore the unique and natural stations that make up our natural playground area! 

Once you've checked off all stations, race back to the nature center to earn a small participation prize! 

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

Winter Nature Journaling - 4 Week Course 

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Every Wednesday in January from 10am-12pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center. 

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Join us weekly on Wednesdays at Willow River State Park as we explore the art of nature journaling, guided by the park's naturalists. This program, inspired by the renowned work of John Muir Laws, will help you deepen your appreciation for the natural world and guide you in creating a meaningful, personal journal filled with your observations, questions, and reflections. All participants will receive a nature journal and art supplies, but feel free to bring items from home too. Children ages 8 and up are welcome to join the course accompanied by a parent or guardian. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to spend time outdoors for each session. 

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Learn More & Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/winternatjournalwillow 

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This 4-week course costs $15/person and seats are limited. Vehicle admission into the park is a separate and required fee.

First Day of The Year Hike! 

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Thursday, January 1 at 1pm sharp. Meet at the Willow River State Park 200 campground parking lot. 

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Greet 2025 with some fresh air and a peaceful hike to the Willow Falls. This 2-mile round trip hike will take place on the green snowshoe trail which offers beautiful views of the forest, river and Willow Falls. The hike should take roughly 1- 1 ½  hours to complete and does include some hilly terrain. Please dress for the weather and bring along water, good waterproof hiking boots with ice cleats or snowshoes, binoculars, and a camera if you wish.

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

Frosty Falls Hike

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Saturday, January 3. Hike Leaves at 10:00 am sharp. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center. 

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Join us on a wintery walk to Willow Falls. This is a spectacular time of year for viewing the frost covered falls. But don’t just take our word for it, get out there 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 some hilly/rugged terrain. Be sure to dress in warm layers, bring plenty of 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.

Naturally Crafty- Tree Cookie Cutouts 

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Sunday, January 4th anytime from 10am-12pm. Meet at the Willow River State Park Nature Center. 

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Come get crafty with nature and make a masterpiece out of natural items found dead and down on the ground or from recycled items used in our daily lives. Re-create one of our pieces on display or get inspired and make your very own creation! Folks of all ages are welcome. We will supply everything you need to get crafty, but if you have an extra hot glue gun, bring it along with you!

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

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