Upcoming Events
PLEASE NOTE:
Some events are free, others incur a fee in support of our non-profits mission.
Friends Members get into events for free (except special events), become a member here: https://tinyurl.com/Friendmember
Vehicle admission into the park is required for all events. Outdoor events are weather-dependent.
Questions? Email: naturecenter@willowkinnifriends.org
Fishing in the Dark
Saturday, September 21 from 6-8pm. Meet at the Dam Picnic Shelter at the end of the park road.
Join us just before dusk and watch the sunset, as we cast our lines off into Little Falls Lake!
If the fish ain't bitin’, there will be plenty of other fish-related activities to keep you hooked! We’ll have a few fishing poles available to use during the event but feel free to bring your own fishing pole and tackle box along with you.
This event is free to attend but donations are appreciated. Vehicle admission is required.
Willow’s Resonance: Nature-Infused Sound Bath Series
Sunday, September 22 at 9am. Meet at the Nature Center at 8:50am, we'll then walk a short distance to our class location.
Join Holistic Practitioner Ryan Wimperis for an hour-long, nature-infused sound experience. You’ll be led through a guided meditation, followed by the sounds of crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, which will help you synchronize with nature, while elevating your well-being. Please bring a yoga mat and a blanket to lie on.
**Registration Required: tinyurl.com/willowsoundbath
This event costs $35/person -or- $50/couple. Children ages 12 and under may attend for free. Vehicle admission into the park is a separate and required fee. Registration is due by 6pm the day before each session date.
Fall Story Outdoor Exploratory
Saturday, September 28 anytime from 12-3pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
With fall in full swing there’s no better time to get out and enjoy some fresh air, stories and smiles! Join us at the park for some fun and fictional outdoor exploration. Search for several festively fall-themed stories hidden throughout the park and answer questions/riddles along the way to receive a participation prize. Bring a water bottle, come dressed for the weather and be prepared to hike to different locations within the park to uncover stories. This is a great all-ages, or family activity to enjoy.
This event costs $5/person or $10/family and vehicle admission is required.
6-mile Fall Colors Hike at Willow River State Park!
Saturday, October 5. Hike Leaves at 10am. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Fall is upon us, get outdoors and enjoy it! Join Naturalist Ash on a 6-mile round trip hike to the Willow Falls while observing the beautiful fall colors of several deciduous trees. This will be a more strenuous, long distance hike with some sections of very hilly terrain. Be. Sure to bring along water, a camera, good hiking shoes, and dress in layers for the ever-changing weather!
This event costs $5/person or $10 per family and vehicle admission is required.
3-mile Fall Colors Hike at Kinnickinnic State Park!
Sunday, October 6 hike leaves at 10am sharp. Meet at the gravel parking lot off of 770th avenue.
Fall is upon us, get outdoors and enjoy it! Join naturalist Amber on a 3-mile round trip hike along the Kinnickinnic River while observing the beautiful fall colors of several deciduous trees. Learn why leaves change different colors in the fall and identify different types of trees and hopefully wildlife along the way. 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 required.
Fall Scavenger Hunt at Kinnickinnic State Park!
Saturday, October 19 anytime from 1-3pm. Meet at the St. Croix Picnic Area.
Join us at the 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 is free to attend but vehicle admission into the park is required.
Spooky Flashlight Scavenger Hunt!
Saturday, October 26 anytime from 6:30-8:30pm. Last group heads out at 8pm. Meet outside 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, solve riddles and claim a participation prize before the creatures of the night claim you! Be sure to bring a flashlight if you have one and wear your Halloween costume!
This event costs $5/person or $10/family and vehicle admission into the park is required.
A Geological Tour of Willow River State Park
Saturday, November 2 at 10am sharp. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Lace up your hiking boots, and join the naturalist on a 4-mile hike, where you’ll learn about several geological landforms within the park, some dating back over 500 million years ago! We’ll start by gaining a background on geology and WI’s geological past, and you'll have a chance to look at some amazing fossils, rocks and minerals. Then we’ll head out on a 4-mile hike (round trip) which will include some unlevel terrain. The presentation is roughly 1-hour long and the hike will take around 1.5 hours to complete afterwards 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!
**Seating is limited!**
Please register for this event: https://tinyurl.com/4mhm7k3w