Suggested Itinerary
Are you in Western Wisconsin for an adventure on the Willow River, a conference, traveling through on a road trip, or visiting friends or family? Whatever brings you to this area, there are endless opportunities for fun and relaxation on and off the river. Here are our suggestions for where to stay, eat, and play for a long weekend on the Willow!
Day 1: New Richmond, WI
Visitors to New Richmond can easily transition from outdoor activities like hiking, biking, paddling, and climbing to modern comforts like hot showers, delicious and locally sourced food, and the nightlife on Knowles Ave. New Richmond provides a kitschy small-town feel with a main street that has everything you’re looking for in a weekend getaway.
Stay at the newly renovated AmeriVu Inn and Suites on Knowles Ave. for easy access to Mary Park, the Willow River, and downtown establishments. The property abuts “the widespread,” a flowage of the Willow River near downtown New Richmond.
Start your morning with a short walk across the parking lot to Not Justa Cafe for a hearty breakfast or brunch to fuel your day on the river. If you’d like to venture downtown, try a tasty made-from-scratch treat from Sweet Beet Bakery or get breakfast at Next Door Cafe or Champs. If you are new to paddling or looking to paddle calm waters, choose one of the novice routes on the Willow River Water Trail. If you are looking for a more active paddling experience, explore the intermediate or even advanced routes south of New Richmond. Be sure to reserve a canoe or kayak rental or arrange a shuttle with Willow Kayaks before your trip. Whichever route you choose for your river adventure, bring binoculars or a fishing pole along -- get ready for the birds to fly and fish to bite!
After 2-4 hours on the Willow River, your stomach might begin to rumble and distract you from the magical forests, open prairie meadows, and wildlife around every corner. Shuttle back to New Richmond for a bite to eat at Vudu Street Food. Take the long way back to the hotel on the .7 mile Doughboy Trail to walk off those Key West Tacos.
Visitors can choose between birding on the 2.4 mile Freedom Park Trail Loop, fishing at Hatfield Park or Mary Park, drinking locally crafted brews at the nearby Barley John’s Brewing Company, touring and tasting samples at 45th Parallel Distillery, taking a yoga class at Lift Bridge Yoga, or touring the historic Pioneer Village at the New Richmond Heritage Center (among many other things -- there is something for everyone).
End your day with a home-cooked, fresh, locally sourced meal at Table 65, right across the street from AmeriVu Inn, or venture into downtown to Champs, Wild Badger, or Mallards to kick off your night on Knowles Ave. Either way, be sure to end your night at the AmeriVu Inn whirlpool to soothe those paddling muscles.
Day 2: Willow River State Park
Wake up with breakfast at Next Door Cafe or a quick coffee at the nearby Table 65 on your way south to spend the day at Willow River State Park, one of the most visited state parks in Wisconsin. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, brave the 12-mile ride to the state park on the shoulder of County Rd A. Otherwise, it is an easy 15-20 minute drive from New Richmond.
Willow River State Park is best known for Willow Falls, a cascading waterfall in a 200-ft gorge. Hikers, campers, and climbers flock from all over to explore the gorgeous rock walls, meandering trails, and secluded campsites at the state park. Continue your paddling adventures on Little Falls Lake, go for a swim near the falls, or enjoy the diverse activities on land. This is also a prime spot for birders! Stop by the concession stand near the swimming beach for lunch or BYO food for a picnic near the water’s edge.
Hankering to get back on the flowing Willow? Experienced paddlers can play in the Class 2 rapids just north of the falls (County E to River Road) and paddlers looking for calmer waters can float the four miles from the state park (below the dam) to Lake Mallalieu in Hudson. Willow Kayaks can supply boats and shuttles for all of your paddling needs, and help you plan your route for the day.
Cook your own dinner over the fire at a campsite in Willow River State Park or hop into Burkhardt for dinner and drinks at the Willow River Saloon with live music every Friday and Saturday night.Fall asleep to the sound of crickets and wake up to the sound of birds at a pristine campsite at Willow River State Park. If camping isn’t your thing, stay the night in Burkhardt AirBnB or mosey on to Hudson for a pampered night at a bed and breakfast.
Day 3: Hudson, WI
Swing by the Wired Robin Coffee Cafe in Hudson for high quality coffee and quick pastry or indulge in a big brunch at San Pedro Cafe before spending the day floating or fishing on Lake Mallalieu before heading home.
If the river put a spell on you, if all you want to do is keep paddling, the Willow flows into the St. Croix River and the St. Croix flows into the Mississippi. By all means -- keep on paddling! If duty calls and you have to head back home to reality, we hope the Willow River provided a fun and relaxing respite from the busyness of life. The river will be here waiting for you...until next time!