If you are anywhere near the Minnesota-Wisconsin border, you have got to carve out an afternoon for Willow Falls. Tucked inside Willow River State Park just a few miles northeast of Hudson, Wisconsin, this spot is easily one of the most stunning, powerful hidden-gem waterfalls in the entire Midwest. Even though it’s technically a Wisconsin park, it’s a massive favorite for folks living in the Twin Cities because it’s only about a 30-minute drive east of St. Paul.
The absolute best part about Willow Falls is its sheer scale and raw energy. We aren’t talking about a tiny, trickling stream here. The water plunges 45 feet down a massive, multi-tiered limestone staircase that stretches nearly 100 feet wide. Standing at the base feels like standing in a natural amphitheater because the falls carve straight through a rugged 200-foot-deep gorge. The sound of the rushing water echoing off the cliffs is so intense you can hear it long before you actually see it.
What makes this place even cooler is its comeback story. Back in 1924, engineers built a massive hydroelectric dam right over the top of it, completely swallowing the natural upper drops and drowning out the gorge. But in 1992, the dam was removed, and the river was allowed to reclaim its territory. Today, it has been beautifully restored back to its original wild state, leaving us with the epic view we get to enjoy now.
Getting down to the falls is an adventure in itself, and you have a few ways to tackle it depending on your energy level. If you are looking for a quick, direct route, you can park at the Willow Falls lot and take a short, paved trail straight down. Just a fair heads-up: while it’s paved and easy on the way down, the return climb is an absolute leg-burner with a steep incline that will definitely test your cardio.
If you want a more scenic workout, you can jump onto the Burkhardt Trail or the Pioneer Trail. These routes treat you to incredible, panoramic bird’s-eye views from high wooden overlooks along the canyon rim before dropping you down into the gorge via a massive wooden staircase with over 170 steps.
Once you make it down to the water, there is a wide pedestrian bridge spanning the river directly in front of the cascades. It is the ultimate spot for a photo op, though you should expect a little refreshing mist on your face if the water is pumping. During the hot summer months, the shallow pools and smooth rocky shallows at the base become a massive hangout spot where people kick off their shoes to wade around and cool off.
Just keep a few things in mind before you head out. Because it is one of the most visited state parks in Wisconsin, the main falls area gets incredibly packed on summer weekends. If you want a peaceful experience, aim for an early morning weekday hike. Also, because it’s a state park, you will need to grab a daily or annual Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker at the gate or electronic kiosks. Drop it on your windshield, lace up your grippiest shoes, and enjoy the show!