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
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 and wear your Halloween costume!
This event costs $5/person or $10/family and vehicle admission into the park is required.
You can pay for vehicle admission.
1) Online at: https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi (on the day of the event)
2) At the electronic kiosk out front of the park office (credit/debit card)
3) Fill out a self-registration envelope out front of the park office ( with exact cash)
-There is no running water in the park this time of the season. Seasonal vault toilets are available nearby the Nature Center.
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!
**Seats are limited!**
Register here:
3-mile Fall Colors Hike at Kinnickinnic State Park
Sunday, November 3. 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.
Survival Without a Smartphone 101
Saturday, November 9 at 10am. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Smartphones are great. They do a lot for us, no doubt. But they won’t help you if you get lost in the wild. Reception and battery power is not guaranteed, but your ability to survive without it can be. Join us at the Nature Center and learn about compass and map reading, fire-making, shelter building and more in a friendly, relaxed environment! Children ages 12 and up are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian. The program duration time ranges between 2.5-3 hours long.
**Seats are limited**
Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/wildsurvival101
This event costs $5/person and vehicle admission into the park is required.
Turkey Trot Scavenger Hunt!
Saturday, November 16 at 1 pm at the Willow River Nature Center.
Join us at the Nature Center for a TURK-tacular scavenger hunt in honor of Wisconsin's’ famous Thanksgiving bird.Search for items, solve riddles, and learn fun facts about turkeys along the ½ mile Hidden Ponds Trail and receive a participation prize.
This event is free to attend but vehicle admission into the park is required.
Holiday Nature Crafts!
Saturday, December 7 at 10am OR Sunday, December 8 at 10am.
Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
Come get crafty with nature and make a Christmas ornament or mural from natural items found in nature. Re-create one of our pieces on display or get inspired and make your very own creation! This is a great family activity to enjoy as we get ready for one of the happiest holidays of the year! We will supply everything you need to get crafty but if you have a hot glue gun, bring it along with you.
Seats are limited.
Registration is required:
https://tinyurl.com/holnatcrafts
This event costs $5/person and vehicle admission into the park is required.
Holly-Jolly Scavenger Hunt!
Saturday, December 14 anytime from 1-3pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
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.
This event costs $5/person or $10/family and vehicle admission into the park is required.
Holiday Story Exploratory!
Saturday, December 21 anytime from 12-3pm. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.
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.
This event costs $5/person or $10/family and vehicle admission into the park is required.