Current & Upcoming Events | Friends of Willow River and Kinnickinnic State Parks

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

Frosty Falls Hike!

Saturday, January 11. Hike Leaves at 10:00 am sharp. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

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.

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

CANCELLED: Snowshoe Demo at Kinnickinnic State Park!

Sunday, January 12

This event has been cancelled due to the lack of snow. Keep an eye out for upcoming snowshoe demo events as soon as some snow arrives!

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

Let’s Go Ice Fishing!

Saturday, January 18 from 1:00-3:00pm. Park at the beach/Nature Center parking lots and meet us out on the lake.

Spots are limited. Register for this event here: https://tinyurl.com/freeicefishwknd

Join us on the free fishing weekend, as we drill into the ice on Little Falls Lake. We’ll have all the necessities needed to help you or your child catch a fish. You'll also learn: basic ice safety tips, how to use ice fishing equipment, fish identification skills and more! All you need to bring is your favorite warm beverage and water-proof winter gear to help you stay warm out on the ice.

This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. $5 donations are greatly appreciated.

Let’s Go Ice Fishing!

Saturday, January 25 from 1:00-3:00pm. Park at the beach/Nature Center parking lots, then walk out and meet us on the lake.

Spots are limited. Register for this event here: https://tinyurl.com/LetsIceFish

Join us as we drill into the ice on Little Falls Lake. We’ll have all the necessities needed to help you or your child catch a fish. You'll also learn: basic ice safety tips, how to use ice fishing equipment, fish identification skills and more! All you need to bring is your favorite warm beverage and water-proof winter gear to help you stay warm out on the ice.

If you are 16 years of age or older, you'll need to bring a valid WI fishing license, or purchase one prior to fishing.

This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. $5 donations are greatly appreciated.

Let’s Go Ice Fishing!

Saturday, February 1st from 1:00-3:00pm. Park at the beach/Nature Center parking lots, then walk out and meet us on the lake.

Spots are limited. Register for this event here: https://tinyurl.com/LetsGoIceFishin

If you are 16 years of age or older, you'll need to bring a valid WI fishing license, or purchase one prior to fishing.

This event is free to attend, but vehicle admission into the park is required. $5 donations are greatly appreciated.

Winter Nature Journaling - 5 Week Course

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

Join us 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 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.

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

This 5-week course costs $15/person and seats are limited. Vehicle admission is a separate and required fee.

Winter Wonderland Painting!

Sunday, February 2nd at 10am. Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

Throw on a cozy winter sweater, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and join the naturalists for a self-guided painting class here at the park! You’ll have the option of painting a winter scene masterpiece using picture references of the park. Or, by hitting the trail and choosing the scenery of your desire. We'll provide canvases, acrylic paint, and other painting supplies, but feel free to bring your own along. There are only 15 spots available for this event.

This event costs $10 and vehicle admission into the park is required.

Wings & Wilderness Walk

Sunday, February 9th. Hike leaves at 9 am sharp (9-10:30 am total). Meet at the Willow River Nature Center.

Join us for a relaxed, family-friendly birding hike! This short trek will lead us through some of the best local habitats for spotting winter birds. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just getting started, bring your binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours) and learn to identify a variety of feathered friends by sight and sound. Our guide will share tips on birdwatching and help you discover what makes our local species unique. Dress warmly, bring a water bottle, and get ready to experience the wonders of winter birdlife!

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