I didn’t expect Hudson to feel this peaceful. Perched on the edge of the St. Croix River, this small town gave me open skies, wooded trails, and quiet streets that invited lingering. It was the kind of place where you wander without a plan and find just enough to slow you down in all the right ways. I remember walking along the river, thinking, "This is the kind of calm that sneaks up on you."
Best Things to Do in Hudson, Wisconsin
Crashing Waterfalls and Winding Trails at Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park gave me a proper breath of fresh air—wide trails, river views, and a waterfall that was way more dramatic than I expected. I hiked the trail down to the falls in the morning, the mist rising as the sun started to break through the trees. Standing at the base, with the sound roaring in my ears, I thought, "Why isn’t this place more famous?"
The hike back up was steep but worth it. I took my time, stopping at overlooks to soak in the kind of views that make you feel small in the best possible way.
What I Loved Most: Sitting on a boulder near the water, shoes off, watching kids splash around while I cooled my feet in the river.
My highlights? Afterward, I headed into town for a hearty brunch at San Pedro Café. Their chorizo hash with eggs and sweet plantains hit every craving—warm, spicy, and just a little tropical. I sat outside with a cold brew and sunshine on my face.
Willow River State Park At a Glance
- Location: 1034 County Rd A, Hudson, WI 54016
- Vibe: Adventurous, refreshing, scenic
- Highlights: Waterfall hike, river views, birdwatching, swimming
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and early fall for comfortable weather and fewer bugs
- Cost: $8 daily vehicle admission (WI residents) / $11 (non-residents)
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Art That Feels Like Home at The Phipps Center for the Arts
I didn’t expect to find this much creativity tucked into such a quiet town, but The Phipps was full of surprises. The gallery spaces were small but intentional—local artists, mixed mediums, and thoughtful curation that made me slow down. I walked through the sunlit lobby and thought, "This is how you nurture a community."
There were rehearsals happening upstairs and paintings hung along the hallways. It felt lived in, loved, and quietly buzzing with talent.
What I Loved Most: The balance—elegant gallery rooms and a down-to-earth vibe that made me want to linger.
My highlights? I grabbed a late afternoon latte and lemon poppyseed muffin at Urban Olive & Vine across the street—sat on the patio with my program in hand and just let it all soak in.
The Phipps Center for the Arts At a Glance
- Location: 109 Locust St, Hudson, WI 54016
- Vibe: Creative, local, welcoming
- Highlights: Art exhibits, live theater, music performances, classes
- Best Time to Visit: Check their event calendar—weekend matinees and openings are lovely
- Cost: Free gallery admission; ticketed performances vary
- Hours: Tues–Sat 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun 12–4:30 p.m.
Stepping into the Past at the Octagon House Museum
The Octagon House isn’t just a museum—it’s a little portal back to 1855. Everything from the parlor furniture to the wallpaper felt like it had a story, and I walked from room to room listening to a guide who clearly loved sharing them. At the top of the staircase, I paused to take in the creaking wood and patterned carpets and thought, "People really lived full lives inside these walls."
The architecture alone is worth the visit—eight sides, tall windows, and a feeling of balance that’s hard to explain but easy to feel.
What I Loved Most: Climbing to the cupola and looking out over Hudson’s tree-lined rooftops—it was like time folded in on itself for a moment.
My highlights? Afterward, I wandered down to Agave Kitchen for lunch. Their spicy shrimp tacos and hand-cut fries hit the spot, and the casual vibe was the perfect contrast to the formality of the house tour.
Octagon House Museum At a Glance
- Location: 1004 3rd St, Hudson, WI 54016
- Vibe: Historic, elegant, local
- Highlights: Period rooms, guided tours, unique architecture
- Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall; closed in winter
- Cost: $10 adults / $5 kids
- Hours: Varies seasonally; check their schedule online
Sliding into Winter at Badlands Sno Park
I’m not usually a snow person, but Badlands Sno Park kind of won me over. I spent the afternoon tubing—flying down snowy lanes with wind in my face and absolutely no control, in the best way. As I hiked up the hill for another run, laughing and breathless, I thought, "This is what winter *should* feel like."
The park is casual, fun, and made for all ages. Whether you're sledding with kids or taking the fast lanes with friends, it’s pure winter playtime.
What I Loved Most: The lift system that pulled me and my tube back to the top—no climbing required, just more time for fun.
My highlights? A hot cocoa from the warming house, topped with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. I drank it by the fire while watching families zoom past outside.
Badlands Sno Park At a Glance
- Location: 772 Kinney Rd, Hudson, WI 54016
- Vibe: Playful, seasonal, outdoorsy
- Highlights: Tubing lanes, skiing, snowboarding, warming lodge
- Best Time to Visit: December through early March (weather dependent)
- Cost: ~$30 per tubing session
- Hours: Weekends and holidays; check online for seasonal schedule
Among the Trees with Hudson Tree Treks
Walking the suspended pathways at Hudson Tree Treks gave me that light, almost-floating feeling—just high enough to feel like an adventurer, but still grounded in forest calm. Each bridge swayed slightly beneath my feet, and as I looked out over the canopy, I thought, "There’s something really human about walking among the trees like this."
The course was a mix of balance, trust, and pure fun. Not too intense, but enough of a challenge to feel accomplished at the end.
What I Loved Most: That moment when I let go of the handrail and just walked—slow, steady, like I belonged up there.
My highlights? A post-trek smoothie from St. Croix Juice back in town—pineapple, spinach, and ginger. It felt like the kind of reward your body actually asks for after an outdoor thrill.
Hudson Tree Treks At a Glance
- Location: Just outside downtown Hudson (mobile or seasonal setup—check online)
- Vibe: Adventurous, eco-friendly, energizing
- Highlights: Aerial bridges, light climbing, guided forest walks
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall
- Cost: ~$25–35 per session
- Hours: Weekends and holidays; weather dependent
Travel Tips: How to Get There
- By Car: I usually drive in via I-94—it’s just a quick 30-minute trip east from Minneapolis–Saint Paul, which makes it perfect for a spontaneous day trip or an easy weekend getaway.
- By Air: If you're flying in, I suggest Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). I’ve made the drive from the airport in about 40 minutes—it’s straightforward and scenic.
- By Bus: There are a few regional buses from the Twin Cities, but in my experience, driving gives you way more flexibility. I always prefer having a car when I’m exploring Hudson and the nearby countryside.
Where to Stay
- Hudson House Grand Hotel – I stayed here once and loved the mix of historic charm and modern comforts. The location makes it easy to walk to shops, restaurants, and the riverfront.
- The Phipps Inn Bed & Breakfast – If you’re into elegant, cozy stays, I think you’ll love this place. I enjoyed the Victorian details, and it’s just a short walk to downtown—it felt like a peaceful retreat.
- Comfort Suites Hudson I-94 – I’ve recommended this to friends who wanted something easy and reliable. It’s clean, has a pool, and comes with breakfast—it checks all the boxes for a budget-friendly stay.
Conclusion: Hudson Knows How to Breathe
Hudson didn’t need to shout to get my attention. It just let the river flow, the trails wind, the cafés smell like something fresh out of the oven. Every stop felt intentional without trying too hard. I left with tired legs, a full belly, and that quiet, contented thought: "I could come back here and do it all again—or do nothing at all."
And maybe that’s what makes Hudson so lovely. It’s a town that doesn’t ask you to perform. It just gives you space to be—curious, slow, joyful, or still.
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