Located in St. Croix County of Wisconsin is the quaint, charming city of Hudson.
The city is bordered by the scenic views of the Willow River on Wisconsin’s western edge along the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Hudson may be one of the fastest-growing cities in Wisconsin, but it maintained its cozy, small-town atmosphere.
The city offers a variety of attractions and activities that is perfect for outdoor adventure junkies, art enthusiasts, and history buffs.
Hudson has a lot to offer for everyone visiting the city, so your stay will indeed be filled with lots of fun and exploration.
Explore what Hudson’s tourism has to offer, ranging from attractions and activities to events and festivities.
Are you planning a trip to Hudson?
Read on to discover the 15 best things to do on your trip to Hudson:
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Willow State Park is the perfect location to do lots of outdoor recreational activities all in one place.
This 2,891-acre state park is a popular attraction in the northeast of Wisconsin—it’s the ideal place for a jam-packed outdoor trip for young and old alike.
Hike the scenic wide-paved trail along a lush tree-lined area and be surrounded by a serene natural area leading to the cascading sound of Willow State Park’s centerpiece, the Willow Falls.
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You can pitch your tent in their campgrounds and spend a relaxing night under the stars surrounded by nature, or you can just spend a day exploring the park and have lunch in their lakeside picnic area.
Aside from hiking, you can also go paddling or swimming on Little Falls Lake for a nice cold dip.
Grab your fishing rod because there are also fishing opportunities in the beautiful waters in the State Park.
However you want to spend your stay in Willow State Park, there is definitely no dull time because you would have a lot of exploring to do in the state park.
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This park sits on top of a hill featuring a magnificent panoramic view of St. Croix River Valley.
Birkmose Park is a great place to spend some quiet time surrounded by the tranquil views of the river valley.
This park is also an ancient burial ground for Native Americans, where you can see prehistoric burial mounds in the area.
Make sure to bring your camera and bring out your best smile because this is an ideal location for taking great photos.
You can pack some snacks, have a picnic, and enjoy your food with an overlooking view of the river and valley.
If you are an art enthusiast, Phipps Center for the Arts has got you covered.
This art center is Hudson’s premier performing and visual arts center, located in the heart of the St. Croix Valley in historic downtown.
This place is home to local talents for their artistic pursuits dedicated to unite the community with arts and inspire everyone’s creative skills.
Catch live concerts and theater performances at Phipps Center for the Arts, prepare to be amazed by such talent from Hudson.
There are also exhibits in their art gallery highlighting the creative spirit of the city.
A trip to the Cracked Barrel Winery is a must for wine lovers.
Choose from their great selection of flavors of wine in their wine tasting bar and stroll through their vineyard.
You can also make your very own wine to match your preferences in their Vintners Ventures lab, and you won’t need any experience because they will walk you through the art and science of winemaking.
If you simply want to relax with a glass of wine at hand, you can head out to their patio for a fantastic view of the vineyard or head into the fireplace room for a quiet time.
If you happen to visit Hudson in the winter, make sure to stop by the famous Badlands Snow Park to bring out the childhood happiness within you!
Spend the best of winter at Badlands Snow Park, where you can go on a ride in their famous snow tubing ride.
This 25-acre snow park features seven separate tubing hills—Badlands Snow Park has the cou for families traveling together with kids and furry friendstry’s steepest, longest, and tallest snow tubing hill.
Badlands Snow Park is an excellent place for winter tubing fun with the family, and everyone will surely enjoy both young and old alike.
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If you want to learn about the history of Hudson, the Octagon House Museum will give you a glimpse of Hudson in the 1850s up to the 1950s.
This unique museum captures the interests of many with its distinctive octagonal architecture and the historic Victorian-era furnishings of the house.
The eight-sided house was built for Judge John Shaw Moffat and his family in 1855—a beautiful garden landscape surrounds it with a garden house and carriage house.
The house’s original architecture and furnishings are preserved to educate future generations on the historical development of St. Croix County.
There is an exhibit of artifacts and other items from 1850 to 1950, and history buffs will definitely be fascinated roaming around the house.
They also organize history events like afternoon tea at the house, Victorian etiquette lessons, history education, and more to relive the early life in Hudson.
If you are in the mood for some cold beer, then Pitchfork Brewing got you covered.
The brewing company features a variety of flavorful craft beers classically brewed using locally sourced ingredients, and you can try out their samples straight from the tap before ordering the beer of your choice.
Aside from their beers, they also serve great-tasting foods, gluten-free options, and their own craft sodas.
They have an outdoor patio if you want to chill outside or appreciate the warm atmosphere indoors.
Experience more of Hudson on a trolley with Hudson Trolley Company.
Hudson Trolley Company offers a variety of fun tour packages for all ages, and the tours are ideal if you are traveling with family or a large group.
They organize family fun tours, winery and distillery tours, storytime tours, and other seasonal specialty tours.
A trip on the trolley is an ideal way to get around town and explore what Hudson can offer.
Other than the adventures that await on this trolley tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Hudson.
Their tours are usually one to four hours long, depending on the type of tour.
Make sure to book ahead for your tour with Hudson Trolley Company, so bring some snacks and prepare for a delightful adventure.
You can never go wrong with a golfing day out at White Eagle Golf Club, located along White Eagle Trail just 20 minutes east of the Twin Cities in Hudson.
White Eagle Golf Club features an 18-hole course in a grassy tree-lined fairway with elevation changes and fast greens ideal for all skill levels.
Aside from the well-kept golf course, White Eagle Golf Club is even lovelier for its scenic location and abundant wildlife.
After a day of golfing, you should head out to their bar and grill for a multicourse menu with exquisite food choices.
If you are looking for an ideal place to watch the latest movies, stop by the Hudson 12 Theatre for a terrific movie viewing experience.
Hudson 12 Theatre offers a selection of up-to-date movies and a 5-dollar movie Tuesdays for all available shows throughout the day.
The theatre features soft and puffy power reclining seats for a comfortable movie viewing experience.
They also offer a variety of food options, so you’ll surely get the most out of your movie day.
Make sure to check out their showtimes and head out to Hudson 12 Theatre.
If you want to commemorate your stay in Hudson or get a unique gift for someone, make sure to head out to Seasons on St. Croix Gallery for a unique locally-made craft.
The gallery features over 160 local and regional artists whose aim is to celebrate unique artistry through contemporary craft and fine art.
This eclectic gallery displays a variety of art media with all kinds of price points that will match your budget.
If you are not planning on buying something, you are welcome to look around and appreciate the art displays.
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If you are looking to spend a relaxing day out in the sun but still close to the city center, make sure to stop by Lakefront Park.
The Lakefront Park is one of Hudson’s city parks where community events usually take place.
The park features a serene view of the lake, where you can watch boats passing by and walking routes to explore the area.
Have a walk by the pier or sit by the park benches facing the lake and wait for a fascinating view of the sunset.
You can even go for a dip in their swimming area in the summer.
Make sure to leave no trace and just take in the beautiful view of this public park.
For families traveling together with kids and furry friends, Grandview Park is a must-visit on your trip to Hudson.
The park features a community-built playground for children of all ages—the play area has a tower, wood tunnels, and slides.
Grandview Park is also ideal for picnics because there is picnic tables, barbecue, and picnic shelters in the area.
This park also serves as a lighted sports complex with four softball fields used by the City of Hudson for sports events.
There is also a nearby 2-acre dog park ideal for your furry friend to have some fun on your trip to Hudson.
Stop by Grandview park if you want to know more about the community of Hudson and be acquainted with the town.
Catch a musical show or a comedy night at St. Croix Off Broadway Dinner Theatre at Hudson House Grand Hotel.
This theatre is an all-in-one place if you want to stop by for food and entertainment, where they serve fine casual dining with a variety of entrees.
Make sure to check their performance dates and catch a show while enjoying great food.
St. Croix Off Broadway Theatre features a lounge, bar, and cafe—the great mix of food and entertainment can be found only in this place.
The restaurant is also located in the hotel, and they offer optional dining and lodging packages.
If you are an antique collector or simply fascinated by vintage items, stop by Nostalgia for some collectibles.
Nostalgia offers a range of items sold by more than 40 dealers at reasonable prices in a well-laid-out store where there is truly something for everyone.
Aside from the range of collectibles offered in the store, you can enjoy great music with a cup of coffee and homemade treats.
Antiquing with a combination of cozy and homey feel is an ideal way to spend a relaxed day.
Hudson may be a small town, but the city has a lot to offer for everyone.
There are a lot of fun outdoor and indoor activities in Hudson that are fun for the young and the old alike.
If you’re planning a trip to Hudson, make sure to reference this list, so you don’t miss out on fascinating places and exciting activities in Hudson, Wisconsin.
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