Tourism: Hudson, Wisconsin

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There’s a saying that “location is everything,” and those visiting Hudson, Wisconsin would have to agree. What could be better than a beautiful spot between the scenic St. Croix River and the bluffs of western Wisconsin—all just 20 minutes east of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area?

“I love this town,” says Kim Heinemann, president of the Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. “Hudson has it all, outdoor activities on the river, beaches and parks, boating, beauty, a vibrant, historic downtown and friendly people!”

Hudson is especially gorgeous in the autumn months. A great way to experience fall in this historic river city is at the Spirit of the St. Croix Days September 26 and 27 at Lakefront Park in downtown Hudson. The event will feature an Artist Village, food and beverages, live music and entertainment. The festival features a free outdoor performance by the Minnesota Jazz Orchestra with Colleen Raye & Company from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on September 26. After the concert on Saturday evening, enjoy “A Taste of Hudson — A Food, Wine & Beer Experience,” from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Held in a large event tent, A Taste of Hudson will include ten local restaurants, beverages, and music. Tickets are $50 each. Order your passes by calling 1-800-657-6775 or www.hudsonwi.org.

The Spirit of St. Croix Days is also an excellent time to explore the St. Croix River, one of the last unspoiled rivers in the country within close proximity of a major metropolitan area. Not only do visitors come for the natural, scenic St. Croix Valley (outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking, biking, canoeing, and golfing in nearby parks), but also for the historic character of the valley’s communities. Many of the buildings in Hudson are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and numerous neighborhoods feature stunning nineteenth-century homes. One of these homes, the Octagon House Museum, is a must-see for those who dream about life in the Victorian era.

Visit Hudson for the weekend and stay at a B&B or motel in town. Enjoy the unique small town atmosphere at a local wine bar, antique shop, cozy bookstore, or cutting-edge boutique. Spend some time hunting for treasures at the Abigail Page Antique Mall, the largest antique dealership in Hudson, housed on two levels in an 1800s building in Historic Downtown area, or visit the Phipps Center for the Arts — a brick and glass building overlooking the St. Croix — offering a variety of classes, theater performances, concerts, and visual art exhibitions.