Come for the beautiful parks and scenic St. Croix River, stay for the incredible food and one-of-a-kind shopping, and plan for a unique experience. There’s so much to be discovered in Hudson, WI, and it’s definitely worth a visit, especially during the winter months. The first thing you’ll notice in historic downtown are the festive shops that give you that charming, small-town feel. Peppered along all the shops are numerous places to dine and drink. At Pier 500, San Pedro Café, and Pedro del Este you can even dine outside for perfect for a cozy, romantic night or make a memory with friends.
Photo by Erik Mickelsen
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, book a stay at the historic Phipps Inn Bed and Breakfast. And make sure to check out the Phipps Center for the Arts for live music, impressive plays and more. Step just outside and look towards the river. See if you can spot the Trumpeter Swans! The lakefront is truly a holiday vision like no other during winter.
Consider planning your weekend around one of the many tours Hudson offers. Choose from self-guided walking tours, tour the historic Octagon House Museum, explore the extra fluffy animals at Eagle Eye Farm! Located just outside of Hudson, Eagle Eye Farm is home to adorably sweet alpacas, friendly llamas, playful pigs, mini ponies and more. Perfect for a family or a friend getaway, spend a day getting up close and personal with new friends on the farm.
Have you heard of “The Real Magic House?” It’s one of the most notable historic landmark homes in the area. It was built in 1885 and has an extensive amount of history, detail, and character. It’s been transformed into a premier vacation rental and special event venue for vibrant and inspiring experiences of all kinds. They host a ton of events, provide tours, and it’s the ideal place to stay and unwind. Book out the house and create a micro event to be remembered!
Photo courtesy of Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau
Love the outdoors? This is your chance to enjoy Hudson’s plethora of parks. Willow River State Park is famous for its waterfalls and has miles of trails for winter activities such as snowshoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing and even dog sledding. Homestead Park offers opportunities to ice fish or skate on beautiful Perch Lake, or go cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing. And in town, you’ll find breathtaking views at either Birkmose Park or Prospect Park. Don’t miss a stroll among hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights at Lakefront Park, where you’ll feel the magic along the shoreline of the St. Croix River.
Hudson is alive and magical year-round! The festive holiday lights in Lakefront Park stay up through mid-February, and you should see how gorgeous the parks are in the snow. Bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, explore, shop, stay, and start the new year in beautiful Hudson. Located just outside of the Twin Cities, Hudson really is the perfect destination for a winter weekend getaway.
