Last week, I blogged about the idea of being a travel writer as I continue to search for what's next in my career. Today, after taking a stroll through my town of Hudson, Wis. -- where I've now lived for more than three years -- I decided to put my money (well, my words) where my mouth was. During my walk on what was a perfect summer afternoon, I brainstormed the top things to do in Hudson. Below is a list of 10 items I've compiled.
Hudson is about 30 miles east of Minneapolis and 20 minutes from St. Paul, a straight shot from both cities on Interstate 94. Located just on the Wisconsin side of the Wisconsin/Minnesota border, the town of nearly 13,000 people (not including surrounding towns/townships) is situated on the beautiful St. Croix River. While Hudson has the chain restaurants, Target/Walmart, Home Depot, and other similar retailers that can be found in bigger suburbs, its beauty lies within its small-town charm.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 things to do when you come to visit Hudson.
1. Go hiking in Willow River State Park.
The state of Wisconsin has nearly 50 state parks, and Willow River State Park happens to be in Hudson. Willow River has several hiking trails of varying lengths, most of which lead to a waterfall that provides picturesque sights. If you happen to go on the right day, you can find rock climbers scaling the high rock walls near the waterfall. Pack a picnic lunch and grab a seat on one of the benches located near the bridge at the waterfall for lunch with a view. Or wear your swimsuit and take a dip in the river (you can even climb under the waterfall) to cool off on a hot day. Also, climb to the top of the rock wall via the stairs for panoramic views of the park and of Hudson.
Willow River State Park does require a small entrance fee -- $7 for cars with Wisconsin license plates, $10 for out-of-state vehicles. Or if you plan to stop by several times a year, an annual pass can also be purchased at the main park entrance. If you're new to the park you can also pick up a map that shows the different hiking trails.
Camping is also available in the park, with the campground located walking distance from the waterfall. Camp sites can be reserved online here. Families with children might enjoy the beach near the main picnic area, located by the nature center. The park is open year-round, with some trails open to cross country skiing in the winter months.
Where to find it: 1034 Co Rd A, Hudson, WI 54016
2. Catch a free outdoor concert at the bandshell.
The summer months mean free music downtown Hudson, complete with views of the St. Croix River in the background. From mid-June to mid-September, the city puts on concerts at the bandshell in Lakefront Park. Music ranges from jazz to '60s rock to classical to Christian music to blues. Concert-goers bring blankets or camping chairs to stake their territory before the shows begin. Feel free to bring food or drinks, too. Alcoholic beverages are permitted, as long as they're not in glass bottles.
The most popular concert each year is the performance by the Minnesota Orchestra. Hudsonites (and others from surrounding areas) get there extra early for that concert, which boasts the top orchestra in the area. If you plan to attend, get there at least an hour early if you want to snag a good spot.
Most concerts take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday evenings, although there are several exceptions. Be sure to check the city's website for the most up-to-date concert information.
Where to find it: 505 First Street, Hudson, WI 54016
3. Take a cruise on the St. Croix River.
Though the Mississippi River dominates the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, I would argue that the St. Croix River is more beautiful and scenic than its big brother to the west. The St. Croix divides the Minnesota and Wisconsin borders, and downtown Hudson is situated just a few blocks off the river.
If you own a boat (or know someone who does), don't hesitate to drive it over the border and drop it in the water in Hudson. The city offers a few boat landings downtown, although they can get busy at peak hours.
If you don't have a boat but would still like to cruise the river, the Hudson Afton Cruise Line has you covered. The Grand Duchess, which has a capacity of around 300 guests, offers brunch, lunch and dinner cruises and launches from the pier in Hudson. Cruises run from mid-April to October, with prices varying based on the type of cruise. The St. Croix Sailing School is an option for kids, as they provide youth sailing lessons.
4. Stroll through historic downtown Hudson.
If you want small-town charm yet still desire great restaurants and shops, be sure to spend some time walking the main street through downtown Hudson. Second Street is the road that runs through downtown and is the same street you'll exit onto if you take Exit 1 off Interstate 94. Find a spot to park -- meters and free parking are both available -- and walk the several-block stretch of Second Street through downtown.
Hudson has several great restaurant options in the downtown area. If you're looking for a good burger, try Agave Kitchen, which also specializes in Tex-Mex food. Across the street is Winzer Stube, a classic German restaurant located in the basement of a building. Though dark, it offers authentic German cuisine, which is sometimes accompanied by a lederhosen-clad man playing the accordion. You'll also find several offerings of German beer, which you can purchase in a mug or a glass boot for bigger groups. Speaking of beer, stop into Stone Tap for the best selection of craft beer in town.
San Pedro Cafe breaks from the traditional with a menu of delicious Caribbean flavors and great cocktails. If you like spicy, I'd recommend the Puerco Diablo wood-fired pizza -- it's my personal favorite. Another restaurant option located just off Second Street on Locust Street is Postmark Grille, which is situated in the old post office and is decorated with items from the old post office days. Postmark specializes in Italian-American fare. If you're lucky, you might snag a seat in the old vault. If you're into the late-night dance scene, Smilin' Moose -- a log cabin-themed bar and grill -- often has DJs or live music on weekends.
Once you're done eating, stop into any of the boutique shops that line the downtown streets -- Lavender Thymes, The 715, Farmhouse Inspired and Dilly Dally in the Alley would be a good start. The Seasons on St. Croix art gallery is also worth checking out. And if you're in the mood for dessert, be sure to read item No. 5 on this list.
Where to find it: Second Street, Hudson, WI 54016
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| Knoke's offers a wide variety of candies. |
Knoke's, an old-fashioned candy shop, has been a mainstay of downtown Hudson for more than 15 years. Now located in an old brick building on Locust Street, Knoke's continually churns out delicious home-made chocolates and also entices visitors with a wide selection of ice cream flavors. If you'll stop in, you'll likely see owner Dave Knoke working hard in the back of the store, whipping up another one of his chocolate delicacies.
Both walls of the store are lined with glass containers, all of which are filled with various colorful candies. Grab a paper bag and load it up with your favorites. You pay by the weight, and different candies have different prices, so be sure to note what you're getting when filling up your bag. Anything with chocolate is worth getting, but Knoke's also has childhood favorites like Big League Chew, Jelly Bellys, gummy worms and much more.
Where to find it: 220 Locust Street #2, Hudson, WI 54016
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| Grab a pint at American Sky in Hudson. |
Beer and Wisconsin are often synonymous, and Hudson has gotten into the brewing scene in recent years. The city has two breweries, both of which offer different styles both in beer and atmosphere.
American Sky Brewing Co. has been making beer in Hudson since 2012. Both the taproom and the beers have an aviation theme, focusing on the World War II era. The homage to military pilots can be found in the name of the brewery's flagship beers: Tailgunner Gold, Amber Salute, and USA IPA. The brewery's taproom, named "The Hangar," is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 2-10 p.m., and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.
Brewery tours at American Sky are free and occur on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. The Hangar also offers several weekly events such as a movie night on Fridays, live local music on Saturdays, and Beer and Bacon Sundays. (What more do you need besides beer and bacon?)
Pitchfork Brewing, located off Exit 4, is newer to Hudson but offers an excellent selection of beers. Though the taproom at Pitchfork is smaller than the Hangar at American Sky, Pitchfork often has a wider variety of beers to chose from. Typically, seven beers can be found on tap at a time, as well as the occasional firkin. Get a flight of several beers to determine which is your favorite.
Pitchfork tends to be a bit more experimental in their beers than American Sky. Though food is not served at the Pitchfork taproom, you can place food orders next door at Paddy Ryan's Irish Pub and they'll deliver the food to you at the brewery.
Select beers from both breweries can be found at many establishments in Hudson. American Sky also distributes several of its beers in bottles throughout the area, while Pitchfork does not. Stop at historic Casanova Liquor to grab some on your way out of town. And remember, Hudson even sells beer on Sundays, a plus if you're visiting from Minnesota.
Where to find it: American Sky -- 1510 Swasey St., Hudson, WI 54016; Pitchfork Brewing: 709 Rodeo Drive, Hudson, WI 54016
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| Hudson's Booster Days |
Booster Days is Hudson's version of the carnivals you see in towns throughout America. In Hudson, it typically takes place around the 4th of July and runs for several days. Along with the rides and carnival games, you can enjoy playing bingo just a stone's throw away from the St. Croix River. Or grab a beverage in the beer garden and indulge in the fair food.
One of the highlights each year of Booster Days is the live music that takes place in the bandshell at Lakefront Park. Local acts -- both from Hudson and the Twin Cities -- are featured, with multiple bands playing each day. Uncle Chunk, a local cover band, is often a fan favorite.
Though technically in the town of North Hudson, Pepper Fest is another local fair that draws people from the surrounding area. Running in mid-August, Pepper Fest heralds itself as "the Little Village Celebration with a Big Italian Flavor." If you check out Pepper Fest, be sure to catch a performance by The Dweebs, a family band from Wisconsin that knows how to have fun.
Where to find it: Booster Days -- 505 First Street, Hudson, WI 54016; Pepper Fest -- 400 7th St. North, Hudson, WI 54016
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| The view from Prospect Park. |
Two parks near downtown Hudson offer spectacular views of the St. Croix River and of the downtown area itself. Prospect Park is the town's oldest park and is just a short walk from downtown. All year long, locals stop by the park to watch the sun set over the St. Croix. The steeples of Hudson's churches line the panoramic views. Grab a seat on a bench or a swing and let the views capture your imagination. Or bring a picnic blanket and spread out on the park's grassy area for lunch or dinner with a view.
Closer to Interstate 94 is Birkmose Park, which also gives guests great views of the river. Birkmose contains a glimpse at history as several Sioux Indian burial mounds are scattered throughout the park.
Where to find it: Prospect Park -- 511 Wisconsin St., Hudson, WI 54016; Birkmose Park -- 50 Coulee Road, Hudson, WI 54016
9. Watch the balloons at the Hot Air Affair.
Though Hudson is admittedly better to visit in the warmer months, locals still find ways to have fun during the cold winters. Among the most popular winter activities is the Hot Air Affair, which has taken place every year in February since it began in 1990. Nearly 40 hot air balloons take flight during the weekend, launching from a field at E.P. Rock Elementary School. Depending on the weather conditions, the balloons will launch twice a day. Feel free to walk up to the balloons before they launch. The owners are happy to answer any questions you may have about the balloons or how they work.
Other activities associated with the Hot Air Affair include a 5K race, the popular Smoosh Board competition, crafts for kids, and a small farmer's market that takes place inside the school. Local venues also have special events during the weekend, including karaoke, live music, bingo and dancing.
A parade through downtown Hudson -- complete with the balloons themselves -- helps to kick off the weekend. On Saturday night, be sure to stop back at the launch site to see either the Moon Glow (when the balloons are inflated on the ground) or Field of Fire (held in case it's too windy to inflate the balloons). This is a good opportunity to snap some photos.
Keep an eye on the weather that weekend and stay up-to-date on the event's website as to whether or not the balloons will launch. Low winds and good visibility are ideal conditions.
Where to find it: 340 13th St. South, Hudson, WI 54016
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| (Photo courtesy of the Phipps Center for the Arts) |
The Phipps Center for the Arts, known locally simply as "the Phipps," is home to many plays, musicals and concerts year-round and is one of the premiere theaters in the St. Croix Valley. The theater, which has a capacity of nearly 250, has been in operation for three decades. There's not a bad seat in the house.
While at the Phipps, be sure to check out the six art galleries that fill the space. Many local artists are featured, and the exhibits change throughout the year. The Phipps helps put on the Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival every September, located in Lakefront Park -- very close to the Phipps. Art classes are also available for both children and adults.
Tours of the Phipps are available, where you'll get a the behind-the-scenes glance at what goes into making a theatrical production. You may also get a closer look at the Wurlitzer organ. Built in 1930 for a theater in Boston, the organ (a Wurlitzer Opus 2131) has been at the Phipps since it was donated in 2008.
Where to find it: 109 Locus St., Hudson, WI 54016
For more information about Hudson, visit the city's tourism site here.
Great read, Tyler! I need to plan my visit soon.
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