Willow River State Park

About Willow River State Park

Willow River State Park offers year-round recreational and scenic attractions and attracts more than 300,000 visitors each year. The park includes a 172-acre Little Falls Lake surrounded by a 400-foot beach and picnic area. Four vantage points offer views of the Willow River, the river and its tributaries, as well as the creek and the promenade. Located on the west side of the Willows River at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Interstate 80, about 30 miles north-west of Fort Worth, Texas, it features a 172-acre lake with a 4,500-seat amphitheater, four picnic spots, a 1,300-square-foot water park, and a 4-mile hiking trail.

In summer, guests can paddle in the lake, canoe, kayak and fish, hike and picnic along the creek and promenade and other recreational activities.

In the park there are 13 km of hiking trails of varying difficulty, but the most popular hiking destination is the Fall - Bebe. The nature center has a gift shop, and the main picnic area is on the south side of the creek, right on the boardwalk, near the entrance to Willow River State Park.

The constant flow of water from the waterfall and dam is the main reason for the rich wildlife that can be found in the park. In winter it becomes one of the most popular destinations for snowshoeing, skiing and snowmobiling. The view of Willow Falls becomes even more spectacular when drifting ice or snow makes the Willow River appear out of nowhere.

There is still plenty of time for outdoor enthusiasts to pursue their favourite winter activities. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including snowshoeing, skiing, snowskating, ice skating or traditional hiking. Volunteers prepare for ice skating and traditional hikes in Willow River State Park during the winter months.

The Nature Centre is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and on Sundays from 5.30 pm to 9 pm. There is an open warmth house in the Nature Centre.

Other winter activities include sleigh and ice fishing and winter camping, but those who take advantage of and appreciate the park in all its winter glory will have a whole new experience.

Willow River has a camper van park (pictured) with four campsites and two campsites, as well as a small campground for campers only. There is also a single pitch for six people - motorhomes - which does not appear on the map but can be rented for $5 per night.