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Lakefront Heritage Project

If you love a mix of history and charm, Hudson, Wisconsin, is the place for you! Explore the banners along the Lakefront Park walking path to learn a bit about our local heritage. This historic stroll will give you a great introduction to how our community became Hudson.
Willow River State Park St. Croix County Historical Society Photo Collection, Hudson WI
Steam Boat on the St. Croix River
St. Croix County Historical Society Photo Collection, Hudson WI
The Octagon House 
St. Croix County Historical Society Photo Collection, Hudson WI
Lumber Boom on the St. Croix River 
St. Croix County Historical Society Photo Collection, Hudson WI

Photo Credit: St. Croix County Historical Society Photo Collection, Hudson WI

Lakefront Heritage Audio Tour

As you explore the banners, listen to the additional stories on your phone to learn even more about each topic. Each banner is numbered and has a coordinating story to listen to below.

Welcome!
Banner 1 Local Indigenous Cultures
Banner 2 Our First European Visitors
Banner 3 Steamboats Arrive in Hudson
Banner 4 Hudson's First Settlers
Banner 5 The Lumber Industry in Hudson
Banner 6 All of Hudson's Names
Banner 7 Hudson's Postal Service
Banner 8 The Beginning of Local Newspapers
Banner 9 The Start of Schools in Hudson
Banner 10 Hudson Begins to Grow
Banner 11 The Octagon House
Banner 12 St. Croix County Courthouse
Banner 13 Hudson Joins the Civil War
Banner 14 Farming Becomes Big in Hudson
Banner 15 Railroads in Western Wisconsin
Banner 16 Andrews' Impact on Architecture
Banner 17 Hudson's Great Fire of 1866
Banner 18 Hudson's First Hospital
Banner 19 The Start of the Andersen Corporation
Banner 20 Hudson's Iconic Library
Banner 21 Hudson's Notable Arch
Banner 22 The Father of Hudson's Park System
Banner 23 Willow River State Park
Thank You!
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Would you rather read than listen? Check out the banner stories.

Thank You to Our Partners!

Project Partners
Supporting Partners

Hudson Community Foundation is an Affiliate of the St. Croix Valley Foundation.

Photo Credits
  • Hudson Star-Observer / Willis H. Miller
  • Library of Congress Prints & Photographs
  • St. Croix County Historical Society Photo Collection
  • Peggy Clark
  • The Valley of the St. Croix, Art Publishing Company, George B. Pratt, Neenah, Wis. 1888
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Get the Guide

Not sure where to start? No problem! We can send you a free guide to help you plan your Wisconsin Weekend in Hudson.

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Book a Wisconsin Weekend

Enjoy hotels with pools, unique places, or camping? Check out some fantastic places to stay when you come to visit Hudson!

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