DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS: HUDSON, WISCONSIN By Nell Musolf
There’s plenty to do in Hudson, WI, just across the St. Croix River.
Winter in Hudson Absorb history and the season in this Wisconsin hamlet
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ave you ever wondered where the first Little Free Library was created? Wonder no more. The first tiny library happened in Hudson, Wisconsin, and was the brainchild of Todd Bol as a tribute to his book-loving mother. His idea spawned dollhouse-size libraries around the world. In addition to Little Free Libraries, Hudson is a town filled with attractions and because it is easily within driving distance from Mankato, makes an ideal winter day trip. Hudson is a smaller city (population about 12,000) perched on the westernmost edge of Wisconsin, and is a mere 20 miles from downtown St. Paul. Hudson is on the St. Croix River and was settled in 1840 as a logging center. Although logging is now a thing of the past, Hudson has retained much of its old-fashioned charm while becoming a thriving 21st century city. In December, Hudson hosts several holiday events including a candlelight stroll that travels through the town’s historic downtown district complete with carriage rides. The Candlelight Stroll is 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3. Hudson also celebrates the season by hosting Have 24 • DECEMBER 2021 • MANKATO MAGAZINE
a Hudson Holiday during December. Businesses have a holiday-themed window-decorating contest, holiday lights downtown and in Lakefront Park are turned on for the season, and shoppers are invited to Plaid Friday, where wearing plaid is encouraged while shoppers find holiday gifts in local stores. Some of the stores downtown include Abigail Page Antique Mall, Back Room Vintage, and Chapter 2 Books. Seasons on St. Croix Gallery has pottery, jewelry and artwork from 130 artists. The 715 features “urban rustic goods” and Iris Boutique features fashionable, trendy clothing. The Octagon Museum House, an eight-sided house turned into a museum, has tours on weekends this month. The museum’s gift shop is also open during those times for holiday shoppers. If you are more interested in being out in the great outdoors instead of getting your holiday shopping done, the area offers plenty of places to visit. Hudson has numerous city parks, several county parks and one state park. Orf Family Overlook is a 15-acre county park with a scenic overlook, hiking trails, fishing and, for winter guests, snowshoeing, ice fishing and
