Eco-friendly tourism is on the rise, and Hudson offers multiple options for those focused on sustainability. Options such as EV chargers, bike paths, locally sourced dining, sustainable shopping, and world-class outdoor spaces have made Hudson a hidden gem for sustainability enthusiasts looking to get away for a few days.

Interested in getting your green on? These six environmentally friendly travel tips will  help you have a great, green time in Hudson, Wisconsin! 



1. Where to Stay with EV Charging 
There are plenty of lovely places to rest in Hudson, from independent rentals downtown to well-established hotels. However, if you’re planning on pulling up with your electric vehicle, it’s important to choose a host with a charging station. 

Fortunately, several area hotels offer this amenity:  
• The Best Western Plus has two level 2 Tesla ports.
• The Hampton Inn & Suites Hudson has one ZEF Station with two level 3 ports.
• The Holiday Inn Express & Suites has two level 2 Tesla ports. 

All three of these hotels are located less than 3 miles from historic downtown Hudson and feature plenty of glowing customer reviews.

In addition to EV charging, the Hampton Inn & Suites Hudson also touts ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 certifications, indicating they’ve met or exceeded established standards for their business’s environmental management plans and energy efficiency. 

2. Where to Stay Outdoors
While hotels are comfy, it’s hard to get much greener than the gorgeous beauty of the great outdoors! Hudson offers some spectacular parks perfect for reconnecting with nature and living simpler for a few days.  

Camping in Glen Hills Park
Comprised of 700 wooded acres surrounding peaceful Glen Lake, Glen Hills Park’s campgrounds include:
• 61 electric campsites
• 2 camper cabins
• 27 non-electric campsites
• 15 group campsites 

Camping reservations can be made online or by phone and are available from May through October 31.  



Camping in Willow River State Park
Situated on the southern shore of Little Falls Lake, Willow River State Park’s campgrounds are exceptionally popular within the Wisconsin State Park system. In all, the park boasts: 
• 120 campsites
• 4 group camp areas 
Reservations can be made online. Check the Wisconsin State Park system’s portal for availability. 

3. Walk and Bike Hudson 
Hudson, Wisconsin’s historic downtown is easy to enjoy on foot or via bike. Dozens of fantastic places to shop, eat, and explore are nestled together into roughly one square mile of pedestrian-friendly streets. 

The Sustain Hudson organization encourages biking downtown by installing bike racks in several locations in this historic venue. They’re the perfect choice for locking up your ride after a leisurely ride through the 4.7 mile St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail or a rewarding adventure on Hudson’s 62-mile circle tour. Pedestrians can also find plenty to do on foot, including learning about Hudson's history by taking the Historic Walking Tour or the new Lakefront Heritage Tour in Lakefront Park. 

4. Eat Like a Local 
Eating food that was raised or grown nearby reduces the carbon footprint of your meal, guarantees freshness, and supports local. Two notable stops include Black Rooster Bistro and Lolo American Kitchen & Craft Bar.

At Black Rooster Bistro, you can expect their menu to change often allowing the utilization of seasonal ingredients. Ingredients impact not only their food but also their notable cocktails. Lolo American Kitchen & Craft Bar offers a menu loaded with fresh, local, and organic ingredients, and they’ve expressed a strong commitment to using sustainably and humanely raised foods whenever possible. 

5. Shop Sustainably
Of course, no small-town getaway is complete without some time spent exploring the local stores. The Purple Tree focuses on earth-supporting, socially conscious, and locally produced products. With a wide range of products and brands, they make it easy to find that perfect little vacation memento or sustainably made gift for a friend. 

Looking to upcycle or enjoy thrifting? Hudson offers BackRoom Vintage for some exceptional décor and Abigail Page Antique Mall for everything from vinyl, to apparel, to furniture and more! Give a treasure a second or even third life at either of these local gems. 

Also, consider supporting local makers. Beloved Makers and Company on Locust Street is a curated gift shop featuring local, handmade products from Midwest makers. With nearly 40 makers on display, visitors have a variety of products to discover! 

6. Attend a Party with a Purpose
Eco-travelers should also consider visiting during the St. Croix RiverFest. Every summer, Hudson plays host to this refreshing festival dedicated to education about, service to protect, and opportunities to enjoy the St. Croix River. In addition to doing the planet a good turn, attendees can enjoy boating, live music, free entertainment, and more. One tradition is the beloved bass sculpture “Scrappy” as he gets his annual makeover using recovered material, collected from the river clean up. 

Have A Sustainably Good Time in Hudson
These tips are just the beginning. Come discover Hudson. Better still, all of it can be had without skimping on sustainability! Natural beauty is an enormous part of what makes Hudson such a wonderful place. Thank you for helping us protect that by keeping the environment on your mind as you travel.