Facility Overview

WisDOT Park & Ride 55-05 is a state-maintained commuter facility located at 2340 Coulee Road in Hudson, Wisconsin (St. Croix County). Serving as a critical transportation node on the eastern edge of the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan fringe, this dedicated open-air surface lot provides seamless carpooling and ridesharing opportunities for westbound cross-border commuters and regional travelers alike. The lot features an organized paved layout situated directly between Coulee Road and Interstate 94, offering straightforward drive-through circulation and ample space for vehicle maneuvering. Because it is an open-air surface lot, there are no overhead height barriers or vertical clearance limits, making it exceptionally accommodating for high-profile vehicles including full-size pickup trucks, cargo vans, conversion vans, and full-size SUVs.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned just off Hudson\'s bustling Carmichael Road corridor, Park & Ride 55-05 places drivers within immediate reach of major retail hubs, regional dining, and scenic St. Croix River Valley destinations:

• Carmichael Road Commercial Corridor: Located less than a half-mile away (a quick 2-minute drive or brief walk), featuring major shopping destinations including Target, Walmart Supercenter, ALDI, Menards, and numerous fast-casual eateries.
• Historic Downtown Hudson & St. Croix Riverfront: Situated approximately 2 miles west (a 5-minute drive), offering waterfront parks, scenic river views at Lakefront Park, local boutiques, and acclaimed dining along 2nd Street.
• Willow River State Park: Located roughly 6 miles northeast, renowned for its dramatic river gorge and rushing waterfall, making this lot a convenient carpool rendezvous point for weekend outdoor recreation.
• St. Croix Health & Regional Medical Facilities: Nearby medical plazas along Crest View Drive and Carmichael Road are situated within a 3- to 5-minute drive.
• Twin Cities Metro Commuter Corridor: Located right on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, facilitating easy shared commuting to Woodbury (10 minutes), Saint Paul (20 minutes), and downtown Minneapolis (30 minutes).

  Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

  Accessing the lot is exceptionally straightforward from Interstate 94. Drivers traveling eastbound or westbound on I-94 take Exit 2 for Carmichael Road (County Highway F), travel north briefly to Coulee Road, and turn west onto Coulee Road. The entrance to Lot 55-05 is positioned directly on the south side of Coulee Road. Ingress and egress are fluid, allowing commuters to rejoin I-94 westbound into Minnesota within minutes. The facility functions as an essential pickup and drop-off point for shared vanpools, regional carpools, and commuter ridesharing, with immediate freeway ramp access minimizing transit delays during peak morning and evening travel periods.

  Facility Amenities & Key Features

  • 100% Free Commuter Parking: State-operated Park & Ride facility with no daily fees, meters, or permit requirements for valid commuter stays.
  • Unrestricted Clearance: Open-air surface design with no low-clearance obstacles, ideal for oversized vehicles, trucks, and roof-racked autos.
  • ADA Accessible Spaces: Clearly marked accessible parking bays located close to the main paved access aisles.
  • Area Lighting: Elevated streetlamps across the tarmac to enhance visibility and security during pre-dawn and evening commutes.
  • Commuter Information Signage: Standard WisDOT informational signage detailing lot rules and overnight parking guidelines.

  Ideal For

  • Twin Cities Daily Commuters: Interstate commuters meeting colleagues for carpools and vanpools into Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and the East Metro.
  • Weekend Travelers & Road Trippers: Drivers consolidating vehicles before heading east toward Eau Claire or west into Minnesota.
  • Outdoor Enthusiasts & Recreation Groups: Hikers, boaters, and cyclists gathering at a unified staging point before exploring the St. Croix Valley and Willow River.
  • Shoppers & Area Visitors: Drivers looking for a reliable, hassle-free rendezvous point adjacent to Hudson\'s primary commercial shopping hub.

  Visitor & Driver Tips

  Parking at WisDOT Park & Ride 55-05 is free of charge; however, WisDOT regulations generally restrict continuous parking to a maximum duration (typically 48 hours unless otherwise posted), and commercial vehicle parking, unattended trailers, and camping/habitation are strictly prohibited. While spaces are generally available, arriving before 7:30 AM on weekdays ensures the best choice of parking stalls nearest the entrance. During winter weather events, be mindful of local snow removal efforts and park within marked bays to ensure plows can operate safely. Always lock your vehicle, secure windows, and conceal any visible valuables before departing.