If there’s one season that really makes Pierce County stand out, it’s fall! Located right along the infamous Great River Road, this county welcomes visitors with stunning fall colors and a community spirit that’s hard to beat. And once you’re here, you’ll see that the magic doesn’t stop with the leaves changing…Pierce County has a special kind of charm all year round!
Fall
Fall is truly the season to fall in love with Pierce County! As the leaves turn shades of red, gold, and orange, the whole county becomes a breathtaking invitation to get outside and explore.
Scenic Drives & Trails
Take in the spectacular fall colors along scenic drives like County Road Q and Highway 35, a.k.a. the Great River Road. For a little more adventure, explore the county’s fantastic ATV/UTV trails. If you prefer hiking, lace up your boots and hit the trails at Trimbelle Recreation Area and Cairns Woods Park for stunning autumn views. And for sweeping vista views, specifically of the St. Croix and Kinnickinnic rivers, head to the one-and-only Kinnickinnic State Park!
Fall Flavors & Experiences
No visit to Pierce County in the fall would be complete without savoring the season’s delicious flavors! Stop by Swede Pickings, a family-owned orchard perched atop scenic bluffs, where you can pick fresh apples and a wide variety of other seasonal fruits! Can’t get enough of these iconic fall experiences? Make your way to Young Acres—home to 17 varieties of apples! Then, visit the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, famous across Wisconsin for its fresh, squeaky cheese curds and rich dairy products. While you’re in Ellsworth, swing in to Shady Grove for an unforgettable meal.
Downtown Delights
After a day of outdoor adventures, head to downtown Maiden Rock, River Falls, or Prescott to soak up the small-town hospitality. In Maiden Rock, explore quaint shops featuring local crafts and coffee, like Maiden Rock Mercantile, and sample fine wines at the lovely Vino in the Valley. Meanwhile, in River Falls, taste-test more wines and craft beverages at local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Finally, in Prescott, discover a wide range of local gems, including Orange Dragon Art Gallery and Aim Joy.
Cozy Accommodations
And if you want to make it a fall getaway, Prescott is just the place! Stay at one of the many cozy accommodations, such as The Harbor Hotel, The Cove Guest House, and The Port Of Prescott Hotel, which is just steps from riverside restaurants—like Muddy Waters and Two Rivers—scenic trails, and exciting nightlife.
Winter
When winter arrives in Pierce County, it’s time to bundle up and enjoy the snowy beauty and cozy activities that await along the Great River Road!
Snowy Trails & Icy Adventures
Gear up and explore miles of groomed snowmobile trails that wind through Pierce County’s scenic forests and rolling hills. Ellsworth is the hub for the county’s 222 miles of maintained snowmobile routes, supported by 10 local snowmobile clubs. For cross-country skiing, Nugget Lake County Park offers excellent trails perfect for all skill levels. Bringing the kids? You have to visit Magee Park for a sledding adventure like never before! When the lakes freeze over, bundle up for ice fishing on the Trimbelle River, the Rush River, or the backwaters of the mighty Mississippi River!
Indoor Fun & Family Time
For a splash of warmth and fun, visit the Klaas-Jonas Community Pool, which stays open year-round under a cozy dome, offering swimming and family-friendly water activities even in the coldest months. Families can also catch the latest releases at the Falls Theatre in River Falls, a beloved local movie theater built in 1927. Or, visit Freedom Park – Great River Road Visitor Center in Prescott for family-friendly educational displays. Quick tip: keep an eye out for special winter programs and craft days!
Festive Finds
It’s time to get into the holiday spirit, and we know a few places worth visiting: Tattersall Distilling’s Winter Market and Prescott’s Holiday Bazaar Craft & Gift Expo! Each festive event is perfect for finding unique handcrafted gifts, tasty treats, and more. Sip, shop, and support the local artisans and small businesses of Pierce County.
Spring
Spring’s almost here, bringing new life into Pierce County, with blooming wildflowers and the perfect mix of community get-togethers and outdoor adventures!
Fresh Flavors & Local Markets
Kick off your season by stopping at the Ellsworth Farmers Market (usually starting in May), where you can find fresh produce, artisan baked goods, beautiful flowers, and unique handmade crafts. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local farmers, artisans, and neighbors! Craving more? Hop back on the Great River Road and discover other nearby gems.
Rich History
For a deeper dive into Pierce County’s roots, visit the Pierce County Historical Association Museum, an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to preserving the county’s heritage since 1941. Explore fascinating stories of pioneers, early settlers, and the local history that shaped the area. The museum and the Historical Association also connect visitors to key historical sites, such as the East End Historic Walking Tour, the Pierce County Courthouse, Conlin Log House, and the Freier Schoolhouse, to name a few. Aside from these notorious landmarks, in Pierce County, you can visit one of the oldest Wisconsin towns on the Mississippi River—Prescott!
Outdoor Adventures
To soak in the scenery, enjoy a peaceful kayak trip down the Rush River, gliding past fresh greenery and blossoming banks. And anglers, be sure to pack your rods! The Rush River is infamous for trout fishing. A few other fisheries worth checking out are the Trimbelle River, accessible through the Trimbelle Recreation Area, and the St. Croix and Kinnickinnic rivers, which can be easily accessed from the Kinnickinnic State Park. Cast your line and best of luck—you never know what you might catch!
Summer
The season we’ve all been waiting for—summer! In Pierce County, long, sunny days mean endless opportunities for water fun, outdoor exploration, and community celebrations.
Lakeside & Links Fun
Spend a relaxing day at Nugget Lake County Park, swimming, kayaking, or picnicking beneath shady trees in one of the many covered shelters. For golf lovers, Kilkarney Hills Golf Course, Ellsworth Country Club, and, of course, Clifton Highlands Golf Course offer stunning courses framed by the rolling bluffs of the Driftless Area. And if you want to play a few more rounds, find other noteworthy courses along the Great River Road!
Outdoor Activities
If you love being active outdoors, you’ve come to just the right place! Up for a truly unique adventure? Visit Crystal Cave, Wisconsin’s longest cave, where families can take guided tours to discover fascinating geology, bats, and cave formations. Afterward, enjoy gem-panning, mini-golf, hiking, and the perfect picnic. Then, explore the scenic Lee-Kay Family Educational County Forest, where kids can enjoy easy hiking trails and learn to identify native trees along the way. Discover even more educational opportunities at Freedom Park — Great River Road Visitor Center! And since you’ll already be in Prescott, top it all off with a stop at River City Sweets—serving up all your favorite treats, from ice cream to candy!
Community Celebrations
Make sure to time your visit for the River Falls Days, an exciting community event featuring live music, tasty food vendors, local crafts, and more. In August, the beloved Pierce County Fair brings thrilling rides, exhibits, and family entertainment right to the fairgrounds. And you absolutely cannot miss the tasty and fun Cheese Curd Festival in June, held at East End Park. This iconic festival celebrates Wisconsin’s iconic cheese curds with delicious treats, crafts, and activities for all ages. When it’s time to wrap up the summer season, attend Prescott Daze, held every year the weekend after Labor Day!
–
Whether you’re exploring charming river towns, enjoying local festivals, or immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes from colorful fall to snowy winter and blooming spring to sun-soaked summer, Pierce County invites you to create your own adventure every time you visit. Come and discover the endless reasons to come back again and again along Wisconsin’s National Scenic Byway!
*This article is brought to you by Friends of the Wisconsin Great River Road and Wisconsin DOT.
–
Hailey Marien: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
