Prescott is the northern gateway to The WI Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Located at the confluence of the Mississippi River & the National Scenic St Croix Riverway, Prescott is an old rivertown, dating from 1839. A fur- trader and Indian interpreter named Philander Prescott, was sent to the site by the military at Fort Snelling, to establish a settlement. Explorers Duluthe and General Uylsses S Grant are among those in history who landed at Mercord Mill Park on the River in downtown Prescott.

The Welcome and Heritage Center,listed on the National Registery of Historic Places, is located next to the bridge over the St Croix National Scenic Riverway at the intersection of US Hwy 10, and WI Hwy 35 in downtown. It features local historic displays and visitor information. The building is handicap accessible & has restrooms.

Prescott has three full service marinas, a walking tour of historic homes, one antique shop, 3 restaurants, two taxidermists, an Amish goods shop, unique gift shop,a liquor store, several bars, optometrist, fireworks store, grocery store, 2 gas stations, newspaper office, real estate offices, pharmacy, hardware store, a dentists, printshop,car dealership, greenhouse, daycare facilities, massage therapists, workout facility, four schools, chamber of commmerce and more. Police, fire and ambulance service is up-to-date & professional.

The Great River Visitor & Learning Center is located atop the 400' bluff just 1/2 mile from downtown in Freedom Park. It is one of several parks found in the community. It features interactive displays about the history of the community & has a small gift shop.

Prescott is located just 25 miles from Minneapolis/St Paul, MN; 16 miles south of Hudson, Wisconsin, on Pierce County Hwy "F"; 16 miles west of Ellsworth, WI on US Hwy 10; 35 miles north of Maiden Rock,WI on WI Hwy 35. From Downtown Red Wing, MN take Hwy 63 from downtown, following the signs to Wisconsin. Cross the bridge over the Mississippi River. Continue to WI Hwy 35 to the west (left) to Prescott (27 miles). From Hastings, MN, travel north on US Hwy 61 across bridge over the Mississippi to stoplight at top of long hill. Turn right onto US Highway 10 & continue to bridge over St Croix National Scenic Riverway & stoplight. You are now in downtown Prescott. To visit The Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center in Freedom Park, from the stoplight,continue thru downtown, up the hill & watch for the green Great River Road sign at the top of the hill (about 1/2 mile). Turn right to parking & the Center. From downriver, watch for the green Great River Road sign as you enter the city limits. Turn left to parking & the entrance of the Center.

Prescott is the oldest community in Wisconsin. It is also the western most community in the state. During the 1800’s it was a steamboat center, with many of the original buildings of that era still in use. Located on a bluff 400 ft. above the river, The Tourist Park was always a peaceful place to enjoy the majestic views of the Mississippi River Valley. First created by community residents in 1928, this park was a popular gathering place for local folks and travelers. Later it was re-named Freedom Park in honor of the eagle Freedom. A kiosk display inside the Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center elaborates on this eagle. With the designation of the Wisconsin Great River Road as a National Scenic Byway, Freedom Park was designated for placement of information regarding the history, culture, education, archeology, nature and recreation of the region. With the assistance of grants through the Wisconsin Mississippi River Parkway Commission & the National Scenic Byway Program & the enhancement of these funds by residents & friends of Freedom Park,this Park has been developed into an incredible asset for the City of Prescott.

Amenities to be enjoyed in the park include a walking path affording views over the edge of the bluff as well as across the river into Minnesota, up the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and up & down the Mississippi River. Along with the sights & sounds of nature and the river activities, there is a children’s play area, picnic shelters, restrooms, and a water garden to enjoy. From the outdoor overlooks, telescopes & interpretive signs provide views & descriptions of the Mississippi & St. Croix National Scenic River Valleys.

The Great River Road Learning Center completes the park. One of the busiest recreational boating sites in the United States is the confluence of the two rivers. The Mississippi River is a working river as well. Barges regularly carry a variety of products to and from the Gulf States. To appreciate the real workings of this mighty river, a visit to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Lock & Dam in nearby Hastings, MN, will allow you to see the process of “locking thru” for the barges. The Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad travels just below this 400 ft. bluff. Views of the trains coming down the corridor along U.S. Hwy 10 can be seen from the decks outside the Learning Center, as well as by the railroad bridge downtown on the river. Occasionally a “Special Train”—usually privately owned—can be seen traveling through.

Nature lovers will find a wealth of sights and sounds in Freedom Park & in the Center. The location within the Mississippi River Flyway offers opportunities for sighting migratory birds. In 2000,Freedom Park was one of three locations in Prescott added to the National Audubon Society’s list of renowned places for birding in the United States. It is also designated as an official Watchable Wildlife Area. Home to eagles, waterfowl, songbirds, woodpeckers, humming birds, many species of small birds, owls & wild turkeys, it has long been a favorite of birdwatchers. Fox, deer & other animals are occasionally seen along the bluff or across the River. Within the handicap accessible Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center, will find many electronic interactive exhibits to enhance their experience. Outdoor microphones bring the sounds of the outdoors inside. Programs and activities for all ages and interests are available. The friendly Center staff is eager to assist visitors. A small gift shop is within the Center. Admission to the Center is free, as is parking. Free will offerings for upkeep are always welcome.