PRESCOTT — What is now Freedom Park Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center has come a long way since its public opening as Scenic Tourist Park in 1918. In 1981, the park was chosen as the …
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PRESCOTT — What is now Freedom Park Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center has come a long way since its public opening as Scenic Tourist Park in 1918. In 1981, the park was chosen as the rehabilitation site for an eagle named Freedom in an effort to grow the suffering bald eagle population, with the park eventually taking Freedom’s name in 1982.
Saturday, the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center at Freedom Park celebrated 20 years as a non-profit.
Executive Director Linda Schenk took the opportunity to thank the past and current board members, volunteers and employees who have worked nonstop to get Freedom Park to where it is today.
“Even if I tell you all the time it takes a village, yes, it does. We have a dedicated group out here that works tirelessly with the gardens. The beauty out there is produced by volunteers,” Schenk said. “This is all the support network right here for this place. All of you guys make this place the success that it is.”
According to Freedom Park’s sign-in book, which does not include people who did not sign the book or only visited the outdoor areas of the park but did not come into the Visitor Center, over 13,000 visitors came to the center from 20 different countries and 46 states in 2025. The center has also generated $1,338,647 for the State of Wisconsin over 20 years, Schenk said.
The inside of the visitor center features exhibits of the area’s wildlife and nature, as well as human history including the railroad and riverboats.
Some of the people who have felt the impact of the park on their lives took the opportunity to speak at the anniversary event.
“Freedom Park was the first place that my kids played,” former Executive Director Israel Haas said. “This park has always been a fixture of my life ever since I moved in here.”
Haas said Pine Coulee nature trails and a new trail at Magee Park directly improved because of the Friends of Freedom Park group. To donate or get involved to help Freedom Park keep moving forward, visit freedomparkwi.org for information.
