Linda Schenk

Freedom Park
200 S Monroe St
Prescott, WI 54021
View larger map

Nestled where mighty rivers meet, the Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center at Freedom Park has for almost two decades welcomed visitors, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike. As it marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Center reflects on a rich history and celebrates its impact in the community and beyond.

Almost 20 years ago, the Center opened its doors on May 7, 2006 born from a vision: to serve as a gateway where people can explore the confluence of two rivers, reflect on the environmental beauty, promote education, and guide travelers down the Great River Road.

Over 20 years, many milestones have defined the Center’s journey:

• Educational Outreach: The Center has engaged thousands of children through Junior Ranger or similar programs, and adults who participated in environmental learning sessions on birds and other various topics.
• Visitor Numbers and Community Engagement: What began modestly has grown into a steady flow of visitors both from nearby communities and further afield. Some come for information on the Great River Road, some come for birdwatching on the Mississippi migratory flyway zone, take in river views, and participate in seasonal programming.
• Conservation & Partnerships: The Center has worked with conservation agencies, and local environmental groups such as Coulee River Trails (CRT) to promote sustainable land management. We have forged many meaningful and lasting partnerships with many of the local Prescott businesses and clubs.
• Facility Enhancements: The center is currently undertaking the curation of three new exhibits. The new indigenous persons exhibit is being developed by the Prairie Island Community. An immersive eye spy mural is transforming the entire centers entrance into an environmental oasis. The mural is created and painted by Kelly Geister, local Prescott resident and artist. A new Acknowledgement Wall will proudly showcase those dedicated to the support and betterment of our center.

The anniversary celebrations

To mark 20 years, the Center will host many celebrations reflecting its rich history. Pay close attention to our website for a listing of all the fun!

• A Festival Month: The month of May will host many fun activities for the town of Prescott and surrounding communities. Events such as a family picnic day, musical concerts, and the ReBlessing of the Park.
• Student and Youth Activities: We want to bring back some of the activities of years past such as a buggy and stroller dress-up parade at the park, an art contest for all ages and National Park Ranger activities.
• Commemorative Exhibit: A retrospective display recalling photos, maps, and stories from the past two decades will be on display in our River Room Art Gallery. If you feel you have some pictures that you would like to include, we would be more than happy to add them. Please drop off the pictures anytime during business hours. We will make a copy and give the originals back to you.

A thank you from the heart

To the Center’s staff past and present; to the volunteers, to the past and present board members, presenters, donors, local partners, the city of Prescott, and environmental stewards, their work has made possible twenty years of our Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center at Freedom Park remaining “The Gem of Prescott.”

Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center at Freedom Park is located at 200 Monroe St., Prescott. Learn more at freedomparkwi.org