May 1 marks the opening of our 2026 travel season and opens our 20th anniversary festivities. This special day serves as a reminder that our center has not reached this milestone without the support of many dedicated individuals. Over 20 years, hundreds of individuals and businesses have stepped forward to make this center what it is today. We are grateful to everyone who has gotten us to this point, and we acknowledge those who still show tremendous support of our center.

Over the years, the center has evolved into more than just a visitor stop. Throughout its history, the center has hosted dozens of annual events, supported many local artists through its River Room gallery, and provided educational opportunities for schools and families through the exhibits and educational programs.

The center’s continued role as a hub for community gatherings, tourism, and lifelong learning is what makes this center so important for our community. The Board of Directors and the Executive Director’s mission of keeping the center updated, relevant and educational is the catalyst for all the changes at the center.

Our center is being transformed into a vibrant and exciting space with the addition of a new acknowledgment wall sponsored by the Prescott Lions Club; an interactive “Eye Spy” mural is being painted in our entrance by Prescott native Kelly Geister. Three new educational/interactive exhibits were designed, newly reorganized walls will correlate with the exhibits, new outdoor art by artist Greg Kraft will sit in our park, along with a newly focused garden designed by our Stewards of the Park volunteer garden group.

We acknowledge that this time in the center’s history is both a celebration of the past and a step forward for the future of our “Gem of Prescott.”

Plan to come and celebrate our “Grand Reopening” with us from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 1. Take in the new center, eat some food available for purchase by the onsite food stand, look at the history of pictures display in the River Room, celebrate May Day with a flower (given away by the center) and just come and show support of our amazing center and park.

With all the new focus on the center, the Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center at Freedom Park is poised to serve our community well and to continue connecting visitors to the natural beauty of the Mississippi River and the Great River Road for many years to come.

Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center at Freedom Park is located at 200 Monroe St. Prescott. Visit

www.freedomparkwi.org for more information.