- Exploring the hidden gems of Western Wisconsin—curating unforgettable stays and sharing the places locals love most.
Some of my favorite family memories didn’t come from big theme parks or long road trips. They came from a muddy sandbar, a deer eating out of a toddler’s hand, and a pizza train rolling through the woods. The stretch of river from St. Croix Falls to Nelson is packed with spots where kids can run, splash, and explore, and parents can breathe.
Here’s where to take the whole crew, from north to south.
If you only do one thing with little ones, make it this. The first time a friend brought her kids, she said she barely got through the door before a friendly deer walked right up to the bucket in her son’s hands. Deer roam freely, ducks and chickens wander the paths, and the goats are hilariously enthusiastic about snack time.
The staff are wonderful with kids, sharing fun animal facts and hands-on examples as you go. It’s big enough to keep everyone interested, but not so big that little legs give out.
Don’t miss: Buy a bucket of animal feed at the entrance. The goats will love you forever. Little ones can take a pony ride too.
Good to know: Open Friday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Wear closed-toe shoes, because the paths get messy. Admission and feed are affordable.
Wisconsin’s oldest state park is basically a giant outdoor science lesson. Walk the Pothole Trail to see huge holes carved into solid rock by swirling glacial meltwater. Kids can get right up next to them, and the signs explain how they formed in a way that sticks.
When my friend’s kids were done hiking, they spent the rest of the afternoon digging in the sand at the beach while she relaxed nearby. There’s a small playground, lots of picnic areas, and trails for every energy level.
Don’t miss: Stop inside the visitor center for the history exhibits, and bring quarters for a pressed-penny souvenir.
Good to know: A state park vehicle pass is required. Some cliff trails have steep drop-offs, so hold little hands.
Right in the middle of downtown, a stairway leads down into a green glen with a 25-foot waterfall. The water below is shallow, so kids love to splash, and you can even walk behind the falls. Count the stairs on the way down. The kids will want to know exactly how many they climbed on the way back up.
Good to know: Admission is free. Come back after dark to see the falls lit up with color-changing lights.
All aboard! This vintage train ride is a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Friends who took their family on the pizza train loved eating pizza and brownies as the train rolled along, then exploring the little railroad museum afterward. The volunteers love sharing the history and are happy to help take photos.
Good to know: Open Saturdays and Sundays. Arrive early, because the parking lot is small. On the pizza train, tables fit about four adults, so book two tables for bigger families.
This is my top pick for a summer day with older kids. The trail down to Willow Falls is steep, but the reward is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wisconsin, and you can wade and cool off right in it. A friend who hiked it with her daughter said the climb back up was tough but totally worth it.
For younger kids, start at the nature center and walk the paved Hidden Ponds Trail. It’s short, easy, and perfect for little legs and strollers.
Don’t miss: Pack swimsuits and water shoes for the falls. Explore the small caves nearby.
Good to know: A state park pass is required. The hill to the falls is steep, so plan extra time for the climb back.
High on the bluff above town, this spot gives you a big view of the Mississippi River and a place for kids to burn off energy. There’s a play area, a gazebo, and a hiking trail. Inside, kids love the life-size bald eagle and nest display, and the staff are happy to share maps and ideas for the rest of your trip.
Good to know: Closed Mondays. Restrooms are on-site, making it an easy stop before heading down the Great River Road.
Just a few minutes north of Prescott, “the Kinni” is one of our area’s best-kept secrets. From the overlook near the parking lot, you can see the St. Croix spread out below. Then follow the trail down to the beach, where the Kinnickinnic River meets the St. Croix at a sandy delta.
A friend took her kids down for the afternoon and said it felt like having a private beach: quiet, sandy, and full of birds. Keep an eye out for eagles and hawks overhead.
Don’t miss: Pack a picnic. There are grills and picnic areas up top.
Good to know: The walk to the beach takes a bit of effort, so bring a wagon or backpack for gear. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach. A state park pass is required.
If your family has read the Little House books, this stop is magic. Pepin is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthplace, and this small museum brings her family’s pioneer life to life with hands-on exhibits kids can touch and explore. A friend who grew up loving the books said she teared up seeing real items from the Ingalls family.
Don’t miss: Take the 7-mile drive to the Little House Wayside, a replica cabin on the site where Laura was born. The gift shop is full of books, dolls, and quilts.
Good to know: Open daily, 10 AM to 5 PM. Plan 30 minutes to an hour for the museum.
Every family adventure deserves a treat at the end, and this is the one. The Nelson Creamery is a longtime favorite along Highway 35, with huge scoops of ice cream, fresh cheese curds, sandwiches, and pizza. A friend’s family has made it their “special summer brunch” stop for years.
Don’t miss: A big scoop of ice cream. Rum cherry is a local favorite for the grown-ups. Grab a bag of cheese curds for the car ride home.
Good to know: Open daily, with plenty of indoor seating.
Make downtown Prescott your home base and book direct with us: The Port of Prescott for boutique king suites steps from the river, Port After Dark for romantic suites made for couples, The Harbor Hotel for themed rooms and extended stays, and The Cove Guest House for downtown condos and group getaways.
