- Exploring the hidden gems of Western Wisconsin—curating unforgettable stays and sharing the places locals love most.
Everyone has heard of the big-name getaways. But some of my favorite memories along the St. Croix have come from the small towns people drive straight through: the ones with a waterfall hiding behind the hardware store, or a 170-year-old house tucked two blocks from a coffee shop.
Here are the river towns I keep going back to, from north to south, and the stops that make each one worth pulling over.
St. Croix Falls calls itself the City of Trails, and it earns the name. The first time I brought a friend up here, she thought we were just grabbing lunch. Three hours later we were standing on the edge of a cliff above the river, completely out of breath and completely happy.
Don’t miss: Interstate State Park is Wisconsin’s oldest state park, established in 1900. It’s built around the Dalles of the St. Croix, a steep, rocky gorge carved by the river. Walk the Pothole Trail to see the glacial potholes, huge holes worn into solid rock by swirling meltwater thousands of years ago. They look almost impossible. Summit Rock Trail rewards a bit of climbing with sweeping views of the valley. Stop at the Ice Age Interpretive Center to learn how the glaciers shaped it all.
Fun fact: St. Croix Falls is the western starting point of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which stretches about a thousand miles across Wisconsin. You don’t have to hike it all, but standing at mile one is a pretty great photo op.
Make a day of it: Downtown is walkable, with local shops, a historic theater, and restaurants that aren’t chains. The St. Croix Festival Theatre brings live performances to town, and Taylors Falls is right across the bridge, with preserved 19th-century homes worth a slow stroll. After a long hike, my friend’s advice is to finish with a malt. You’ve earned it.
Osceola is the definition of a hidden gem. You can drive right down the main street and never know that just steps away, there’s a 25-foot waterfall hiding in a green glen below.
The first time I found it, I spotted the carved statue of Chief Osceola at the trailhead and followed the stairs down on a whim. Suddenly the town noise disappeared, and I was standing in front of Cascade Falls with cool mist in the air. It felt like discovering a secret.
Don’t miss: Cascade Falls is right downtown, and admission is free. There are more than 150 steps to the bottom. Trust me, count them on the way back up. It’s worth every one. The water below is shallow in most spots, so kids and dogs love to splash around, and you can even walk behind the falls. From there, a woodland trail follows the creek down to the St. Croix. If you want a real workout, keep going up Eagle Bluff for big views of the river.
Insider tip: Come back after dark. The falls are lit with color-changing LED lights, and seeing them glow at night is a completely different experience.
Make a day of it: Stroll the historic downtown shops, then visit the 1916 Soo Line Depot, home of the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway. A friend of mine timed her visit to catch a train ride and said it was the perfect slow-paced afternoon. Pop into the Chocolate Gnome for something sweet on the way out.
Hudson isn’t exactly hidden, but the best parts are easy to miss if you only drive through. It’s tucked at the foot of the bluffs, with only room for a few downtown streets, and they’re packed with personality.
The last time I spent an afternoon here, I told myself I’d pop into one shop. Four boutiques, an antique store, and a coffee later, I was still wandering. It’s that kind of downtown.
Don’t miss: Walk under the 1936 arch into Lakefront Park, where there’s a riverfront walkway, a beach, and free summer concerts at the bandshell. Then head up to Third Street for the Octagon House, an eight-sided home built in 1855 by the judge who named Hudson. Octagon houses were a real trend back then, and the guided tour is surprisingly fun. The gardens and carriage house are worth a look too.
Take the walking tour: Many of the buildings along Second Street were built between 1860 and 1880 and have been beautifully restored. The self-guided Historic Hudson Walking Tour starts at the arch of the original toll bridge and leads you past the grand old homes on Third Street. Grab the brochure at the Hudson Chamber.
Make a day of it: Catch a play or concert at the Phipps Center for the Arts, which overlooks the park. If you want to stretch your legs, Willow River State Park is just outside town, and the waterfall there is stunning. A friend of mine did the Hudson Food Walk and still talks about it.
I’m biased, but I saved the best for last. Prescott sits right where the St. Croix meets the Mississippi. It’s the only spot where you can literally watch two rivers become one. Stand along the riverfront and you’ll see the clear, dark water of the St. Croix meeting the muddier Mississippi.
Don’t miss: Walk Broad Street and watch the lift bridge rise to let boats pass. Grab a seat on a patio facing the water and wait for a freight train to rumble across the railroad bridge. It happens more often than you’d think, and it never gets old.
Make a day of it: Hungry? Check out our Best Restaurants in Prescott guide for the full scoop. Hint: go on a Thursday and order the ribs at Philander’s.
The best way to explore the St. Croix Valley is to pick a home base and take it one town at a time. Stay right in downtown Prescott, and you’re an easy drive from every stop on this list. Hike in the morning, chase a waterfall in the afternoon, and come home to dinner by the river. đź’™
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.
