Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At Prescott, the westernmost community in the state, the disparately colored Mississippi
and St. Croix Rivers merge into one mighty waterway. Heading north, the river roads roll
on—this time tracing the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the top half of Wisconsin's
“West Coast.”
Thebestpointtoviewtheconfluenceis
Mercord Park,
rightdowntown,whichalsohas
an original 1923 bridge gear. The steely blue hues of the St. Croix, seen in the right light,
seem impossibly different from the silty Mississippi; on joining, the Miss's waters domin-
ate.
Freedom Park
is high above the southern end of town with a lovely riverwalk, bike
trail access, and a Great River Road learning center.
North of town via Highway F is the superb 1,150 delta acres of the St. Croix and Kin-
nickinnic River confluence at
Kinnickinnic State Park
(715/425-1129). Canoeing should
be limited to the Kinnickinnic as well; leviathan barges give narrow berth to tiny craft in
their way.
Immediately southeast of town is
Valley Vineyard & Winery
(W10415 521st Ave.,
715/262-4235,
www.valleyvineyardltd.com
), whose indefatigable owners specialize in
Frontenac Gris grape wines, which do better in cooler climates.
