River Falls, WI
River Falls, Wisconsin is a thriving and growing community located 30 miles east of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in northwestern Wisconsin. With a population of 16,183 residents and 5,862 college students, the City offers excellent schools, 26 parks, miles of hiking and biking trails, safe neighborhoods, healthy economic growth, and a vibrant downtown.
This City is home to the Kinnickinnic River, a Class 1 trout stream, and Whitetail Ridge, a premier mountain biking destination. Residents and visitors also enjoy our golf courses and nearby Willow River State Park and St. Croix River. Year-round festivals, parades, and art fairs showcase River Falls’ small-town charm and community spirit.
In River Falls, residents care deeply about the environment. In 2018, the community was ranked first in the state and fifth in the nation for green energy usage by percentage of residents. River Falls was also the first municipality in Wisconsin to install a community solar garden.
River Falls is home to one of the 26 University of Wisconsin campuses. The University of Wisconsin – River Falls brings students from around the world to our community and provides residents with multiple learning, recreation, and cultural opportunities. Chippewa Valley Technical College attracts businesses looking for skilled workers in high-demand fields.
Welcome to River Falls! It’s a great place to work, play, and live.
Popular Things to do in River Falls, WI
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The Kinnickinnic River is an exceptional natural resource in western Wisconsin. The 22-mile, spring-fed river is a world-class trout stream with over 8,000 trout per mile in some stretches. The “Kinni” flows through the City of River Falls and is a popular recreation and natural area within the Wisconsin portion of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.
The Kinni’s 174-square-mile watershed is home to more than 50% of the bird species and 40% of the plant species found in Wisconsin. It contains more than 40 species of endangered, threatened, or special concern plants, animals, and insects.
Located where the St. Croix and Kinnickinnic rivers meet, Kinnickinnic State Park offers experiences in two types of worlds. Enjoy the quiet and solitude of the Kinnickinnic River Valley and the many popular water-based recreational pursuits on the St. Croix River. A large sandy delta is found at the junction of the rivers. Visitors can also explore 10 miles of hiking trails.
We highly recommend Kayaking the Kinni! One of the most fun summer activities you can do in River Falls, WI!
Glen Park is a 40.58 acre Community Park located southwest of the downtown district. It was established in 1898. It is the City’s oldest park and even had a zoo at one point. The Glen Park pool celebrated 75 years of service to the community in 2012.
Some highlights of the park include: the trails connecting to the Kinnickinnic Pathway to the north, River Hills Park to the south and the Kinnickinnic River; a public swimming pool and splash pad, many large trees, grass, paths, playground equipment, and Pickleball courts. Pedestrian access can be found at the Swinging Bridge to the northeast from Cascade Avenue, along Glen Park Road and Park Street.
The Falls Theatre has been in operation for almost 100 Years! This iconic theatre was built in 1927 and the current owners purchased the theatre in 1972 by the McCulloch Family. This independent theater has provided a place to gather and share the art of storytelling through movies!
Not to mention, the Falls Theatre is the most affordable theatre anywhere! Nothing says old school like this two-screen theatre. Prices for tickets range from $3 (Tuesday Special) to $6.50 (Standard Adult) and not a single snack is over $6! Even the largest offered popcorn!
River Falls, WI is home to Clifton Hollows Golf Club, Kilkarney Hills Golf Course, and River Falls Golf Club.
Recognized as one of the finest universities in the MidWest, UWRF has tons to offer to the community! Including a yearly Multi-Day Rodeo, NCAA Sanctioned Sports, Theater Performances, Art Galleries, Fitness Amenities, Nature Trails and much more!
River Falls, WI has some awesome places to eat. Here are some of our favorites!
Junior’s Restaurant and Taphouse: A River Falls, WI, favorite, Junior’s is known for their quality food and drink menu. Handcrafted cocktails and a rotating seasonal menu are what shines at this establishment. Not to mention, live music practically every other day, and a Trivia Tuesday Night! When you’re in town, or new to living here, you need to check our Junior’s Restaurant and Tap House.
Kinni Cafe: Family restaurant serving hot breakfast all day! The local spot to get the best comfort food, at the most affordable price, in River Falls, WI. Wait time is long during peak hours, so we recommend going when it’s not peak dinner or breakfast rush.
West Wind Supper Club: West Wind Supper Club, previously The Village Inn, has been a staple for River Falls and the surrounding communities since 1981. Our goal is to continue with the high standards of excellence in service and food as well as the tradition of giving back to the community that has supported this business for so many years.
Paddy’s Pub and Boxty House: At Paddy’s Pub and Boxty House, owners Kirk and Jacki Mueller take pride in their well researched menu that features traditional Irish fare as well as many American favorites. Their weekend specials always impress and consistently win rave reviews from their loyal customers. Needless to say, this is definitely not your run-of-the-mill pub food. Like any good pub, a great menu is nothing without a strong selection of beer and whisky to wash your meal down. Paddy’s Pub and Boxty House offers a selection of over 35 Irish Whiskey and Single Malt Scotch’s to fit the palate of any customer.
River Falls, WI is well known for their drinking establishments! Here are some of our favorites!
Rush River: Rotating selection of 16 taps and beer-to-go in a casual brewery setting that is family and pet friendly. Indoor seating capacity of 100 plus an outdoor pavilion and a spacious lawn surrounded by woods. They frequently host food trucks and other vendors for their guests too!
Tattersall Distilling Company: You’re invited to explore, drink and celebrate at their second location, a 75,000+ square feet destination distillery, event center and dining experience. Whether you’re stopping in for a well-crafted drink after a day on the Kinni or hosting a wedding for all your family and friends, they are ready to welcome you.
Tattersall – River Falls has everything from a world-class cocktail room and restaurant to an outdoor amphitheater and a range of event spaces.
Swinging Bridge Brewing Company: Swing Bridge Brewing Company is within walking distance from the historic landmark Swinging Bridge which spans the south fork of the scenic Kinnickinnic River. Native limestone lines the fifteen foot walls surrounding the brewery interior. Their brewing equipment is not hidden behind walls or windows, but right out in the open for all to see. Comfortable seating and warm lighting makes for a relaxing space to have a pint or grab some light food. Swinging Bridge has one of the best selections of quality craft beer in the area. They serve house beers along with locally roasted cold brew coffee and house made soda, which means we have something for everyone.