Marathon Petroleum is the proud sponsor of the 2024 events and programs offered at the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center - Freedom Park. 
Thank You Marathon Petroleum!
ART EXHIBITS ~ RIVER ROOM ART GALLERY -      Prescott High School Art
Oct
1
to Jan 31

ART EXHIBITS ~ RIVER ROOM ART GALLERY - Prescott High School Art

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are proud to support fine art created by our local Prescott artists! Art will be available for viewing in our River Room Art Gallery during all business hours. Please come and support our artists! Check the calendar for their individual “Art Receptions” where you can meet the artist and have some light refreshments!

October 1 to January 31 = Prescott High School

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Winterfest
Jan
11

Winterfest

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Calling all kids…come and paint a small birdhouse and put it in your yard to help protect the birds this winter! Free and open to all kids. Painting “While Supplies Last.”

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Meat Raffle
Jan
25

Meat Raffle

Come and support the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center and win some fabulous meat at the meat raffle at Scabs Place! See you there! :-)

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Story Time!
Nov
30

Story Time!

Join us during our Small business Weekend Events! Smores, Fire Pit, Gift Shop Sale, multiple vendors, Beer and Wine available.

We are excited to see you this weekend!

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Small Business Weekend
Nov
30
to Dec 1

Small Business Weekend

Get a jump on your Holiday shopping and support a non-profit!

November 30th - 10:00am to 5:00pm and December 1st. 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Gift store SALE, 25% off select items all weekend!

Prescott High School Art For Sale

Saturday ONLY ~

  • Special Reading Time with Prescott Librarian Darien Becker! 10:00am to 11:00am

Sunday ONLY ~

  • Santa at 12:00pm to 2:00pm in the center. Come and get your picture with Santa and tell him what you would like for Christmas!

  • River Hughes Art demonstration and sale

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The Mighty Mississippi - Connecting America's Heartland to the World.
Oct
26

The Mighty Mississippi - Connecting America's Heartland to the World.

Mr. Tom Struve will talk about...The Mighty Mississippi - Connecting America’s Heartland to the World. Guests will enjoy this in-depth look at the entire Mississippi River System. As the largest artery at the base of the network of important tributary rivers in our nation’s inland waterway system, she becomes an epic American transportation link to the world. Her industrial and commercial transportation prowess benefits every American citizen every day.

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MUSIC IN THE PARK
Sep
26

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Join us for our final Music in the Park of 2024. We are excited to bring you the amazing sounds of Tony Cuchetti.

From John Apice of Americanahighways.org :

"The Minnesota-based artist veers between rock, blues, Gospel & soulful ingredients. His secret ingredient in his vocals – nice & deep, warm with melodic magic throughout “The After.” The lyrics are intelligent & sprayed out with sincerity & soulfulness. Cuchetti has power in his tone & gives it a full-tilt stab in these generously written tales.

Part of his attraction is also his diversification, his being creatively different from the run-of-the-mill wannabes. Many of the wannabes sadly sing well & may even play well, but they don’t know how to write a decent song or arrange it to be alluring or attractive to the ears. Tony Cuchetti is a master."

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Summer Schedule for Garden Work
Sep
25

Summer Schedule for Garden Work

Summer schedule for garden work is Wednesdays from 9am to 11am for routine weeding and watering. Vacation/travel time is here so whoever can make it, please come to Freedom Park and help keep things looking nice for summer events and tours. Everyone’s efforts are appreciated!

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Summer Schedule for Garden Work
Sep
18

Summer Schedule for Garden Work

Summer schedule for garden work is Wednesdays from 9am to 11am for routine weeding and watering. Vacation/travel time is here so whoever can make it, please come to Freedom Park and help keep things looking nice for summer events and tours. Everyone’s efforts are appreciated!

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ART EXHIBITS ~ RIVER ROOM ART GALLERY                              -Little Colony Artists
Sep
1
to Sep 30

ART EXHIBITS ~ RIVER ROOM ART GALLERY -Little Colony Artists

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Fine art created by our local Prescott artists will be available for viewing in our River Room Art Gallery during all business hours. Please come and support our artists! Check the calendar for their individual “Art Receptions” where you can meet the artist and have some light refreshments!

September 1 to September 30 = The Little Colony Artists

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Historical Bus Tour of the Great River Road
Aug
23

Historical Bus Tour of the Great River Road

Registration is required: Please email Linda Schenk at linda.schenk@freedomparkwi.org with how many people would like to sign up. Please supply: 1. The full name of the person(s) attending, email, phone number. I will call you back and get your credit card information over the phone.

Do you like history? Than this is your tour to join Prescott native historian Dallas Eggers. He will regal you with stories on a historical bus ride from Prescott to Pepin. We will be stopping at various towns and attractions along the way. Dallas will also be focusing on the history of Pepin. Let the bus take you to places you’ve never seen and hear stories you’ve never heard!

Drop off and pick-up at Freedom Park ~ 200 Monroe St. Prescott, WI 54021 Please be at the park and ready to board the bus at 10:00am. Drive time will be 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Event will happen rain or shine so dress accordingly.

There will be stops and bathroom breaks along the way.

Limit of 48 people (School Bus)

Cost $30 + tax per person (Lunch is extra)

Lunch at The Pickle Factory in Pepin Wisconsin at 12:15pm.

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Books and Benches
Jun
28

Books and Benches

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come and join the Prescott Public Library and the National Park Services for a day of stories and education by our Butterfly Bench! Family friendly and FREE!

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Backyard Birds Presentation
Jun
8

Backyard Birds Presentation

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come and hear Judith Sparrow present on birds that you will find in your backyard. Judith will help you identify various bird species and she will educate you on how to feed, maintain, and care for these birds.

Judith Sparrow Bio: “I have been a "birder" for over 45 years and I have 92 species of birds on my yard list at my home, located around 4 miles south of downtown Prescott. As of now, I have 18 bird feeders in my yard.”

Pictured: Baltimore Oriole, male

Grape jelly in cups and cut-up oranges served separately will attract them to your yard.

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PARTNER EVENT - Trillium Festival
May
11
to May 12

PARTNER EVENT - Trillium Festival

Rustic Road Gallery presents Trillium Festival. A chance to view Trillium, walk nature trails on the rustic road, sample live music, partake in sound meditations, create your own pollinator gardens and so much more! A GREAT festival to take your Mother (or anyone) to! Festival takes place in Stockholm Wisconsin. More specific information: trilliumfestival.org

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Earth Day Celebration & Spring Park Clean Up!
Apr
20

Earth Day Celebration & Spring Park Clean Up!

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A family friendly FREE event to celebrate Earth Day! Come and enjoy vendors, special presentations (schedule below), kids crafts led by St. Croix Stars 4 H club, stories read by Ms. Sam, Youth and Adult Services Librarian Prescott Library, and a movie night. Come and watch The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (details below.)

Vendors: All Day

  • Two Fat Guys Smoking - Food Truck!

  • Heritage Woods Honey (and tasting) - Joerg Kessler and Kathy Sweeney

  • Cooper Hansen Photography - Tom Hansen

  • Young Acres Farm - Amy Young

  • Prescott Public Library - Samantha Chester-Moore

  • St. Croix Stars 4 H Club - Members - Children’s Activity at booth AND YUMMY Treats baked by the students will be for sale. Come and satisfy your sweet tooth!

  • Marathon Petroleum

  • Coulee River Trails (CRT)

  • RiveHugh Art - River Hughes

  • Stewards of the Gardens Group

  • Outdoor games - Giant Jenga, Bean Bags

Presentation Schedule: Located in the River Room

Just show up for a presentation, no pre-registration needed!

  • 11:00am to 11:30am - Wisconsin Master Naturalist Joerg Kessler presents E-tools for Nature Adventurers

    No need for paper field guides to find out what you are looking at on a Nature hike. Smartphone applications allow users to identify and learn about the birds, plants, and insects we encounter as we explore Nature. Master Naturalist Joerg Kessler will demonstrate the basic functionality of 4 Smartphone applications, iNaturalist for wildlife ,Picture This for plant identification, Merlin for bird identification by sight or song, and eBird for bird surveys.

  • 12:00pm to 12:30pm - Tom Hansen presents Bird migration of the area.

    Professional Nature photographer Tom Hansen will talk about the migration of common large birds of the area.

  • 1:00pm to 1:30pm - Wisconsin Master Naturalist Joerg Kessler Presents “Birds of the Night”

    One fifth of all mammal species are bats. Bats provide the same services at night as birds do in the day. They eat lots and lots of night flying insects and pollinate plants and disperse seeds. Wisconsin is home to 8 species. Of those, four are in serious decline due to white nose syndrome (WNS). Join Master Naturalist Joerg Kessler for an enlightening overview of bat life and how we can help.

  • 2:00pm to 2:30pm - Wisconsin Master Naturalist Joerg Kessler presents Beyond Birdhouses - 10 Ways to Help Nesting Birds

    Nesting birds can use human help far beyond a few birdhouses and bird seed. Join Master Naturalist Joerg Kessler for a presentation of ten things we can do to help all our feathery friends, whether nesting and raising their chicks in a birdhouse, shrub, tree or on the ground, during their most vulnerable time, the nesting season.

  • 3:00pm to 3:30pm - Wisconsin Master Naturalist Kathy Sweeney presents Certify your yard or container garden as a wildlife resource

    Interested in participating in a community of wildlife appreciators for specific pollinators like monarch butterflies through the Monarch Waystation registry or in the Wildlife Habitat Certification through the

    National Wildlife Federation? Another option is to consider participating in the Home Grown National Park movement? Each certification option provides educational resources and networks of like-minded wildlife

    advocates as well as lawn signs to proclaim your commitment to nurturing specific endangered creatures.

  • 4:00pm to 4:30pm - Amy Young - Young Acres Farm presents Young Acres Farm Apples and More!

    Come and hear what Amy has to say about what Young Acres Farm has to offer. Everything from apples to fine dining, to weddings, field trips, and catering.

  • Continuous throughout the day - Ms. Sam (Prescott Public Library) presents “Storytime” by the fireplace!

Stewards of the Park Spring Park Clean-Up: Calling all those that love to help maintain our beautiful park! All you need is a can do attitude! We welcome all ages to come and help get our park ready for the season. Be ready to have some fun in the park with great people! Bring your own tools or use the ones here at the park.

Movie Night at Freedom Park - In the River Room

We are showing The Lorax by Dr. Seuss - 6:00pm to 8:00pm

All ages welcome. $3 per child (cash preferred at the door)

Bring a pillow or blanket if you would like. Movie shown in the River Room.

Concessions available for sale: Popcorn, treats, beverages.

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Stewards of freedom Park ~ Garden Work Sessions
Apr
10
to May 29

Stewards of freedom Park ~ Garden Work Sessions

Come and help the Stewards of Freedom Park maintain the park and grounds! All ability levels are welcome!

Schedule: Wednesdays ~ 10:00am to 12:00pm at Freedom Park

April 10th

April 19th (Friday)

April 20th (Saturday - Earth Day)

April 24th

May 1st

May 8th

May 15th

May 22nd

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Exotic Pet Surrender Event
Apr
6

Exotic Pet Surrender Event

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

In an effort to combat invasive species, J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue is organizing the Exotic Pet Surrender Event, a venue for pet owners to relinquish care of exotic animals responsibly. Accepted animals include fish, invertebrates, reptiles, pet birds, small mammals and plants. Domestic pets will not be accepted.

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ART EXHIBITS ~ RIVER ROOM ART GALLERY
Apr
1
to Sep 15

ART EXHIBITS ~ RIVER ROOM ART GALLERY

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Fine art created by our local Prescott artists will be available for viewing in our River Room Art Gallery during all business hours. Please come and support our artists! Check the calendar for their individual “Art Receptions” where you can meet the artist and have some light refreshments!

Schedule of Artists:

April 1 to May 30th 12:00pm = Judy O’Neill ~ Art Reception April 14th 2pm to 4pm

June 1 to June 29 = Doreen Smith ~ Art Reception June 1st 2pm to 4pm

July 1 to July 30 = Will Fritsch ~ Art Reception July 21st 2pm to 4pm

August 1 to August 30 = Mike Sullivan ~ Art Reception August 11th 2pm to 4pm

September 1 to September 30 = The Little Colony Artists

October 1 to December 1 = Prescott High School

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Movie Night at Freedom Park
Mar
16

Movie Night at Freedom Park

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
  • In partnership with Community Education!

  • All ages welcome

  • Bring a pillow or blanket if you would like. Movie shown in the River Room

  • Cost: $3 per child - Cash preferred

  • Concessions available for sale: Popcorn, treats, beverages

  • Post movie, make an inspirational card for a senior!

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Volunteer Awareness Event
Feb
25

Volunteer Awareness Event

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Looking for a GREAT place to volunteer…look no further! We have some AMAZING volunteer opportunities here at our center. Come and hear about all of the things that we have going on here and how you can become a part of our fantastic team! Light refreshments will be served! We look forward to meeting you!

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How To Attract Bluebirds To Your Yard
Feb
24

How To Attract Bluebirds To Your Yard

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a presentation by the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) for an enlightening class on how to attract bluebirds to your yard. They will share with you years of experience in how to begin the process, what supplies are needed, how to attract and how to maintain. Bluebird houses will also be for sale that day for ONLY $10 (Cash)! Mr. Thomley’s STEM class made the houses! All of the proceeds from the sale of the houses will go back to support his class! Get one before they are gone!

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Small Business Weekend
Nov
25
to Nov 26

Small Business Weekend

  • Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Want to get a head start on your Holiday shopping? Here is the chance to shop our gift store (all sales support our non-profit.) All items in our gift store will be 50% off! Come and sit by our fireplace and enjoy some snacks and beverages! Santa will be paying a visit on Sunday the 26th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Bring the kids (or adults) and let Santa know what you would like this Christmas! :-)

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