A western Wisconsin town shaped by the Kinnickinnic River, where waterfalls sit near downtown, wooded trails follow the water and outdoor adventure begins just minutes from Main Street.
River Falls gets its identity from the Kinnickinnic River, a scenic trout stream that flows directly through the community before continuing toward the St. Croix River.
That gives River Falls an unusual combination: a lively small-city downtown, university-town energy and surprisingly wild river scenery all within a compact destination.
Follow the river from downtown into the woods.
Water, trails and downtown are never far apart.
Explore the river and the scenery surrounding it.
Find the river scenery that helped give River Falls its name.
Discover the area's strong trout-fishing tradition.
Explore wooded trails and river valley scenery.
Explore western Wisconsin by bike.
Find restaurants, shops and a relaxed college-town atmosphere.
Finish a day outside with food and drinks downtown.
See the wooded river valley surrounded by autumn color.
The Kinnickinnic River is the defining natural feature of River Falls, winding through town before entering a more wooded and rugged river valley.
The river is especially well known for trout fishing, but you don't need a fishing rod to enjoy it. Trails, parks and scenic overlooks make the Kinni part of almost any River Falls visit.
Explore Wisconsin Fishing →
River Falls makes it easy to move from town into nature. Wooded trails, parks and river corridors create plenty of opportunities for a short walk or a longer day outside.
The surrounding western Wisconsin landscape adds rolling terrain, forests and river valleys that are especially beautiful during fall.
Explore Wisconsin Hiking →
Downtown gives River Falls a different energy from many small Wisconsin towns. Local businesses mix with the influence of the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere.
Grab lunch, browse the shops or make downtown your evening stop after a day along the river and trails.
Explore Wisconsin Food & Drink →River Falls fits naturally into a St. Croix Valley getaway.
Pair River Falls with St. Croix River views, boating and downtown dining.
Explore NearbyAdd another western Wisconsin community to your road trip.
Head SouthContinue toward bluff country and Wisconsin's Great River Road.
Take the Long WayExplore river valleys, rolling farmland and small western Wisconsin towns.
River trails, downtown food and a little time on the Kinni.
Check in, explore Main Street and start the weekend with dinner in town.
Spend the morning exploring the Kinnickinnic and nearby parks.
Hike or bike through the wooded landscape surrounding River Falls.
Head toward Hudson or take a scenic drive through western Wisconsin.
Cool days, flowing water and returning greenery make spring ideal for exploring.
SummerLong days are perfect for hiking, biking, fishing and downtown patios.
FallWooded hills surrounding the Kinni become a western Wisconsin fall showcase.
WinterSnow-covered trails and a lively downtown keep River Falls worth exploring.
River Falls works best when you combine time outdoors with an easy downtown stay. Explore the Kinni, find a trail, grab dinner in town and leave room for a scenic drive through the St. Croix Valley.
River Falls is known for the Kinnickinnic River, outdoor recreation, trout fishing, waterfalls, UW–River Falls and its walkable downtown.
The Kinnickinnic River runs through River Falls and continues west toward the St. Croix River.
Yes. River Falls and the surrounding area offer parks, wooded river corridors and trails suitable for hiking and other outdoor recreation.
Yes. The Kinnickinnic River is well known as a cold-water trout stream and is an important part of the area's outdoor identity.
Yes. Its combination of river scenery, trails, downtown restaurants and nearby St. Croix Valley destinations works well for a short trip.
Hudson and other St. Croix Valley communities are easy additions, while the Mississippi River and Great River Road can extend the trip farther south.
Find the Kinni, hit the trails and explore the St. Croix Valley.