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River Falls, WI

Frequently asked questions

River Falls, WI

River Falls is a city in Pierce and St. Croix counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is located mostly within the town of River Falls, and adjacent to the town of Kinnickinnic in St. Croix County. River Falls is the most populous city in Pierce County. The population was 16,182 at the 2020 census, with 11,851 residing in Pierce County and 3,149 in St. Croix County. It is part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and located approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of the center of that region. River Falls is the home of the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.60 square miles (17.09 km²), of which 6.52 square miles (16.89 km²) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.21 km²) is water. River Falls lies on the banks of the Kinnickinnic River, a class-one trout stream. The South Fork of the Kinnickinnic River runs through the city, dividing the University of Wisconsin-River Falls campus into two sections. River Falls is along Wisconsin Highways 29, 35, and 65. Other routes include Main Street, Cascade Avenue, and Division Street / County Road M.

The city's first settlers were Joel Foster and his indentured servant, Dick, in 1848. The village was started as Kinnickinnic in 1854 by brothers Nathaniel N. and Oliver S. Powell, who were from St. Lawrence County, New York. At the time, the town and village were also known as Greenwood, but this was changed, as another Greenwood, Wisconsin already existed. The present name comes from the Kinnickinnic River rapids.

On June 23, 1893, a lightning bolt hit the center circus pole at a Ringling Brothers circus performance in River Falls, injuring multiple audience members and performers and killing seven.

The School District of River Falls operates public schools. River Falls High School is the district's public high school. Meyer Middle School acts as the district's middle school. There are also 5 public elementary schools in the school district. River Falls is home to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and a branch of the Chippewa Valley Technical College.

Health and wellness are paramount in River Falls, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The River Falls Area Hospital is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the River Falls Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Victory Sports & Wellness, Strength Academy, and Anytime Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around River Falls, such as the Puff Ball Trail and Glen Park River Falls Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in River Falls, WI, are Glen Park, Hoffman Park, and Swinging Bridge.

Population: 16,609 (2022). Elevation: 843 feet (257 m). ZIP Code: 54022. Area code: 715. Area: 7.27 sq mi (18.83 km²).

FAQs

What is River Falls, WI is known for?

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 the St. Croix River. Year-round festivals, parades, and art fairs showcase River Falls’ small-town charm and community spirit.

Is River Falls, WI a good place to live?

River Falls is in St. Croix County and is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in River Falls offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In River Falls there are a lot of bars and parks. Many young professionals live in River Falls and residents tend to lean conservative.

Why is River Falls, WI called River Falls?

In 1856, George Pratt entered a plat for the area just south of the Village of Kinnickinnic and called it "Greenwood Falls." In 1858 a post office was established, which was called "River Falls." Confusion reigned as all three names were used: the post office of River Falls, located in the Village of Kinnickinnic, in the township of Greenwood.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of River Falls

River Falls Area Hospital 

River Falls Parks and Recreation Department 

Victory Sports & Wellness

Strength Academy 

Anytime Fitness

Puff Ball Trail 

Glen Park River Falls Trail

Glen Park

Hoffman Park 

Swinging Bridge

Niche

UWRF

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