Discover Black River Falls

Black River Falls brings together trails through town, insights into local and regional history, and activities on the water. The Foundation Trail passes through several parts of the city; museums and a monument highlight the history of Jackson County and the early timber industry. Nearby, cross-country ski trails and a longer canoe route add to the range of activities.

Trails and Places in Black River Falls

The Foundation Trail loops around Black River Falls for 4.1 miles. It runs alongside the Black River and Town Creek, through Lunda Community Park and through the downtown area. The trail is used for walking, running and cycling. This makes it possible to experience the town loop in different ways, with the river, creek, park and downtown serving as landmarks along the route.

The Black River Falls Downtown Historic District is a historic area by the Black River with local shops and cafés. It offers a different view of the town than the trail: here, the district’s historic character, shops and cafés take center stage, while the trail passes through different parts of the city along a single route.

Museums, Theater and Local History

The Jackson County Historical Society Museum is housed in a Carnegie Library built in 1915. Its two floors feature exhibits about early life in Jackson County, including topics related to the timber and sawmill industries, as well as an exhibit on Native American culture featuring photographs, beadwork and leather objects. The building and exhibits give the museum visit both a historic setting and a wide range of topics.

On Water Street, the Historical Sawmill Memorial Monument commemorates the founding of Black River Falls by Jacob Spaulding in 1839 and the early timber industry. Unlike the museum, which features exhibits on several aspects of early life in the county, the monument focuses on a specific memory of the town’s founding and its connection to the timber industry.

The Falls Players and Children's Theater perform at the Lunda Theater in the Middle School. Local concerts and guest performances are also held there. These events add theater and music to the historical themes of Black River Falls’ cultural scene; the museum, monument and stage each offer a different way to experience history and culture.

Playgrounds, Cross-Country Skiing and Canoeing

Black River Falls All-Abilities Playground is located in Lunda Community Park. It offers sensory-based adaptive play technology and accessible paths. Its focus differs from that of the Foundation Trail: the playground centers on play technology and paths within the play area, while the trail is used for walking, running and cycling.

The Black River State Forest near Black River Falls has 20 miles of cross-country ski trails. They are groomed for both skating and classic cross-country skiing and include difficulty levels from beginner to expert. In both length and the types of skiing offered, the trails differ from the Foundation Trail in town. Since conditions and seasonal operations can change, check current trail conditions before planning an outing.

A 30-mile canoe trip on the Black River begins below the dam at Black River Falls, at the canoe launch on Third Street, and continues to New Amsterdam. This route is a distinct option on the water and is clearly different from the trails on land: the Foundation Trail loops around the city, while the canoe trip starts at a designated launch point and follows the river downstream to its destination.

Discover more destinations: Hixton, Pittsville.

Go to the regional travel overview: Jackson County.