Marathon Petroleum is the proud sponsor of our 2025 events and programs offered at the Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center - Freedom Park. Thank You Marathon Petroleum!
Books and Benches
Come and listen to books by our art bench in the park! Stories read by Darien, Prescott Librarian. Special appearance by a National Park Ranger! FREE!
Music in the Park
Music in the Park is BACK again for another wonderful year of music, fun, and community gathering! Come and hear the music of Mayfair Three! Concert starts at 6:30pm to 8:00pm FREE and open to all. Bring your bug spray and a chair!
Food Stand will start at 6:00pm and the Freedom Park Bar will be serving up delicious drinks. This is a fundraiser for Freedom Park!
Historic Wisconsin Roadsides BOOK READING
Come and meet authors: Tom Manus and Kristi Flick Manus and hear them read from their book Historic Wisconsin Roadsides. “Whether you’re on a motorcycle or in a car, truck, or RV, the open road has long represented an enchanting combination of adventure and freedom! Historic Wisconsin Roadsides provides an essential guide to the most historic and fun road trips Wisconsin has to offer.”
Art Reception
Come and meet Mark Strehlow the owner of Agra Pottery! Light refreshments will be served.
Music in the Park
Music in the Park is BACK again for another wonderful year of music, fun, and community gathering! Come and hear the music of the Mississippi Valley Orchestra ~ Crewtet! Concert starts at 6:30pm to 8:00pm FREE and open to all. Bring your bug spray and a chair!
Food Stand will start at 6:00pm and the Freedom Park Bar will be serving up delicious drinks. This is a fundraiser for Freedom Park!
Partner EVent - The Brian Webster Memorial Picnic
The Farmer Angel Network of Western WI presents: The Brian Webster Memorial Picnic -
Sno Hill Chapel - N3699 730th St. Ellsworth, WI 54021
Bring your family for a free will donation meal catered by Meatheads! Silent auction items will be available from local businesses in the Ellsworth community as well as mental health professionals to asnwer any questions!
Questions/Donation/RSVP
Jennifer Webster (715-307-3944)
Exotic Pet Surrender
These events aim to reduce invasive species by giving people options for their unwanted pets other than releasing them into the wild. In some areas, there are no rehoming options for exotic animals such as fish, birds, and reptiles. Some pet owners that are unable to care for their pet may think that releasing the animal is the right thing to do, however, releasing a pet is harmful for the animal and the environment.
J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR) is hosting the event with help from several other area organizations including environmental organizations, pet rescues, and others.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.
Music in the Park
Music in the Park is BACK again for another wonderful year of music, fun, and community gathering! Come and hear the music of Just the Tip! Concert starts at 6:30pm to 8:00pm FREE and open to all. Bring your bug spray and a chair!
Food Stand will start at 6:00pm and the Freedom Park Bar will be serving up delicious drinks. This is a fundraiser for Freedom Park!
Art Reception
Come and meet the artists of The Little Colony Art Group! Multiple artists will be showcasing their art. Light refreshments will be served.
Music in the Park
Music in the Park is BACK again for another wonderful year of music, fun, and community gathering! Come and hear the music of Smooth Sensation Band! Concert starts at 6:30pm to 8:00pm FREE and open to all. Bring your bug spray and a chair!
One Eye Dave’s Food Stand will start at 6:00pm and the Freedom Park Bar will be serving up delicious drinks. This is a fundraiser for Freedom Park!
Art Reception
Come and meet artist Rachael Danielson! Light refreshments will be served.
Starwatch Program with Meteorologist Mike Lynch
Make the stars your old friends as we watch the great celestial show in the skies over Prescott! Get to know constellations like the Big Bear, Cygnus the Swan, Pegasus the Winged Horse, and many more. You’ll also hear many fun stories about how some of these constellations found their way to the heavens. I’ll also have giant telescopes aimed at the Moon, Saturn, star clusters, galaxies, and more. New video telescopes will also display live images of distant celestial treasures in amazing color! You’ll also get a great handout package of star maps, constellation charts, as well as great websites and app recommendations. Also included is a practical telescope buying guide.
Mike Lynch is a retired WCCO Radio meteorologist and has been hosting star parties and teaching astronomy classes for over 50 years. He also writes a weekly stargazing column for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and is the author of the book “Stars, a Month by Month Tour of the Constellations.” It’ll be available for purchase at the program. Select Mike Lynch celestial photos, and super cool glow-in-the-dark star shirts will also be available for sale.
The Great Night Sky is Waiting!
Bob Ross Paint and Sip Class
A night to enjoy with your friends and family! Learn how to paint a landscape scene using Bob Ross techniques. Teacher Julie Fjetland. Sip some wine (or pop) while experiencing the class. Create a 12X16 size canvas. The image is the one attached to this post. Class cost is $55 per person. Registration coming soon.
Small Business Weekend
Enjoy a day of treats and surprises! Get a jump on your Christmas shopping! Come and support our non-profit through sales of our gift store items! Happy shopping!
Art Reception
Come and meet Photographer Peter Mutschler. Light refreshments will be served too.
3 Hour Botanical Illustration Workshop
Instructor Kelly Geister will guide you through a workshop designed to teach you about self expression while learning about flora and fauna and…you get to create art too! What a great way to create! Class fee is $20.00 - Kids %50 off! Payable at class time.
Summer Kickoff
Start the summer off right at the Prescott Library! Freedom Park will have a table there with bean bags and giant jenga, stop on by!
BioBlitz - Nature Observations
Meet Author Jean Maher. Jean is a local photographer and author of a unique book for children and adults, "What Do You Spy with Your Eagle Eyes?" She will lead PreK-5th grade learners and their caregivers through how to make nature observations using her book and other resources available. If weather allows, she will lead attendees through a nature hike around Freedom Park. Darien Becker (Prescott Librarian) will give announcements about the Blitz, remind folks about instructions and show where people can explore for the BioBlitz around town (e.g., Freedom Park, Mercord Mill Park, Prescott Beach, Coulee River Trails). Books will be for sale before and after the BioBlitz! Free Event!
Music in the Park
A very special THANK YOU to the Prescott Tourism Committee for giving Freedom Park a grant to fund this music series. We could not do this with you! We are very appreciative of the support!
Music in the Park is BACK again for another wonderful year of music, fun, and community gathering! FREE and open to all. Bring your bug spray and a chair!
Food One Eye Dave’s Food Stand. Food and beverages start at 6:00pm. Freedom Park Bar will be serving up delicious drinks. This is a fundraiser for Freedom Park!
Music starts at 6:30pm and runs until 8:00pm
May 22nd = The Prescott High School Garage Band and Nathan Griner and Matthew Probst -
Carpenter Nature Center - Raptor Program
Raptors– Learners of all ages- Observe live raptors, learn about their similarities and differences, and hear about adaptations a bird of prey has to help it survive. Presented by Abby Holden
Art Reception
Come and meet artist Gabrielle Magin at her art reception! Light refreshments will be served!
Partner Event: Trillium Festival
We are proud to support Cooper Hanson Photography with their Trillium Festival! Tom Hansen is just WONDERFUL!
Trillium grandiflorum is most common in rich, mixed upland forests. It is easily recognized by its attractive three-petaled white flowers, opening from late spring to early summer, that rise above a whorl of three, leaf-like bracts. It is an example of a spring ephemeral, a plant whose life-cycle is synchronised with that of the deciduous woodland which it favours.
Stewards of Freedom Park Work Sessions
Do you love the smell of the earth? Do you love to get your “everything” dirty? Then…we have an amazing group of stewards that take care of all of our Freedom Park gardens. Come and join them every Wednesday morning here at the park! Spring Clean-Up is Wednesday April 30th (The more the merrier). Bring your favorite work gloves and a willingness to have FUN!
Consecutive Work Days:
Wednesday May 6th - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Wednesday May 13th - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Wednesday May 20th - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Wednesday May 27th - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Earth Day Celebration
Earth Day FUN for the whole family! Come and enjoy a day out with friends and family at our Earth Day Celebration! FREE!
We want to thank Marathon Petroleum Corporation for sponsoring our Earth Day Celebration!
Speaker Schedule: (Just show up prior to the presentation for the best seats.)
1. Joerg Kessler = Beekeeping 101 11:00am to 12:00pm
2. Corinne and Chris Swatzina (Prescott Residents) = Chickens 101 12:00pm to 1:00pm
3. Kathy Sweeney = How to Plant a Container Pollinator Garden 2:00pm to 3:00pm
4. Farmer Angel Talk = Who is Farmer Angel and how can you help educate about Mental Health Issues. 3:00pm to 3:30pm
5. Young Acres Orchard = Apples! 3:30pm to 4:00pm
Vendors:
1. Kathy and Joerg = Honey from around the world, samples (Selling honey from their farm in Stockholm)
2. Coulee River Trails = Showcasing Magee Park and Pine Coulee
3. Tom Hansen = Table with his wildlife art and migratory bird identification materials
4. Marathon Petroleum = Title sponsor of all 2025 events! Thank You!
5. Prescott Public Library = Darien Becker will read stories from 1:15pm to 2:00pm!
6. St. Croix Stars 4H (10:00am to 2:00pm ONLY) = Children’s Activity
7. Young Acres Farm = Apple table
8. River Hughes of RiveHugh Art = Live Art Presentations (Buy art)
9. Stewards of the Park = How can you become a Steward of the Park? Want to get dirty in the gardens?
10. Farmer Angel = Informational Table
Additional FUN:
One Eyed Dave’s Food Cart and Freedom Park Beverages for sale
Children’s Arts and Crafts Activity (While Supplies Last) Design and plant your own seed pot.
Tree GIVE AWAY to the first 300 people…while supplies last. We are giving away 3yr old White Pine seedlings. One per person (family)!
Special reading time with Darien from Prescott Library!
Become a Junior Ranger Activity!
New Children’s Learning Cart in our newly designed children’s area!
American Legion Easter Egg Hunt
Calling all kids! Please be on time! Bring a basket to collect your egg finds! MANY great prizes for every age child. Happy Easter!
National Junior Rangers Day
It’s National Junior Ranger Day! Come and learn what it takes to become a Junior Ranger. FREE and open to all kids!
Community Day of Service
Organized by Community Education, come and help get our playground ready for the year! We need mulch spreaders…the more the merrier! :-)
KIDS BINGO
Kids B..I..N..G..O! Calling all kids to come and play BINGO ! Win some GREAT prizes playing a fun game! Free and open to all
Meat Raffle
Calling all meat lovers and their friends! 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! :-)
Reading With A Ranger
Our first ever Reading With A Ranger event!
Schedule:
11:00 a.m., Meet & Greet Table
11:15 a.m., Prescott Public Library Storytime
11:30 a.m., Reading with a Ranger Storytime
11:45 a.m., NPS Thank You and 4th Grade Pass Distribution
12:00 p.m., NPS Clean-up and Depart
All ages are welcome. Free and open to all.
How To Attract Bluebirds To Your Yard
Join the Bluebird Restoration Association of Wisconsin (BRAW) in a class designed to teach you how to attract bluebirds to your yard! Experts will share their vast knowledge with you. Free and open to all!
Darien the Prescott Librarian Reads by our Fireplace
UPDATE: SORRY but this event has been cancelled due to a snow storm. Got cabin fever? Get out of the house and join us for a delightful book reading time by the fireplace. Darien will engage the kids with great books! Free and open to all.
Meat Raffle
Calling all meat lovers and their friends! 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! :-)
Winterfest
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.”
Darien Becker from the Prescott Library will be reading books from 11:00am to 11:30am by our fireplace!
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!
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
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.
ART EXHIBITS ~ RIVER ROOM ART GALLERY
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. All art is for sale with proceeds benefiting both the artist and Freedom Park. 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 March 31, 2024 = Prescott High School
2025 Artist Line Up:
May = Gabrielle Magin
June = Peter Mutschler
July = Agra Pottery
August = The Little Colony Artists
September = Rachael Danielson
Oct. - March = Prescott High School Artists
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."
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!
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!
ART EXHIBITS ~ RIVER ROOM ART GALLERY -Little Colony Artists
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
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.