Black River Falls: Trails, History and River Experiences

There are several ways to explore Black River Falls: a loop trail passes through park and downtown areas, while the museum, theater and historic monument offer insights into the town’s history. The river also offers a longer canoe trip, and cross-country skiing is available nearby. You can plan your trip around whether you enjoy spending time outdoors, want to include cultural activities, or would like to combine both.

On Foot, Running or by Bike

The Foundation Trail loops around Black River Falls for 4.1 miles. It runs alongside the Black River and Town Creek, passing through Lunda Community Park and the downtown area. The trail is used for walking, running and biking, offering a way to combine exercise with exploring different parts of town along the same route. Its length is a useful reference when planning your day; whether you walk, run or bike the loop is up to you and your travel plans.

Black River Falls All-Abilities Playground is also located in Lunda Community Park. It features sensory-based adaptive play technology and accessible pathways. If you would like to include this play area in your trip, it provides another specific destination in the park. The play technology and pathways shape what the playground offers and can be considered a focus in its own right alongside the Foundation Trail’s active recreation options.

Local History and Culture

On Water Street, the Historical Sawmill Memorial Monument commemorates the founding of Black River Falls in 1839 by Jacob Spaulding and the early timber industry. The Jackson County Historical Society Museum offers further insight into the county’s history. Housed in a Carnegie Library built in 1915, it features two floors of exhibits about early life in Jackson County.

The museum’s topics include the timber and sawmill industries, as well as an exhibit on Native American culture. Items on display include photographs, beadwork and leather objects. Visitors interested in local and regional history can explore these topics in more depth at the museum. Together with the monument on Water Street, the museum offers different historical perspectives: the early timber industry at the monument and exhibits about life in Jackson County at the museum.

The Lunda Theater, located in the Middle School, offers something for theater and music enthusiasts. The Falls Players and the Children’s Theater perform there, along with local concerts and touring performances. The Black River Falls Downtown Historic District is located along the Black River in the downtown area. This historic district includes local shops and cafés. The museum, theater and downtown each offer a distinct focus for a trip that combines outdoor activities with culture and local life.

River Trips and Cross-Country Skiing Nearby

A 30-mile canoe trip to New Amsterdam begins at the Third Street canoe launch below the dam in Black River Falls. This is a considerably longer river activity than a walking, running or biking loop. If you would like to include a canoe trip in your plans, you can take the distance into account when choosing your activities.

Another option nearby is Black River State Forest, which has 20 miles of cross-country ski trails groomed for skating and classic cross-country skiing. The trails include a range of difficulty levels, from beginner to expert. Nearby activities therefore vary both in type and in difficulty. Cross-country skiing in the nearby forest and experiences in town can be considered separate focuses for your trip.

Which Accommodation Fits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a vacation rental in Black River Falls, you can first decide whether the town will be the main focus of your trip or part of a larger travel itinerary. Consider which of these activities are important to your trip and how much time you would like to devote to them.

More places to explore: Pittsville and Hixton.

For the broader travel overview: Jackson County.