Black River Falls provides a slow pace of life in rural Wisconsin
Named after the river that flows through its center, Black River Falls is the Jackson County seat and offers rural living in west-central Wisconsin. Its agricultural roots date back to its founding in 1839, and many residents are still involved in the industry today. “It’s a small farming community, and there are a lot of dairy farms around here,” says Sonia Hicks, a longtime resident and local Realtor with ClearView Realty who has more than 24 years of experience. “Everyone knows everyone, and people come together to help each other.” Locals also value the area's traditions and county fair, as well as the abundant recreation in town and just outside of it.
A mix of ranch-style, Victorian and New Traditional-style homes
Black River Falls’ oldest homes sit along streets close to downtown. These turn-of-the-20th-century houses come in various architectural styles, from bungalows to American Foursquares to Victorians. However, ranch-style homes and split-levels built through the remainder of the century comprise most of the housing stock. Buyers will also find a selection of New Traditional homes built over the last 25 years, closer to the city’s outskirts. Plot sizes average just under a half-acre, and though sidewalks don't run through the entire community, mature trees throughout provide spots of shade for pedestrians. The median sales price is $175,000, but homes in need of repair start at $50,000, and recently built or remodeled homes can go for up to $420,000.
Recreation ranges from hunting to swimming and ice hockey
Lunda Community Park is a hub for recreation, with an all-abilities playground, athletic facilities and Hoffman Aquatic Center. The park sits on one end of the Foundation Trail, which winds along the river’s western banks and ends at Skyline Golf Course, which has an 18-hole course open to the public. Milt Lunda Memorial Arena hosts youth ice skating and hockey leagues. “It’s a pretty big deal and appeals to a lot of kids in the area,” Hicks says. Black River State Forest offers more options for walking and bicycling with wooded trails and doubles as public hunting grounds. “Hunting season brings a lot of people to the area,” Hicks says. “Most hunt on private land, and some owners rent out their farm.” Wazee Lake Recreation Area has a public beach for swimming, 5 miles east.
Dining and shopping options include local spots and big-box stores
Longstanding brick-clad storefronts form a downtown stretch in central Black River Falls. The walkable district has a combination of boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants. Cinco De Mayo serves authentic Mexican dishes and is known for its margaritas. Rozario’s Craft Pizza serves Italian and hosts karaoke out on the patio every Saturday night. “The owner uses his mother's famous recipes, and the pizza and pasta are really good,” Hicks says. Residents pick up groceries from Hansen's Market IGA and shop retail at Walmart Supercenter and Dollar General. Onalaska, 40 miles southwest, offers more options with Target, Kohl’s and other big-box stores.
Black River High School offers Advanced Placement courses
Forrest Street Elementary welcomes prekindergarten through first-grade students and earns a B-minus from Niche. Red Creek Elementary School teaches second through fifth grade and has a C. Black River Falls Middle School also has a C and enrolls sixth through eighth grade. Black River Falls High School scores a C-plus. The high school offers Advanced Placement courses, allowing enrolled students to earn college credits in subjects ranging from English to chemistry and biology. Graduates can continue their education at Western Technical College, located downtown.
Annual traditions bring residents together
The Jackson County Fair runs for a week in August and has been an area staple for more than 150 years. “It’s huge,” Hicks says. “Kids used to stay overnight in the barn at the fairgrounds to look after the livestock. Now people bring hard-shell campers and park them there.” Along with various livestock shows, festivities include food vendors, carnival rides and dozens of activities, including a pie-baking contest. Jackson County Farmers Market pops up every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning from early June through October. Vendors sell fresh produce, handmade goods and more.
Regional access and medical care are within easy reach
State Route 27, U.S. Route 12 and Interstate 94 all pass through the community, supporting local and regional travel. State Route 27 leads to Fort McCoy, 29 miles south, and the nearest commercial flights take off from La Crosse Regional Airport, 45 miles southwest. Black River Memorial Hospital is closer to home, on West Adams Street.
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Written By
Matthew Simmons
