Home to the Kinnickinnic River and the University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Named after the Kinnickinnic River that runs through its historic downtown, River Falls, Wisconsin, is known for outdoor activities like trout fishing and hiking. “People here are outdoorsy, and they tend to know each other,” says Konnor Garrido, Realtor with Edina Realty. River Falls prides itself on its sustainable ethos, running its city facilities entirely on renewable energy, and it is the first Wisconsin city to do so.
In addition to the city’s 16,000 residents, almost 6,000 students attend the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, which doubles as the city’s largest employer. While the college is an important part of the city, it doesn’t dominate River Falls’ vibe. “It’s not a college town at all,” says Melissa Wiegele, a Realtor with Wiegele Real Estate Group. “Sure, there are college-oriented parts, but it’s a small portion of the city, and the school blends very well into the community.”
The Kinnickinnic River is flows through the heart of River Falls, providing scenes of serenity.
The University of Wisconsin River Falls Athletics brings energy and excitement to River Falls.
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Low inventory and a competitive market drive home prices
The housing market in River Falls is competitive due to the lack of inventory. “Inventory is low because people don’t want to move, and when they do, it’s often within the city,” Wiegele says. The median price for a single-family home in River Falls is about $421,000, a little higher than the national median. However, homes still tend to be cheaper than those across the border. “Homes in River Falls are $70,000 to $100,000 cheaper than similar properties in Minnesota,” Wiegele says. “Buyers are realizing that you can pay less for more in River Falls.”
A variety of home styles line the streets of River Falls.
River Falls is known for the variety of historic homes throughout town.
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The Kinnickinnic River is a trout fishing and paddling favorite
Sterling Ponds Park and Hoffman Park both have disc golf courses, and Hoffman Park has a campground, too. Whitetail Ridge Mountain Bike Trail offers over 7 miles of mountain biking trails for riders of all levels.
Residents and visitors alike can enjoy the Kinnickinnic River, known locally as the Kinni. Anglers can attempt to land a big catch on this class 1 trout river — meaning its wild fish population is self-sustaining — while paddlers can visit River Guide Kayaks for tours and rentals to paddle among the river’s scenic cliffs and bluffs. Hikers can explore the Kinnickinnic River Trail at Glen Park, which winds around Lake Louise and Lake George.
The Hoffman Park Disc Golf Course in River Falls offers a unique challenge for all skill levels.
A day kayaking on the Kinnickinnic River is the best day of summer.
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Crossing the Swinging Bridge can be an exciting bit of history
For a bit of excitement, people can cross the river using the Swinging Bridge — added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 — at Glen Park. The River Falls Fighting Fish baseball team competes at the First National Bank of River Falls Field, which hosts youth baseball and softball leagues. The historic Falls Theatre was established in 1927 and still operates today.
The River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau hosts River Falls Days each July. The four-day event features a parade, live performances, and a variety of local vendors, food trucks and craft beer.
The Swinging Bridge at Glen Park in River Falls was built in 1925.
First National Bank of River Falls Field at Hoffman Park is the home of Fighting Fish baseball.
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Nationally recognized instrumental music program at River Falls School District
The River Falls School District earns an A-minus from Niche. River Falls High School is particularly noted for its instrumental music program. Its marching band won the 2024 WSMA Class AAA Championship. The district has also been recognized as a "Best Community for Music Education" four times by the National Association of Music Merchants.
River Falls High School is ranked 78th in Wisconsin High Schools.
Meyer Middle School provides a public education to students in River Falls, Wisconsin.
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About 30 miles to the Twin Cities for big city amenities
River Falls is about 35 miles from the Twin Cities. “A high percentage of residents in western Wisconsin work across the border in the Twin Cities,” Wiegele says. The Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport is about 36 miles away. Wisconsin State Highway 35 runs north from town and connects to Interstate 94, about 9 miles from River Falls. The River Falls Area Hospital is under 2 miles east across Highway 35 from downtown.
Lund’s Fly Shop and Fox Den Books draw shoppers downtown
Downtown River Falls is a draw for visitors and residents alike. “It’s great because it has this cozy community vibe while still being large enough to provide options,” Garrido says. Residents can shop along Main Street, exploring locally owned businesses like Lund's Fly Shop, Fox Den Books and Second Chances Thrift Store. Groceries are available at Family Fresh Market, but big-box retailers are a drive away to Hudson, Wisconsin, about 10 miles north. Selah Vie Bistro & Coffee Cottage is known for its artisanal blends and wood-fired pizzas. Swinging Bridge Brewing Company serves its extensive list of house-made beers and a classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned.
Lund's Fly Shop is a long-standing business in downtown River Falls.
Grab a locally brewed pint at Swinging Bridge Brewing Company.
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Important to know
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, violent crime in Pierce County, where River Falls primarily lies, rose in 2023, though not in all categories. Property crime in Pierce County has dropped since 2020.
Winters in River Falls are cold and snowy. Summers tend to be warm and humid. Like in much of the upper Midwest, mosquitos can be a nuisance.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
