Attractions and Places To See around Prescott - Top 12
Best attractions and places to see around Prescott include a variety of natural and historical sites. The region offers diverse landscapes, from protected prairies and river bluffs to regional parks with extensive trail networks. Visitors can explore areas rich in natural beauty, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and historical discovery. This area is characterized by its riverine environments and preserved natural habitats.
Best attractions and places to see around Prescott
- The most popular attractions is Outdoor Exhibit, a man-made monument that provides an interesting break in the trail with antique farm implements and metal dinosaur sculptures. Several old farm implements are located across from the art exhibit.
- Another must-see spot is Lost Valley Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, an other natural area. This 320-acre protected preserve features bedrock bluff prairie, limestone ridges, and dry swales, providing habitat for several state-threatened species and offering opportunities for birdwatching.
- Visitors also love Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, a trail with glacial terrain and 12 miles of paved and unpaved trails. The park offers activities like walking, biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing, along with access to Ravine Lake for fishing and kayaking.
- Prescott is known for its natural preserves, regional parks, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from outdoor art installations to extensive trail systems.
- The attractions around Prescott are appreciated by the komoot community, with 16 upvotes and 22 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Outdoor Exhibit
Highlight • Monument
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Lost Valley Prairie Scientific and Natural Area
Highlight • Natural
The main entrance and parking area for Lost Valley Prairie SNA are located at the dead end of Nyberg Avenue. Like most Scientific and Natural Areas, there are no maintained recreational trails. Visitors may hike across the prairie, but should be prepared for uneven terrain. A maintenance road winds through parts of the site and can offer an easier walking route.
An extra tip: the AllTrails app features a curated trail named Lost Prairie Valley (sic), but this “trail” is primarily off-trail, leading through tallgrass prairie and thick stands of sumac.
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Butterfly Bench
Highlight • Monument
This bench is located within a vibrant butterfly garden, which was also part of the "Bench Project." Master gardener Kathy Oss provided guidance to the team on native plants that attract butterflies, helping to create a habitat for these important pollinators.
The project connects a series of artistic benches situated in various small towns throughout the St. Croix Valley. It encourages both residents and visitors to explore the region's scenic beauty, unique communities, and cultural attractions.
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Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park
Highlight • Trail
The park also provides access to Ravine Lake via an accessible fishing pier and self-service kayak rentals, along with an inclusive playground, picnic areas with grills, and a large group pavilion.
All motorized vehicles must display a permit. Daily permits are $7, and annual permits are $30, valid for 12 months and accepted at all Washington County and Anoka County regional parks.
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Freedom Park
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
Nice small nature center, picnic area, playground, and river views.
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Lost Valley Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), a 320-acre protected preserve in Denmark Township, Washington County, Minnesota, is a bedrock bluff prairie characterized by a series of limestone ridges and dry swales. It provides habitat for several state-threatened and special-concern species. Among these are rock sandwort, a tiny white-flowered plant usually found much farther north, and Hill’s thistle, a fire-dependent species of special concern. The area is also a prime location for birdwatching, with documented sightings of northern harriers, loggerhead shrikes, and various migrating warblers and sparrows. The main entrance and parking area for Lost Valley Prairie SNA are located at the dead end of Nyberg Avenue. Like most Scientific and Natural Areas, there are no maintained recreational trails. Visitors may hike across the prairie, but should be prepared for uneven terrain. A maintenance road winds through parts of the site and can offer an easier walking route. An extra tip: the AllTrails app features a curated trail named Lost Prairie Valley (sic), but this “trail” is primarily off-trail, leading through tallgrass prairie and thick stands of sumac.
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Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park is a 515-acre park in Washington County, Minnesota, with glacial terrain and 12 miles of paved and unpaved trails for walking, biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. In winter, it offers groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, as well as snowshoeing routes. A modern trailhead and welcome center includes a fireplace lobby, rentable multipurpose room with a kitchenette, and inclusive restrooms. The park also provides access to Ravine Lake via an accessible fishing pier and self-service kayak rentals, along with an inclusive playground, picnic areas with grills, and a large group pavilion. All motorized vehicles must display a permit. Daily permits are $7, and annual permits are $30, valid for 12 months and accepted at all Washington County and Anoka County regional parks.
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Several old farm implements across from the art exhibit
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The bench is marked with the phrase, "A unique sense of place on the St. Croix River." In 2008, over 60 residents of Prescott, Wisconsin, collaborated with artist John Tarula to create the Butterfly Bench. This bench is located within a vibrant butterfly garden, which was also part of the "Bench Project." Master gardener Kathy Oss provided guidance to the team on native plants that attract butterflies, helping to create a habitat for these important pollinators. The project connects a series of artistic benches situated in various small towns throughout the St. Croix Valley. It encourages both residents and visitors to explore the region's scenic beauty, unique communities, and cultural attractions.
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The Great River Road Visitor and Learning Center is located at Freedom Park, Prescott, Wisconsin. The park is situated on the Mississippi River bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. Besides being located on the Great River Road, the park is also on the Mississippi River Trail. This bicycle route routes bikers from the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana.
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This exhibit of antique farm implements and metal dinosaur sculptures provides an interesting break in the trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural areas can I explore around Prescott?
Prescott is surrounded by diverse natural beauty. You can visit the Lost Valley Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, a protected preserve with bedrock bluff prairie and limestone ridges, ideal for birdwatching. Another great option is Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, offering 12 miles of trails through glacial terrain. The vast Prescott National Forest, with its pine forests and granite boulders, also provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, including Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain for scenic views. Watson Lake and Lynx Lake are popular for water-based recreation.
Are there opportunities for hiking near Prescott's attractions?
Yes, the area around Prescott offers many hiking opportunities. Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park has extensive trails for hiking. For more options, you can explore easy hikes like the Kinnickinnic Green, Purple, and Yellow Loop or the Mississippi River Greenway. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Hiking around Prescott guide.
What about cycling routes near Prescott?
Cycling is a popular activity around Prescott. Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park features paved and unpaved trails suitable for biking. The Mississippi River Trail also passes through Freedom Park, offering a scenic route. For specific cycling tours, consider routes like the Outdoor Exhibit – Spring Lake Park Reserve loop or the Hastings Bridge – Mini Sculpture Garden loop. Discover more in the Cycling around Prescott guide.
Where can I enjoy water activities like kayaking or fishing?
Prescott has several lakes perfect for water activities. Watson Lake is renowned for its unique rock formations and is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Lynx Lake, within the Prescott National Forest, is a tranquil 55-acre reservoir allowing electric motor-only boats, making it great for kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. Goldwater Lake also offers a quieter spot for fishing and picnics.
Are there any unique geological features to see?
Absolutely. The Granite Dells, near Watson Lake, offer breathtaking vistas and unique rock formations. The Lost Valley Prairie Scientific and Natural Area features distinctive bedrock bluff prairie with limestone ridges and dry swales, providing a unique ecological landscape.
What historical sites can I visit in the Prescott area?
Prescott is rich in history. Downtown Prescott's Whiskey Row is famous for its historic saloons and Victorian buildings, with the Palace Restaurant and Saloon being Arizona's oldest frontier bar. The Courthouse Plaza, with its 1916 granite Yavapai County Courthouse, is another significant landmark. You can also visit the Old Mill Ruins on the Vermillion River, a beautiful historical site set in a deep limestone gorge.
Are there museums focusing on the region's heritage?
Yes, Prescott offers several insightful museums. The Sharlot Hall Museum is a 4-acre open-air museum dedicated to Arizona's territorial history, featuring pioneer cabins and the original Governor's Mansion. The Phippen Museum of Western Art celebrates the American West through art, while the Museum of Indigenous People focuses on American Indian cultures of the Southwest.
Are there family-friendly attractions suitable for children?
Many attractions around Prescott are family-friendly. The Outdoor Exhibit features antique farm implements and metal dinosaur sculptures that children often enjoy. Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park has an inclusive playground and picnic areas. The Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary is a conservation-focused zoo with rescued native Arizona wildlife, and the Highlands Center for Natural History offers nature education programs and trails.
What is the best time of year to visit Prescott for outdoor activities?
Prescott generally enjoys mild weather, making it suitable for outdoor activities year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summers can be warm but are often mitigated by the higher elevation, while winters are typically mild with occasional snow, still allowing for activities like cross-country skiing in groomed areas like Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.
Where can I find unique art installations or exhibits?
The Outdoor Exhibit is a unique spot featuring antique farm implements and metal dinosaur sculptures, providing an interesting break along a trail. Downtown Prescott also hosts various art galleries, particularly around Whiskey Row, showcasing local and Western art.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Prescott National Forest?
The Prescott National Forest is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot deer, javelina, coyotes, and various bird species. Areas like the Lost Valley Prairie Scientific and Natural Area are known for birdwatching, with documented sightings of northern harriers, loggerhead shrikes, and migrating warblers and sparrows. Lynx Lake is also a good spot for birdwatching.
Are there any dog-friendly trails or attractions in Prescott?
Many outdoor areas in Prescott are dog-friendly, especially trails within the Prescott National Forest and around the lakes. Always check specific park regulations, but generally, trails are welcoming to leashed dogs. For example, the trails at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park are popular for walks with pets.
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