Osceola in Polk County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Cascade Falls
Photographed by Keith L, October 15, 2008
1. Cascade Falls Marker
On May 14, 1884, William Kent and 12 companions stopped on their journey from St. Croix Falls to explore a creek that rippled through the glen and emptied into the St. Croix River. A beautiful 25-foot waterfall burst upon their vision and they immediately recognized its potential. They staked claim on the waterfall, the glen and the land that later became the Village of Osceola. Located in the heart of downtown Osceola, Cascade Falls is as alluring and picturesque today, as it was when the first settlers found it. The terrain surrounding the falls drops 108 feet from the Osceola Creek to the St. Croix River. The falls was a stop for excursion steamboats in the late 1800s.
Descend the 156 steps into Wilkie Glen, and follow the trail along the Osceola Creek to the St. Croix River.
Rivers, Rails & Trails
This is one of many interpretive signs in the River, Rails & Trails Heritage Area, a project funded in part by a Heritage Tourism grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
Erected by Wisconsin Heritage Tourism.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Natural Features
this page online
Location. 45° 19.185′ N, 92° 42.365′ W. Marker is in Osceola, Wisconsin, in Polk County. It is on North Cascade Street (State Highway 35) north of Osceola Road (State Highway 243), on the left when traveling north. Marker is near 1st Avenue at Wilke Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Osceola WI 54020, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and in Western Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Osceola (here, next to this marker); The Mills (within shouting distance of this marker); Geiger Brewery (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed by Keith L, October 15, 2008
2. Cascade Falls Marker
Also see . . . About Osceola. Village website homepage (Submitted on April 2, 2009.)
Photographed by Keith L, October 15, 2008
3. Cascade Falls
Photographed by Keith L, October 15, 2008
4. Cascade Falls
Photographed by Keith L, October 15, 2008
5. Cascade Falls
Photographed by Keith L, October 15, 2008
6. Cascade Falls Restoration Marker
to the Cascade Falls restoration
WCC Crew:
Randal Kincaid, foreman
Tammie Bates
Richard Burrows
Ann Jacobsen
Kenneth King
Wendy King
Chris Krogmann
Willis Erickson, consultant
Osceola Main Street & Parks
Task Force
1991
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 2, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,007 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 2, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
