Places of Interest
An exciting revitalization effort is happening in the East Ellsworth business district. What was once a bustling, quaint downtown area with restaurants, retail shops, 2nd-floor residential, and public space has deteriorated over the last 3 decades. However, with a little vision and muscle, we see the potential this quaint neighborhood has to provide a much-needed asset in Ellsworth.
As we look forward to the area becoming a pedestrian friendly and safe third-place for community members of all ages, we find the history of old Broadways Street to provide much inspiration. By hearing the stories of once was we are reminded of the pride that was the foundation of the district. As you take in this historic walking tour, we invite you to visit the small businesses who have joined the district. And watch for the public art murals that showcase Ellsworth-area life and culture, and the enthusiasm our community has for the future of East Ellsworth.
Historic Walking Tour Brochure
The earliest reference to “East Ellsworth” appeared in the July 27, 1887 issue of the Pierce County Herald.
Prior to 1885 all commercial and residential growth happened in the vicinity of the Pierce County Courthouse. There was little incentive for businesses to settle further than the Midway district to the east at the bottom of the hill. That all changed with the coming of the railroad.
East Ellsworth came into existence when the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Omaha railroad extended its branch line from River Falls to Ellsworth. The line terminated one mile east of the courthouse because the railroad needed fairly level terrain for roadbed, tracks, and roundhouse. The hill up to west end was just too steep to be practical for the rail line. The railroad into the east end of Ellsworth officially opened on November 11, 1885.
Businesses located there to take advantage of the ease of access to the railroad and its amenities.
1. 234 N Broadway Street - Built in 1904
This two-story brick building was built as a meat market. Around 1911, Red Wing Brewing Company operated a tavern here. In 1916, it was sold and became a shoe store until 1932 and a Gamble Store in 1936. In 1938, Dr. Andrew Johnson bought the building, improving it with a hot water heating plant, and a remodeled upper story, which Dr. V.V. Nordholm used as his doctor’s office. In 1938, a furniture store opened in the lower storefront - as well as a radio repair shop. The furniture business was discontinued in 1940 and television and appliance sales were added. The business closed in 1985. It was briefly Doug’s Pizza Shop in 1985. This property is now a self-service laundry.
2. 262 N Broadway Street - Built in 1896
Originally, the first floor served as a saloon with a basement soft drink works. In 1899, the building was divided into three parts; south, central, and north. The south part was a harness shop, which converted to a cafe in 1904. In 1921, it changed hands and became a radio shop, and then a pool hall until the repeal of prohibition when it became a tavern. It was converted back to a cafe in the 1960s, becoming the beloved Kruse’s Kitchen in 1976. It now stands vacant.
The central portion of the building was the Millie Ellison millinery (hat) shop, which opened in 1896. Her business ended in 1906 when she was killed at the hands of her boyfriend of 12 years at the National Hotel of Minneapolis. She declined his marriage proposal and he started her on fire and then shot himself. The space continued as a hat shop and then a dress shop. Norma Bjornson bought it in 1958 to open a beauty salon. In 2004 it became Hair Traffic Control.
The north end of the building was a branch of Charles Fresse’s harness shop. In 1898, a hardware store opened. It closed a year later and became a jewelry store. In 1908 it became a cream station run by the Milton Dairy Company. In February 1913, it became a three chair barbershop, which became Norma’s Beauty Salon in 1964.
3. 265 N Broadway Street - Built in 1896
Operated as the Bank of Ellsworth until 1930. After prohibition was repealed, a tavern opened in 1934. In 1979 it became Joe’s Nite Deposit (bar). In the 1990s it was called The Bank (bar). In 1999 it was renamed Scottie’s Tavern. In 2003, Danny Dunn purchased the establishment and opened it as Danny Dunn’s. While there have been 2 different owners since then, it remains Danny Dunn’s with Danny himself tending bar upon occasion.
4. 259 N Broadway Street - Built in 1896
First opening as a drug store in 1896, in 1917 it was sold to Harold Nilssen who then ran Nilssen’s Drug Store until he retired in 1967. Joel Schulze and Lyle Rasmussen moved the pharmacy to a larger space in 1977. A men’s clothing store, Country Gentleman, opened there and later closed. A surplus store called ‘Bargains & Buys’ operated there, and then a collectible sports card store called ‘Rock the House’ in 1991. ‘P.H. Toys & Collectibles‘ occupied the building in the mid-90s. And finally an electronics store there in 1998. The building is now being utilized for the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Pop-Up Shop Program.
The upstairs of this property housed many doctors and dentists from 1900 to 1947, including Dr. Riley (dentist) and Dr. Klaas (doctor).
5. 249 N Broadway Street - Built in 1908
Originally the McCollow General Store, in 1928 it was renamed the Lincoln Cash Store, offering home delivery. When the Lincoln Cash Store moved in 1933, a new Federated Stores of America general store opened. A dress store was added in 1934 and the grocery department was discontinued. A beauty parlor opened on the balcony the same year. In 1948, a new front was put on the building with display windows and two front entrances. Another remodel in 1950 added an additional 20 feet in the back of the building for a ready-to-wear department. In 1954, Butler’s V Store opened until it moved in 1977 making way for a furniture store later that fall. A new & used shop opened there and closed in 1995. Then an antique and art shop, followed by D & D Trading Company, and finally East End Market. The property is now vacant.
Many unique attractions can be found only in Ellsworth and its surrounding area.
Common Man Tap & Table: The establishment opened in May of 2015 with 22 taps, cocktails, wine and a creative comfort food pub menu. Everything from the decor to the menu pays homage to the "common man" and they're quickly becoming a favorite for both locals and travelers to the area. Stop by for a cold one and meet Jarod, the owner. For more information visit their website here.
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery: As the official “Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin” no visit to Ellsworth would be complete without a stop at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. The Creamery is a 450+ member dairy-farmer-owned cooperative. Established in 1910 to manufacture and sell butter, they ventured into cheese making in 1966; and boy are we ever glad they did! The cooperative soon became known for their delicious natural, fresh cheese curds, leading Governor Anthony S. Earl to proclaim it the "Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin" in 1984. 170,000 pounds of cheese curds are manufactured at the Ellsworth facility daily, and cheese curd fans from near and far begin to line up just before 11:00am to purchase the first of the fresh curds produced that day.
Their recently renovated and expanded retail store, located at 232 N. Wallace in East Ellsworth, is open 7 days a week from 9 am-6 pm. The Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin mural is a must-do photo opportunity for serious cheese curd fans. In addition to fresh curds, you’ll also find over 250 varieties of Wisconsin-made cheeses, plus many other locally made foods including their popular Flat Pennies premium soft-serve ice-cream, Cheese Curd Brats and Burgers, beef sticks, Flo’s Fudge (made fresh onsite), local jams, jellies, honey, mustard, flavored popcorn, cookies, and maple syrup. And because man cannot live on cheese alone, you’ll find the area’s largest selection of Wisconsin-made wines. An extensive selection of unique and creative gifts, housewares and kitchen gadgets means you won’t go home without a souvenir. For more information visit their website here.
Vino in the Valley: Vino in the Valley is a unique, outdoor dining experience designed to stimulate all your senses. Nestled in the heart of the Rush River Valley, you are invited to enjoy a glass of wine and a pasta dinner in their open-air pavilion. Savor the sites of the emerging vineyard while dining on Italian nachos, gourmet pizzas, pasta and sipping area made wine, in addition to wines from all over the world.
Open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night, as well as Sunday afternoons, May through September (with additional weekends October through December). When you visit Vino in the Valley, plan on a leisurely, relaxing experience. Take a stroll around the vineyard or along the river, and relax with a glass of wine or craft beer near one of the bonfires. Acoustic music from local artists will add to the ambiance that also includes a small gift shop and farmer’s market. For more information about their hours, directions and events, visit their website here.
The Village of Ellsworth has a deep and rich history reflected in the many historic points of interest throughout our area. Take a trip back in time and see what life was like in days gone by.
Pierce County Courthouse:
The Pierce County Courthouse, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was built on a raised foundation of sandstone. It features elements of both the Beaux-Arts and Neoclassical styles of architecture. Among the distinctive elements of its construction are a large hexagonal dome and multiple Ionic columns. Crafted from Marquette Rain Drop Stone, Siskiwit Stone, Dunville Stone, and Pink Tennessee Marble, the courthouse features four original paintings depicting the beauty of the Midwest, which grace the courthouse dome.
The cornerstone was laid by the Ellsworth Masonic Hancock Lodge #229 on June 21, 1905 and the building was constructed at a cost of $85,000.00. Extensive remodeling, which included the jail being built adjacent to the courthouse, was completed in 1968.
A World War I 88mm Austrian cannon compliments the war memorial on the courthouse grounds. The cannon, obtained from an arsenal in New Jersey, was dedicated in 1926; the memorial was erected in 1989. Plaques honoring Pierce County service people were dedicated on June 24, 1989. The most recent entry was for Bert Hoyer of Ellsworth and Trevor Diesing of Plum City, who lost their lives in the defense of liberty in Iraq.
A twin to our courthouse can be found in Rugby, North Dakota. The courthouse is open to the public Monday through Friday.
The River Bluffs History Center:
The River Bluffs History Center overlooks Lake Pepin, a widening of the Mississippi River. The center is located at W6321 E. Main Street, Bay City, one block west of Hwy. 35, the Wisconsin Great River Road. The Pierce County Historical Association (PCHA) received the former St. John's Lutheran Church as a gift in 1995.
The 28-by-60 foot building was erected in 1933. The hand-carved altar, communion rail, pulpit, organ and five pews were also donated, as well as kitchen furnishings, tables and chairs in the downstairs fellowship room. PCHA volunteers, with professional help, have redecorated the interior, re-roofed and resided the exterior. In 2001, an accessibility fund was initiated for easier building access. Activities at the center include special exhibits, workshops, association and chapter meetings, the 85-Mile Garage Sale each May, a pancake breakfast during Bay City Days, the annual October Open House and a holiday party in November. Everyone is welcome to attend the gatherings. The center is also available for small gatherings. The dining room seats up to 50 people. Call the PCHA office at 715-273-0118 for more information or visit their website here.
Conlin Log House:
The Conlin Log House is located on the River Bluffs History Center site. This 17-by-25 foot 1850's log house was built by Patrick Conlin, an Irish immigrant, near the Village of Esdaile in Hartland Township. Patrick and his wife, Margaret, were parents of seven children; only three survived until adulthood. The house was inhabited until 1901, when it was sold at a sheriff's auction.
In the 1920's, the house was moved, log by log, to a different location on the Vincent Wood farm, where it was used as a granary. In 1998, Mr. Wood donated the building to the association. A Conlin descendant, Millicent O'Connor, paid the moving expenses. The house was moved intact from Esdaile to the center.
PCHA volunteers, with some professional help, replaced some logs. Doors and windows were added in the style of the original house, and ceiling joists, downstairs flooring and the entire loft floor were replaced. The building was rechinked and a cedar shake roof replaced the tin roof. Volunteers also furnished the home with items used in the early settlement period, including a rope bed used in the early 1850's.
The home is open to visitors one weekend each month in the summer, as is the River Bluffs History Center. Signs are posted along Hwy. 35 when the buildings are open. Additional information can be found on their website here.
The Freier Schoolhouse:
In 1959, the Freier Schoolhouse was moved to the Pierce County Fairgrounds along Hwy. 65 in the Village of Ellsworth as a memorial to all the rural Pierce County schools. It is open to the public during the county fair in August. PCHA installed new windows and a new entrance door, furnished the interior and has special exhibits during the county fair and for other occasions.
Freier School was built in 1855 in Sec. 9, Ellsworth Township. Local basswood and maple was sawn and used in the 20-by-32 foot building. The total cost was $539. Metal decorative walls are still in the building. The school closed in 1957 when the area was consolidated with the Ellsworth School System.
For more information and hours of operation, call the Pierce County Historical Association Office and Archives at 715-273-6611 for visit their website here.
Ellsworth provides a wide range of recreational facilities for the entire family. Whether you like to fish, hunt, golf, swim, snowmobile or ride ATV's, the Ellsworth area has it all.
Fish: For fly anglers, this area of Western Wisconsin is a little like heaven on earth. The Kinnikinnic to the north of Ellsworth and the Rush River to the east, provide hours of trophy trout fishing for the serious angler or just those interested in spending an afternoon in fishing paradise.
The Kinnikinnic boasts one of the densest trout populations in Wisconsin with over 3000 fish per mile on the lower portion and over 6000 per mile on the upper portion.
The Rush River begins its journey just south of Interstate-94 near Hammond and runs to the Mississippi 50 miles downstream. One can expect to encounter Brown, Brook and Rainbow trout in the Rush.
Other area trout streams include the Trimbelle, Eau Galle and Cady Creek and small spring creeks that feed the Kinnikinnic and Rush.
If you are looking for game fish like walleye, smallmouth bass, and muskies, both the St. Croix and Mississippi River border Pierce County to the west. These rivers also support good populations of catfish, sturgeon and panfish. The Ellsworth Rod & Gun Club and Eau Galle Rush River Sportman's Club both serve the Ellsworth area.
Golf: The area boasts two local golf courses: the Ellsworth Country Club and Kilkarney Hills.
Those looking for an inexpensive day of golfing on a challenging and scenic course that will test their skills should check out the Ellsworth Country Club. This par-37, nine-hole course and clubhouse with locker room, bar and banquet facilities is open to the public. The Country Club also offers cart rentals and practice driving nets. The course lends itself to the rolling hills and forests of the nearby scenery, which makes for a challenging nine- or 18-hole experience that's reasonably priced. Memberships are available. Located two miles north of Ellsworth on Hwy. 65. Yardage is 3,111 (blue tees), 3,015 (white) and 2,609 (red). Call for tee times: 715-273-4438, or visit their website here.
Kilkarney Hills offers a beautifully manicured course in a country setting for golf without all the distractions of a metropolitan golf course development. Enjoy their peaceful and challenging 18-hole golf course; a fun and friendly atmosphere on a course that will challenge all of your individual golf skills. For more information, call 715-425-8501 or visit their website here.
Snowmobile: Ellsworth serves as the hub for Pierce County’s 222 miles of snowmobile trails, which run through the scenic countryside, including wooded areas and open rolling hills. The county has 10 snowmobile clubs and a governing body of volunteers. The trails are groomed and maintained by the council, which also regulates the opening of the trails.
The county's snowmobiling trails are state-funded through registration fees and an allocation of gas fees. Anyone interested in joining a club can call 715-639-6311. For information about the condition of the trails, call 715-639-6311 or visit their website here.
ATV Trails: As of June, 2009, a limited number of Townships in Pierce County have approved the year-round use of ATVs on town roads as detailed below. ATVs are NOT permitted on any US highways (e.g., US 10 or US 63), Wisconsin State highways (e.g., Hwy 29, Hwy 72, or Hwy 128), or Pierce County highways (e.g., Cty B, Cty C, Cty P, etc). ATVs are permitted on County N and G in the village of El Paso and a section of county B South of Spring Valley as signed. ATVs are also NOT permitted on township roads which have not been signed as designated ATV Routes. Please observe these restrictions and the privilege to ride on these roads.
The Pierce County ATV Association is a group of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) enthusiasts located in Pierce County. The PCAA was organized to support local ATV enthusiasts, promote safe and responsible riding habits, and work with state and local government agencies to design, designate, establish, and maintain ATV trails and routes in Pierce County. For more information and to download trail maps, visit their website here.
Shoot & Hunt: Located in Ellsworth Township and established in 1975, the Pierce County Shooting Range provides a supervised recreational activity that is open to the public on a scheduled basis. The range is also utilized by various Pierce County law enforcement agencies for training purposes.
The Pierce County Shooting Range Committee, a subcommittee of the Pierce County Parks Committee, manages the range, which is a semi-secure outdoor facility consisting of three separate shooting lanes to accommodate various types of firearms. The facility has various types of shooting benches, rests, targets, and a small storage shed. Each shooting lane is divided by an earthen berm located approximately one mile north of the Village of Ellsworth. The property surrounding the range is primarily deciduous forest under private ownership. For more information, visit their website here.
Swim: Located adjacent to Ellsworth Middle School on Panther Drive in Ellsworth, the Klaas-Jonas Swimming Pool has a slide, shower and locker room facilities and is covered by an inflated dome in the winter. For more information, call 715-273-0754 or visit their website here.
East End Park: Sometime in the early 1900's, several of the East Ellsworth business people got together and built a dance pavilion in the East End Park, known as the Park Pavilion. It was built on pillars because of the danger of floods in the park. The pavilion flourished until 1919, when the Fair Ground Pavilion was built. A pillar from the old pavilion still stands in the East End Park today. In 1922, the Ox-Bow Inn was officially opened and the tourist kitchen was built of logs near the Park Pavilion. Ox-Bow Inn still stands today and is used for various festival activities. The park is located on Hwy 10 and East Wall Street, close to the East Ellsworth business district. Picnic tables, shelters, grills, drinking fountain, benches, restroom facility, and basketball hoop and playground equipment are available at the site. The park serves as the headquarters of the annual Cheese Curd Festival.
Summit Hill Park: Summit Hill Park, a lush green expanse of 16 acres, is located in the residential area, midway between East and West Ellsworth. Access is made on West Grove Street or West Summit Avenue, where parking is available. The beautiful park is the home of the Ellsworth Hubbers Baseball team at Bob Young field. The park is used by families who spend leisure time at the picnic shelter and picnic tables. The park also offers grills, drinking fountain, playground equipment, tennis and volleyball courts, a softball field, tennis courts and plenty of park benches. The baseball field has a concession stand and restroom facility.
Cairns Woods Park: Cairns Woods is a beautiful woodland area located on North Cairns street, just off Highway 65 North. Through the generosity of Gertrude Cairns, and in tribute to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Cairns, the 34 acres of land was purchased at a generous discount by the Village of Ellsworth in 1949 to be used as an education demonstration forest. It has groomed and non-groomed trails for exploring or spending quality family time together. Spring and fall are especially beautiful at Cairns Woods Park, with spring wildflowers and stunning red, gold and orange autumn color thanks to the many basswood, red oak, elm, and hard maple.
Pierce County Fairgrounds: Located on the North side of Ellsworth, the fairgrounds are perfect for walking, biking or skating when not in use by numerous county and local events and festivals. Enter on Grove Street or Highway 65. For more information visit their website here.
Trimbelle Recreation Area: A local gem, this recreation area is located approximately 5 miles west of Ellsworth on County Road O just 1/2 mile south of US Highway 10. The main feature of this property is access to all for trout fishing opportunities along the Trimbelle River. No fees are required to enjoy this property. Visitors can experience a .25 mile long paved hiking trail loop that has 4 trail spurs to access the Trimbelle River. There are four small picnic shelters available. The property is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.
Other amenities include a spacious parking lot, disabled fishing access to the Trimbelle River, trout habitat structures, 4 small shelters with picnic tables, on 32 acres of river frontage & forest. The majority of this property is river bottom with over 750 feet of river frontage. For more information visit the Pierce County Parks website here.
Nugget Lake County Park: Nugget Lake County Park features a full-service campground, open year-round. The park is located south of Ellsworth at N4351 County Road HH in Plum City. Located in Rock Elm & Union Townships, this 752-acre park, established in 1974, is the flagship of the Pierce County Parks Department. The main feature of the park is Nugget Lake. The 116-acre lake is nearly two miles long and is entirely surrounded by forested property managed by the county. The lake's primary feature is fishing, but its scenic beauty also draws a large number of outdoor enthusiasts.
Approximately 25% of the parkland is developed for outdoor recreational activities. The main outdoor recreational activity is camping. The park provides a 55-site modern campground complete with electrical sites and comfort station. The campground also has several other amenities that include swing sets, a playground and camping cabins. The park also provides environmental educational programs; nature movies are shown at an outdoor amphitheater every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Camper and various small groups participate in the nature programs that are conducted on a weekly basis.
The park also has over six miles of maintained hiking/ski trails located throughout a variety of natural resource systems. The backdrop for the trail system is the Rock Elm Creek and Plum Creek. The meandering creeks converge in the center of the trail system and continue on as Plum Creek. Located throughout the trail system are various sites that contain interpretive and educational information. Several scenic overlooks and rest areas are also located throughout the trail system. For more information, visit their website here.
Lee-Kay Family Educational County Forest: The educational forest is located approximately 3 miles west of Spring Valley on State Highway 29. The property is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset and no fees are required to enjoy this property. Experience a .6 mile long self-guided hiking trail loop that has over 15 individual tree identification and interpretation markers, with the most abundant trees being oak, maple and basswood. The trail can be utilized in the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The parking lot will accommodate buses. For more information, visit their website here.