Foundation Trail (Overview)
Black River Falls is home to the Foundation Trail, which offers stunning views of this historic river city. The short path is a 10-foot wide paved trail. When combined with some street biking, it forms a route encircling the city. The route is under five miles, and includes several substantial hills. Scenic views from the trail more than make up for challenging climbs, as trail-goers experience the babbling Town Creek and coursing Black River.
The Foundation Trail is an asset of Black River Falls. It opened for public use in 2000. Funds to construct the system were received from trusts, grants, and private donors. The trail is well outfitted with park benches, garbage cans, and lights. Today, there is no fee to use the trail. Donations for maintenance are welcomed.
Early Native Americans who first lived in this area called the beautiful river here Neosheprah or “Dark River.” French explorers and fur traders later called it La Riviere Noire. The river water is noticeably dark, a result of tannic acids leaching from oak and tamarack forests, and sphagnum moss bogs in the 200-mile long watershed.
Long before white explorers and fur traders arrived in this area, it was home to members of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Their land was ceded to the U.S Government in 1837, and they were removed to three separate reservations, the final one in Nebraska. Many members evaded removal, while others eventually returned to Wisconsin. Today, Black River Falls is the administrative center for the Ho-Chunk Nation in Wisconsin.
Black River Falls is the seat of Jackson County. Its cascade and waterpower potential resulted in logging and milling lumber here. As early as 1819 a sawmill was constructed at Black River Falls. Various sources cite the builder as Constant Andrews, Colonel John Shaw, or Joesph Rolette. These 19th century people combed western Wisconsin, looking for financial opportunities. In 1839, an expedition including Jacob Spaulding began construction of a sawmill. It was operational the next year, and improved over time.
Several years later in 1842, a band of Mormons from Nauvoo, Illinois settled at Black River Falls. They bought Spaulding’s property and finished up the mill. After the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, they left the area and turned the property back to Spaulding.
Many people consider Jacob Spaulding the founder of Black River Falls. A church opened in 1847, a school in 1848, and a post office in 1850. The community was designated as the seat of Jackson County in 1853. The town was destroyed by fire in 1860, and then rebuilt. In 1872, Black River Falls became the first village in the state to establish a free city library. A large flood in 1911 caused serious damage to the city. Black River Falls incorporated as a village in 1866 and as a city in 1883.
Today Black River Falls serves the needs of tourists and visitors. Hotels and fast food are found on the east side, at the intersection of Wisconsin State Highway 54 and Interstate Highway 94. More local restaurants and shops are downtown.
Sand Creek Brewing Company is 0.3 mile off the Foundation Trail, and open Thursday through Saturday. Tours are offered of the historic building, which in 1856 was the home of Oderbolz Brewing Company. In the taproom customers may enjoy their stout, porter, ales, and hard lemonades. Their Octoberfest beer is an award winner.
Black River Falls also has recreational opportunities within the city. Skyline Golf Course and Restaurant is located by the trail. The trail also passes through Lunda Community Park, a beautiful park with amenities including an accessible playground, aquatic center, amphitheater, pond, walking paths, skate park, athletic fields and courts.
Trail-goers may also want to stop at the city’s memorial to veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. A monument at the Field of Honor Veterans Memorial honors local Medal of Honor recipient Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr. From the nearby community of Hatfield, Red Cloud was killed in action and demonstrated heroism “above and beyond the call of duty” in battle near Chonghyon, North Korea in November 1950.
Route Description