Treasure on the Mississippi

Riverside Park

If parks could talk, Riverside Park in Cassville would tell of lot of stories about the happenings of this small river town. The Mississippi River flows along the banks of the park and generations of people have gathered here for picnic and celebrations. Perhaps they came to watch the trains, the sunset or maybe view a spectacular fireworks display! It was originally known as The Grove or Geiger’s Grove and probably was sold or donated to the village by the Geiger family. Mention is made of the park in 1876, the site of the National Bicentennial program. If you approach Cassville by boat, the first view of Cassville will include Riverside Park. It has been a favorite site for many visitors through the years. Native Americans placed an effigy mound in the shape of an eagle in the park. Large steam powered paddle wheelers in the 1800’s tied up to the large mooring rings along the bank. In the 1800’s visitors would take dinner cruses to Cassville that culminated with a dance in the Denniston House ballroom. The Grand Excursion of 2004 brought together the communities of the upper Mississippi River for an once-in-a-lifetime celebration.  Riverside Park in Cassville was considered one of the best viewing spots in Wisconsin to view the large riverboat and steamboat flotilla, following the 1854 Grand Excursion route up the Mississippi from the Quad Cities to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This nationally covered event celebrated the renaissance of the upper Mississippi River region; by recreating the 1854 train and steamboat expedition that brought worldwide attention to what was then the wild western frontier. Hundreds of people gathered along the banks in Riverside Park to watch this special event unfurl! There are shelters, playground equipment, a basketball court, and a wildlife observatory for family fun. Boat docks are available for water enthusiasts.  Restrooms with showers are available. The Cassville Car ferry awaits visitors for a fun way to cross the Mississippi. Spotlighted for all to see is the beautiful Veterans War Memorial honoring those who have fought for our country.

Recently constructed is a BBQ pit, where local BBQ Pitmasters grill the best chicken around for the town’s festivals! There are four shelters available for public use. The newly renovated Band Stand has been part of the park for many years and home to many performances. Another much used shelter is the Lion’s Shelter, built & maintained by the local Lion’s organization. This shelter is home to the Farmers Market, where townspeople and visitors gather every Saturday morning from May through mid-October to buy homemade baked goods and fresh plants and produce. A beautiful gazebo is near the ferry landing that is also used for picnics and gatherings. The newest shelter is the Okey Pavilion built with an Alliant Energy donation and grant money.

To reserve any of the shelters for an event, call the Village Clerk’s office at (608) 725-5180. The cost is $25 per day with a $100 security deposit, returnable if shelter left in original condition. Reservation deposits can be mailed to Cassville Village Clerk, Atten: Marlene Esser,  P.O. Box 171, Cassville WI 53806

Cassville Tourism P.O. Box 576 Cassville, WI 53806 608-725-5855 Email: Cassville Tourism