Pierce County, Wisconsin
Pierce County sits along Wisconsin’s western border, just across the St. Croix River from Minnesota. River Falls is the largest city and is home to the University of Wisconsin–River Falls.
The Kinnickinnic River winds through the county, drawing trout anglers to its clear waters. Agriculture remains a major part of the local economy, with dairy farms, cornfields, and open farmland spread throughout the countryside.
Pierce County also has some fascinating natural features. Part of the county lies within Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, a region that escaped the glaciers and was left with a distinctive landscape of hills and valleys. Apple orchards are another local highlight. When autumn arrives, the orchards get busy with people picking apples and enjoying the colorful countryside.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Pierce County |
| County Seat | Ellsworth |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | River Falls, Prescott, Ellsworth, Spring Valley, Maiden Rock |
| Interstates and Highways | US-10, WI-35, WI-29, WI-65 |
| Etymology | Named after Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States |
| FIPS Code | 55-093 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 592 sq mi (Land: 574 sq mi; Water: 18 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 44.7315° N, 92.4557° W |
| Major Landmarks | Kinnickinnic State Park, Rush River State Natural Area, Great River Road |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | St. Croix County (North), Dunn County (Northeast), Pepin County (Southeast), Goodhue County, Minnesota (South), Dakota County, Minnesota (Southwest), Washington County, Minnesota (West) |
| Population | Approximately 43,000 |
