River Falls Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official River Falls, Wisconsin government websites.
About River Falls, Wisconsin
Council Members
7 Members
The governing body of River Falls, Wisconsin, is the River Falls City Council, which consists of 7 members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of River Falls for a term length of 3 years. Elections are staggered, ensuring that a portion of the council is elected each year, maintaining continuity within the governance of the city.
Notable landmarks in River Falls include the Kinnickinnic River, which offers recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking, and the River Falls Public Library, a hub for community engagement and learning. The historic downtown area features a variety of shops and restaurants, enhancing the city's charm. The city is home to the Glen Park, which includes a waterfall and scenic walking trails, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Historically, River Falls was established in the mid-19th century and has maintained a strong agricultural presence, with the local economy historically rooted in dairy farming. Today, the city continues to celebrate its agricultural heritage while embracing growth and development in various sectors.
River Falls, Wisconsin Public Records & Government Resources
River Falls Wisconsin Archives and Genealogy
Wisconsin Historical Society archives and genealogy for River Falls.
River Falls Wisconsin Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Wisconsin for River Falls.
Wisconsin Courts, River Falls Case Search
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access case search for River Falls.
River Falls Wisconsin Vital Records
Wisconsin Department of Health Services vital records for River Falls.
River Falls Wisconsin Missing Persons
Wisconsin DOJ missing persons for River Falls.
River Falls Wisconsin Most Wanted
Wisconsin DOJ most wanted for River Falls.
River Falls Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry for River Falls.
River Falls Wisconsin Criminal History Records
Wisconsin DOJ criminal history record search for River Falls.
River Falls Wisconsin Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for River Falls.
City of River Falls
Directory of River Falls city records and information 222 Lewis Street River Falls, WI 54022 Phone: 715.425.0900
River Falls Police Department
Law enforcement services 125 E. Elm Street River Falls, WI 54022 Phone 715-425-0909
River Falls Fire Department
Fire services 115 N. Second Street River Falls, WI 54022 Phone: 715-425-0908
River Falls City Clerk
Official public records 222 Lewis Street River Falls, WI 54022 Phone: (715) 426-3408
River Falls Municipal Court
Traffic and municipal code violations 222 Lewis Street Suite 102 River Falls, WI 54022 Phone: 715-426-3430 Email: rfmu
River Falls Public Library
Access to libraries, reference materials, and research assistance 140 Union Street River Falls WI 54022 Phone: (715) 42
River Falls Journal Newspaper
Current and archived local newspaper articles
School District of River Falls
General education information and services 852 East Division Street River Falls, WI 54022-2599 Phone: (715) 425-1800
River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
Listing of local businesses 214 North Main Street River Falls WI 54022 Phone: 715.425.2533 Email: info@rfchamber.com
City of River Falls Census Bureau Information
Population demographic information River Falls, WI.54022
River Falls Community Development
Building permit and code enforcement 222 Lewis Street River Falls, WI 54022 Phone: (715) 426-3426
River Falls Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau
Conducting criminal background checks Wisconsin Department of Justice P.O. Box 7857 Madison, WI 53707-7857 Tel: 608-266-
State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections
River Falls Inmate and offender search 3099 East Washington Avenue Post Office Box 7925 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7925 DO
Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Pierce County operates through a network of agencies that divide responsibilities by jurisdiction. When major crimes or emergencies arise, these agencies work together to ensure coordinated response and coverage throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
Pierce County's primary detention facility is located in Ellsworth. Upon arrest, individuals go through a standard booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. The county maintains an online inmate lookup system for public access to current detention information. Those wishing to visit inmates must schedule appointments and follow strict guidelines on conduct and dress. Wisconsin's bond system allows for cash bonds or arrangements through licensed bail agents, with details on recent arrests available through the Sheriff's Office.
Arrest Records
The Pierce County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer involved in each case. Residents and attorneys seeking these records can submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office, which processes them according to the Wisconsin Open Records Law. These records typically contain personal details of the arrestee, the nature of charges, and scheduled court appearances.
Court Records
Municipal and traffic matters within city limits are handled by the River Falls Municipal Court, located at 222 Lewis Street. Court schedules and records are available through the court's website at http://www.rfcity.org/index.aspx?nid=284. More serious criminal cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Pierce County Circuit Court, Ellsworth, WI 54011, which serves River Falls and surrounding communities throughout Pierce County.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Pierce County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which offers access to criminal history information for employment, licensing, and personal purposes.
Public Records Access
River Falls maintains a public records portal on its official website at http://www.rfcity.org/. Through this online resource, residents can access City Council meeting minutes, public notices, and various municipal forms and applications. For records not available through the web portal, the River Falls City Clerk's office at 222 Lewis Street is the primary point of contact for public records requests.
Vital Records
Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, for River Falls residents are maintained by the Pierce County Register of Deeds office, Ellsworth, WI 54011. Residents can obtain copies of these records by visiting the office or by submitting a request online at http://www.co.pierce.wi.us/Departments/Register%20of%20Deeds/Register%20of%20Deeds.html.
Business & Licensing Records
, the River Falls Chamber of Commerce is a central resource for local businesses and entrepreneurs. The Chamber's website at https://www.rfchamber.com/ offers information on economic development, business resources, and a directory of member businesses. The city also maintains a business-focused section on its website at http://www.rfcity.org/index.aspx?nid=181, where companies can find permitting information and details on economic development initiatives supports commercial growth in the community.
Economy & Demographics
River Falls is home to a diverse economy, with a mix of manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and educational institutions. Major employers in the city include the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Westphal & Company, and River Falls Area Hospital. The River Falls Economic Development Corporation, a public-private partnership, works to attract new businesses and support existing ones. Information on the local economy and economic development initiatives can be found on the City of River Falls' website at http://www.rfcity.org/index.aspx?nid=181.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in River Falls are administered by the Pierce County Clerk's Office, Ellsworth, WI 54011, phone (715) 273-6751, website https://www.co.pierce.wi.us/departments/county-clerk. Wisconsin residents can register to vote online through the MyVote Wisconsin website at https://myvote.wi.gov, operated by the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
Online registration closes 20 days before an election, though same-day registration remains available at polling places with proof of residence such as a Wisconsin driver license, state ID card, utility bill, bank statement, or similar document showing current name and address within the municipality. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council on the spring election date, which falls on the first Tuesday in April during odd-numbered years. The mayor serves a three-year term, while council members serve staggered three-year terms. The next municipal election is scheduled for April 2025. Voters seeking candidate information and details on local ballot measures can visit the City of River Falls website at https://www.rfcity.org or contact City Hall at (715) 425-0900. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by entering their address at https://myvote.wi.gov, which also provides polling hours and sample ballots. Wisconsin maintains extensive publicly available election records, including voter registration lists for qualified requesters, campaign finance reports through the Wisconsin Campaign Finance Information System, candidate registration statements filed with the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, and precinct-level election results published by county clerks and the state Elections Commission. During the November 2024 presidential election, Pierce County saw approximately 72% voter turnout with over 27,000 ballots cast from roughly 37,500 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, voters in River Falls and throughout Pierce County will decide several important races including Wisconsin's gubernatorial election, as Governor Tony Evers' term expires in 2026. Also on the ballot will be Wisconsin State Senate and Assembly seats for districts covering the area, Pierce County Board supervisors, and potentially school board races and local referenda. Wisconsin does not have a U.S. Senate seat up in 2026. The state offers absentee voting by mail, and registered voters can request an absentee ballot online at https://myvote.wi.gov up to one week before Election Day. In-person absentee voting begins earlier. Voters requesting absentee ballots by mail must provide a copy of acceptable photo ID. Completed ballots must be returned to the municipal clerk's office by 8:00 PM on Election Day.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, Pierce County and Wisconsin provide excellent online access to most public records through state portals including WCCA court records, MyVote Wisconsin election services, and free property/land record searches, with only vital records requiring more complex state-level processes
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin?
Public schools in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Pierce County school administration or the Wisconsin Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin?
Crime data for River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin Library?
The River Falls Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Pierce County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4 Where is the River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin Public Library located?
The River Falls Public Library serves residents of River Falls and the surrounding Pierce County area in Wisconsin. Contact the library directly or visit the Pierce County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin?
Fingerprinting services for River Falls, Wisconsin residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Pierce County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. The Wisconsin Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for River Falls, Pierce County, Wisconsin including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Pierce County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7 How do I register to vote in River Falls, Wisconsin?
To register to vote in River Falls, Wisconsin, residents can register online through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's website, by mail, or in person at the Pierce County elections office. Wisconsin requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Wisconsin Elections Commission's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in River Falls, contact the Pierce County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in River Falls, Wisconsin?
Property records for River Falls, Wisconsin are maintained by the Pierce Municipal Assessor's Office and the Pierce County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Pierce County, including parcels in River Falls. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Pierce County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Wisconsin counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Pierce County offices at the county courthouse. The Pierce County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in River Falls, Wisconsin?
Birth, death, and marriage records for River Falls, Wisconsin residents are available through both county and state offices. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records, located in Madison, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Wisconsin. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Pierce County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Pierce County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
10 How do I find business license records in River Falls, Wisconsin?
Business licensing for River Falls, Wisconsin operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The River Falls town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within River Falls limits. Pierce County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Wisconsin businesses must register with the Wisconsin Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Wisconsin licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in River Falls, contact the River Falls clerk's office and the Pierce County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Pierce County, Wisconsin
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: