Walk to Downtown Prescott Shops, Dining and Riverfront at Cardinal Cottage
Welcome to Cardinal Cottage, a historic gem in Prescott, WI. This charming retreat features 3 cozy bedrooms, a well-stocked kitchen, family and dog-friendly amenities, wrap-around porch & fully fenced yard. Just steps from downtown and the riverfront, it offers history, modern comforts, and 5-star hosting. With thoughtful updates, Cardinal Cottage is perfect for families, couples, or even solo travelers. Book your stay and experience the heart and history of Prescott today!
*The space* Welcome to Cardinal Cottage! Nestled in the heart of historic Prescott, Wisconsin, Cardinal Cottage is a charming getaway steeped in history and bursting with character. Under new ownership and management, this property was formerly known as Waypoint Cottage, a beloved retreat celebrated for its meticulous care and 5-star hosting. We are thrilled to continue that tradition while introducing the unique warmth and hospitality that comes with our new vision.
*A Historic Gem with Modern Comforts* Built on land once owned by Philander Prescott in 1849, this property is rich in history. Soon after, it was transformed into a one-room schoolhouse—a cornerstone of the community that ties beautifully into Prescott’s pride as "Cardinal Country," where our local school mascot celebrates the spirit of this vibrant town. Because of its storied past, Cardinal Cottage is a sturdy, sound home with timeless character. You’ll find original elements lovingly preserved, blending seamlessly with thoughtful updates that bring charm and style. While it may not have the perfection of a new build, it offers something even better: a sense of history and a welcoming embrace, making it a true home away from home.
*Your Retreat* Cardinal Cottage is just two blocks from Prescott’s lively downtown and riverfront, offering the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility. Close enough to explore on foot, yet far enough to enjoy peaceful evenings away from the bustle, this cozy retreat includes: • Three Guest Rooms: Two traditional bedrooms on the main floor—the primary bedroom features a queen bed, while the smaller bedroom offers a twin trundle with two twin beds, perfect for accommodating additional guests. Upstairs, the dormer bedroom provides a cozy retreat with a queen bed and enough space to set up the pack-and-play if needed, making it an ideal spot for families traveling with little ones who want to enjoy the space together. • Well-Stocked Kitchen: Prepare meals with ease using the well-equipped kitchen featuring modern appliances and vintage charm. • Gracious Living Spaces: High ceilings and natural light fill the living room, perfect for relaxing, dining, or enjoying games and conversation. • Family-Friendly Amenities: Families will feel right at home with a provided pack-and-play (with a sheet), high chair, and a kid-friendly play space upstairs. The dining room is stocked with games, puzzles, and cards for hours of family fun. • Dog-Friendly Comforts: Your four-legged friends are welcome here! We provide bowls, treats, a large kennel, and more goodies in the porch cabinets. We kindly ask that pets stay on the porch or in their kennel if left alone and remain off the furniture to keep everything fresh and clean for future guests. We are happy to house up to two dogs, 50 lbs or less. Dogs must be registered on the reservation and pay the one time $75 pet fee. • Laundry Room: Pack light and take advantage of our fully stocked laundry room. • Vintage Full Bath: Features a charming claw-foot tub with a shower. • Outdoor Spaces: A wrap-around front porch with a classic swing for morning coffee or evening wine, and a fenced backyard with a fire pit for starlit gatherings. • Parking: Off-street parking is available for one vehicle in the driveway, and street parking is also available for additional cars.
Cardinal Cottage is more than a place to stay—it’s a place to feel at home, connected to loved ones, and inspired by the rich history of Prescott. Whether it’s the cardinal’s call reminding you of the beauty around you or the charm of this historic home, we invite you to make memories that will last a lifetime. Book your stay today and experience the heart and history of Prescott at Cardinal Cottage.
*Guest access* Entire home as well as front and back yard. Home access excludes locked owners basement storage (door is labeled). No garage access, but driveway access is allowed.
*A Few Notes* -Do not lock the front screen door. Make sure it’s not locked when you go to leave or you will be locked out of house. Any service fees accrued for lock outs are the responsibility of the guest. -Cardinal Cottage offers a peaceful retreat, though some train noise may occasionally be heard. However, it is far enough away that it won’t disturb your slumber. To ensure the comfort of all our guests and neighbors, we ask that there be no parties, events, or gatherings. We love our neighbors and kindly ask that all guests observe city, dog, and *parking ordinances during their stay.
*Please see and follow city snow removal in inclement weather and parking ordinances. Please search Prescott WI parking ordinances in your browser should you need more info.
In a snow emergency: vehicles must be removed from streets to allow a clear path for plows, and to avoid ticketing and/or towing per Ord. 545-14 C.
There is additional space for guest cars at the Municipal Parking Lot on Orange Street which is available for 24-hour parking, as well as the WisDOT Park & Ride North of HWY 10 on Pearl Street.
*Interaction with Guests* We are seasoned hosts with years of experience running another nearby 5-star property in Hudson. Hospitality is our passion, and we’re dedicated to ensuring your stay at Cardinal Cottage is memorable. Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful escape, a celebration, or a chance to explore all that Prescott offers, we’re here to make it special.
Please connect with us via the platform for any concerns or questions that come up. We live locally, so can pop over in a jiffy and are quick to respond to messages during guest stays.
We do appreciate hearing from our guests at least once before check-in to make sure we’ve connected and make the stay more personalized, so please introduce yourself when you book!
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Pet fee is $75 - one charge - regardless of number
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Load and start towels in the washer
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4388997vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Prescott
Located in Prescott, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. Mississippi River and Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Wilson Park and Roadside Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Westwood Park and Eagle Bluff Park. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and ice skating.
Great River Road Visitor & Learning Center - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
Getting around
Red Wing Station - 34 min drive
St. Paul, MN (STP-St. Paul Downtown) - 31 min drive
Restaurants
Quarry Taphouse - 7 min drive
Eagles - 8 min drive
2nd Street Depot Bar & Grill - 8 min drive
Broadway Bar & Pizza - 8 min drive
Bierstube Hastings - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Walk to Downtown Prescott Shops, Dining and Riverfront at Cardinal Cottage pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Walk to Downtown Prescott Shops, Dining and Riverfront at Cardinal Cottage?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Walk to Downtown Prescott Shops, Dining and Riverfront at Cardinal Cottage on 21 June 2026 start from AU$262, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Walk to Downtown Prescott Shops, Dining and Riverfront at Cardinal Cottage?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Walk to Downtown Prescott Shops, Dining and Riverfront at Cardinal Cottage?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Walk to Downtown Prescott Shops, Dining and Riverfront at Cardinal Cottage?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Walk to Downtown Prescott Shops, Dining and Riverfront at Cardinal Cottage located?
This family-friendly Prescott holiday home is located on a river, within a 10-minute walk of Bell Park and Mississippi River. Mercord Mill Park and Saint Croix River are also within 10 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had everything we needed for our stay. The property was very clean and had comfortable beds. We loved the charming historic home. Located very close to stores, restaurants. We will visit again. Sherri and Andy are the perfect hosts.
Super cozy house conveniently located to downtown Prescott! We brought our fur babies and they had the best time smelling all the smells in the backyard!House was very clean and cozy!
Such an adorable house! Very cozy! It was a nice girls trip getaway!
Sarah L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Shelly
12 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a fantastic family weekend - the fenced in backyard made it the best weekend away because both kids could bring their dogs with them. The house was clean, comfortable, and the hosts went out of their way to make sure we felt welcomed and celebrated!
Our stay-cation was so fun. The property was clean and had all of the little things you happen to forget when you travel. I loved the access to laundry as well as cleaning supplies so we could clean up as needed.
The home was extremely clean with comfortable beds! Really close to downtown and an easy walk. Four women stayed for a girls weekend and spent a night in cooking. Kitchen was well stocked and constable.
Enjoyed the cozy comfort as well as the history of the place. The hosts thought of everything needed for humans guests as well as for my dad’s dog. We had coffee on the front porch every morning, and drinks in the backyard. Very friendly neighborhood too! It was the perfect home base for 6 of us during a long wedding weekend.
We loved the property. It was extremely clean and well maintained, beautifully decorated, and family friendly, in a location near the river with easy acess to some of the popular tourist attractions in Minnesota. The only downside was the bathtub. While we appreciated the esthetic of the clawfoot tub, it was difficult for my senior parents to get in and out of and to shower safely.
Teresa F.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words about the cottage and for sharing your feedback. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the cleanliness, décor, and location!
We also appreciate your note about the clawfoot tub. While the tub was kept to preserve the authentic charm of the home, we understand it may not be the easiest option for everyone. Earlier this year we added a grab bar and a non-skid step stool as an extra courtesy to help make entering and exiting a bit easier, even though the property doesn’t mention accessibility features.
For future guests who may have mobility concerns, we encourage viewing all of the detailed photos and reaching out ahead of time so we can answer questions and help determine if the cottage is the right fit. We are always happy to assist!
We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay, and we hope to welcome you back again!
This is easily one of the nicest homes we've stayed in! The cottage was clean and well stocked with kitchen items and toiletries/towels. She even provides beach towels! The cottage is tastefully decorated with plenty of living space. Definitely dog friendly, with treats and bowls made available for your use. Nice fenced back yard on a quiet street. The neighborhood was perfect for walking the dogs. We could walk to breakfast or dinner on the main street of Prescott.
Really enjoyed our stay. Beautiful, clean, and comfortable!
Robert B.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
About the host
Hosted by Sherri
Sherri has enjoyed 2 decades in the real estate industry! Making your home away from home comfortable AND stylish is her passion! She is currently in real estate marketing & has produced segments for an Emmy nominated real estate and lifestyle television show. We love animals - we have 2 dogs at home, and a horse. We are local to the area, so we’re always just a jaunt or message away to help make your stay the most enjoyable!
Why they chose this property
First and foremost: check out the aerial photos to see the close walking proximity to the riverfront shops and dining in downtown! Our neighborhood is full of friendly neighbors and is welcoming to dogs! There's churches, schools and playgrounds all nearby. Walk to two local beaches; one on the MN side & one on the WI side.
What makes this property unique
Built on land once owned by Philander Prescott in 1849, this property is rich in history. Soon after that, it was transformed into a one-room schoolhouse—a cornerstone of the community that ties beautifully into Prescott’s pride as "Cardinal Country," where our local school mascot celebrates the spirit of this vibrant town. Because of its storied past, Cardinal Cottage is a sturdy, sound home with timeless character. You’ll find original elements lovingly preserved, blending seamlessly with thoughtful updates that bring charm and style. While it may not have the perfection of a new build, it offers something even better: a sense of history and a welcoming embrace, making it a true home away from home.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests