The natural environment is the greatest treasure in the district, which is why the greater part of the territory belongs to the Nemunas National Park, the aim of which is to preserve scenic valleys, fascinating loops of the river and the surrounding forests.

Prienai is mentioned in historical documents as early as 1502; in 1791 the town was granted municipal rights, a coat of arms and a seal. There are numerous historical monuments in the district: mounds, burial sites, churches and artistic monuments. There are about 30 mounds, either covered with trees or rising from the plains. The wooden churches of Prienai, Nemajunai, and Balbieriskis were built by folk artists and contain many valuable artistic objects.

Industry in Prienai started at the end of the 18th century after the paper factory was opened. The factory building still stands today. For a long time, Prienai used to be famous for its beer, but during World War II the brewery was destroyed.

Not far from Prienai, in Pociunai, is the AB Sports Aviation glider factory, where gliders are designed and built. AB Lietuviskas midus, in Stakliskes, produces alcoholic mead drinks and soft drinks, and there are several clothes factories in the district. Part of the population works on farms; the average farm size is 7.36 ha.

During the years of occupation in World War II, Prienai lost many of its inhabitants. People emigrated or were exiled, and the Jews were killed by the German army. Partisans resisted the occupation very vigorously, many of them dying in the forests. One of the most famous resistance leaders was Juozas Luksa-Daumantas. Many monuments have been set up in the forests, the small towns and in Prienai itself to commemorate the resistance fighters.

The district contains many old places of great interest. The town of Stakliskes is situated in picturesque hilly surroundings, and among the forests can be seen numerous lakes and lots of archaeological and mythological monuments. The best way of feeling the ancient spirit of the district is to walk or cycle through it.

The pride of the town of Jieznas is the Baroque church built by the Pacai, noblemen of Lithuania, in the 18th century and decorated with frescoes and paintings.

South of Prienai, towards Alytus, lies the town of Balbieriskis, the surroundings of which include some of the most beautiful scenes in Lithuania. From high on the bank of the Nemunas a panorama of exceptional beauty can be seen.

Vieveriai, another major town in the district, began to expand after the building of the road linking St Petersburg and Berlin. The old post office is still standing. The Hill of Pain Ñ the partisan cemetery Ñ is a reminder of the struggle against occupation.

Nearby, in Skriaudziai, there is an interesting regional folk museum, and one can listen to a group play the famous Lithuanian stringed instruments, kankles.

At present, the population of Prienai is 12,000. Picturesque loops of the river Nemunas, the green forest and the rich historical past welcome the visitor to Prienai.