JEFFERSON COUNTY
County Offices
320 South Main Street
Jefferson
920-674-7101
www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
108 South Main Street
Jefferson
920-674-4511
www.jeffersoncountywi.gov/
Services
Panoramic Jefferson County is ideally situated between the major metropolitan centers of Milwaukee and Madison, anchored by the county seat of Jefferson. Watertown is the largest municipality with less than 25,000 residents. Newcomers can look forward to outstanding access to state-of-the-art healthcare and educational institutions. Nearly 30 percent of the residents are employed out of the county with approximately half commuting to Milwaukee. Many new residents who have been drawn to the tranquility and country pleasures of Jefferson County consider their traveling time to be a worthwhile compromise for the natural beauty and relaxed pace that characterize these family-oriented communities.
The comprehensive network of healthcare facilities and services that serve this region are anchored by highly respected hospitals like Watertown Memorial Hospital, Memorial Community Hospital in Edgerton, and Fort Atkinson Memorial Health Services. Quality public school districts are complemented by abundant opportunities for higher education in two-year and four-year colleges and universities close to home. The University Wisconsin-Whitewater provides a close campus atmosphere where faculty members are committed to student success and off-campus learning experiences enhance degree programs with practical experience. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Other institutions close to home include Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Rock Valley College in Rockford, Carroll College in Waukesha, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Lifestyle
Whether your passion is mountain biking, horseback riding, heavy-metal motors, shopping, or strolling through galleries, Jefferson County supports every amenity and activity against the backdrop of natural beauty and picturesque farmland. Effortlessly blending urban and rural living, thriving communities are home to diversified manufacturers, commercial developments, natural resources, and serene neighborhoods. Charming retail centers like Cambridge are widely known for their boutiques and unique attractions. Interstates 90 and 94 ensure easy access to regional amenities and major metropolitan advantages from sprawling malls to nightlife, cultural attractions, and leading employment centers.
While a progressive attitude is evident, the county preserves much of the charm of yesterday in historic sites and vintage homes that date back to the 1800s. Highlights of historic treasures include the famous Octagon House and America’s First Kindergarten in Watertown, the one-of-a-kind National Dairy Shrine and Hoard Historical Museum, the Panther Intaglio mound, the Old Fort in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson Historical Museum, and the Aztalan Historical Museum near Aztalan State Park. The performing arts and other cultural attractions are available locally in comfortable venues that provide an intimate space for regional and national talent. One of the advantages of Jefferson County living is quick and easy access to outdoor recreation and vast tracts of open space or preserved parkland. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, equestrian activities, playing tennis, golfing, and participating in sports leagues are popular activities. Miles of regional trails wind through deep forests and meander across open countryside.
Jefferson County communities vary in size and personality to support every imaginable lifestyle, drawing newcomers to a high quality of life without a corresponding high cost of living. Beautiful homes cover a wide spectrum of styles, sizes, price ranges, and settings in welcoming small towns, country villages, or growing cities. The close-knit atmosphere and unique attractions in the county’s charming communities preserve a simpler time and place where neighbors greet each other by name and local merchants know their customers. Crowned by easy access to the cultural and entertainment attractions in Milwaukee and Madison, Jefferson County offers a home for all reasons.
Cambridge
Village Hall
608-423-3712
www.cambridgewi.com
Chamber of Commerce
608-423-3780
www.cambridgewi.com
Nestled in picturesque farm fields, Cambridge village harmonizes charming Victorian storefronts and century-old structures with contemporary development. Quaint shops, unique boutiques, and wonderful galleries offer everything from fine art to antiques, pottery, and furniture have made the village one of Wisconsin’s most popular for shopping. Residents enjoy a close-knit community atmosphere and schools that reflect the support for quality education. Festivals and fairs dot the calendar with exciting events that celebrate history, culture, and holidays. Lake Ripley is ideal for water sports and fishing, while scenic Koshkonong Creek traverses the town for canoeing opportunities just beyond the front doorstep. Glacial Drumlin State Bike Trail, Cam Rock County Park, and fascinating historic sites are also close to home. Well-developed cities and major metropolitan centers are accessible for expanded amenities.
Concord
Town Hall
262-593-8945
www.concordwisconsin.org
Chamber of Commerce
262- 567-2666
www.oconomowoc.org
From its roots as a rural township with a focus on agriculture and dairy farming, the town of Concord has matured into a residential community with a country flavor. Concord was the family home of the well-known author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote a series of books about her pioneer childhood days in the Midwest prairie. Attractions like the Vetro Winery, local performing arts groups, and the historic Concord House combine with outstanding annual events such as the Wisconsin State Polka Festival or the Boondockers Street Rods Car Show to fill leisure hours with quality activities. This scenic area is only minutes from the well-developed amenities and attractions in Oconomowoc and Fort Atkinson. Outdoor adventures and recreational opportunities are abundant, including vast expanses of parkland, miles of multi-purpose trails, rolling rivers and creeks, and sparkling lakes. Nearby Fort Atkinson expands the entertainment opportunities.
Fort Atkinson
City Hall
920-563-7760
www.fortatkinsonwi.net/
Chamber of Commerce
920-563-3210
www.fortchamber.com
Surrounded by rustic country roads and some of the world’s finest dairy farms, the town of Fort Atkinson is distinguished as an entertainment center that boasts some of the finest musical entertainment in Wisconsin. This charming community is conveniently located near three major metropolitan areas and set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Koshkonong and the Rock and Bark rivers. Blending a mix of urban amenities with small-town convenience, premier recreational opportunities, and stellar attractions, Fort Atkinson is also home to the regional Fort HealthCare hospital. The “fort” is cradled in Rock River Park and celebrated in the annual Buckskinners Rendezvous. Unique attractions like the Hoard Historical Museum, the National Dairy Shrine, Fireside Dinner Theatre, delightful shops, and popular restaurants combine with leisure activities including fishing, boating, canoeing, biking, tennis, golf, and winter sports.
Ixonia
Town Hall
920-261-1588
www.townofixonia.com
Chamber of Commerce
920-261-6320
www.watertownchamber.com
The unusual and completely unique name of Ixonia was formed by having a youngster blindly select letters of the alphabet written on slips of paper until they formed a word. This small hamlet along Highway 16 between Watertown and Oconomowoc is filled with equally unique delights like a gourmet chef who runs a charming cafe, a village of garden greenhouses, and lively community polka dances on Sunday. Town and Country days in Fireman’s Park each August brings neighbors and friends together for a parade, tractor pull, games and activities, live musical entertainment, and dancing. Families will appreciate the small-town spirit of this rural community near bustling urban centers and sprawling metropolitan areas like Madison and Milwaukee.
Jefferson
City Hall
920-674-7700
www.jeffersonwis.com
Chamber of Commerce
920-674-4511
www.jeffersonwis.com/
Known for its historic buildings and entertainment centers along the Rock River, the county seat of Jefferson combines the pleasures of rural living with urban conveniences. The new Milwaukee Street Walk Bridge enhances the picturesque heart of the city, surrounded by lush Rotary Park with its summer concerts and picnic areas. The area’s strong German heritage is celebrated with Gemuetlichkeit Days for a weekend of relaxation and old-fashioned fun. Throngs of visitors enjoy a full calendar of special events including the Jefferson County Fair and the wildly popular Madison Classics Spring & Fall Car and Swap Meets. Lush parks, well-developed athletic and sports facilities, excellent schools, a performing arts center, efficient services, and a prime location add to the quality of life. Situated 25 miles east of Madison and 35 miles west of Milwaukee, the city is four miles from Interstate 94 that connects the two metropolitan areas.
Johnson Creek
Village Hall
920-699-2296
Chamber of Commerce
920-674-4511
www.jeffersonwis.com/
Graced by the picturesque Rock River that meanders through the village and sets the stage for fishing and boating, the charming village of Johnson’s Creek excels in quality of life and small-town spirit. West of the village, Aztalan State Park & Museum attracts visitors to an archaeological site of a 12th-century Native American village as well as picnic areas, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Bicentennial Park provides the unique amenity of a “dog park” for a pet-friendly environment just south of the village in close proximity to the access point for the Glacial Drumlin State Bike Trail. The latter draws bikers, hikers, and snowmobile enthusiasts who appreciate more than 50 miles of scenic trail. Johnson Creek Outlet Center is a regional retail destination that complements the unique shops and boutiques in the village.
Lake Mills
City Hall
920-648-2344
www.townoflakemills.org/
Chamber of Commerce
920-648-3585
www.lakemills.org
Framed by the crystal waters of Rock Lake, the historic community of Lake Mills nestles in the heart of Wisconsin’s southern gateway to form a convenient triangle to Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. Commuters, tourists, and thriving businesses have found an ideal location in a city with “Norman Rockwell” streetscapes. The past is lovingly preserved in grand old homes, quaint downtown buildings, and the downtown commons park. Most of the colorful annual events in Lake Mills are held at the park, which also hosts Friday band concerts under a Victorian gazebo. Fresh produce at the farmers market, stopping for ice-cream, and ice-skating by moonlight are just a few of the country pleasures that make Lake Mills a family-friendly place to call home. The crown jewel of recreational amenities is the 1,370-acre lake with numerous beaches and boat landings. Every imaginable outdoor sport from golfing to winter skiing are available.
Palmyra
Village Hall
262-495-8316
Chamber of Commerce
920-261-6320
www.watertownchamber.com
Newcomers to the Palmyra area will discover a comfortable, friendly community that can also be described as a photographer’s dream, a naturalist’s haven, a sportsman’s paradise, and an historian’s delight. A prime location near Kettle Moraine State Forest encourages outdoor adventures and premier recreational opportunities around the four seasons. Parks grace the village with green space and sports facilities that include an expansive 12-acre multi-use site with baseball fields; tennis, racquet and volleyball courts; playgrounds and games areas; and picturesque picnic areas. Village Beach offers a one-acre park with 150-feet of sandy beach on Lower Spring Lake for sailing, canoeing, swimming, and fishing. Historic sites like the Mckenzie-Fisk-Carlin House preserve the area’s rich historic legacy. Many equestrian centers and private horse-related business flourish in this surrounding area.
Sullivan
Village Hall
262-593-2388
Town Hall
262-593-2209
Chamber of Commerce
920-261-6320
www.watertownchamber.com
Touching the town of Concord and surrounded by Sullivan Township, the small village of Sullivan offers a charming hometown atmosphere with a rural flavor and unique attractions. Fine dining in a local restaurant and live musical performances at a Main Street night spot combine with friendly merchants who know their customers by name. Nearby recreational amenities are outstanding, including the Glacial–Drumlin Bicycle Trail. Sparkling lakes, rolling rivers, deep forests, and vast expanses of parkland are ideal for boating, swimming, water sports, canoeing, camping, biking, hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Regional amenities include tennis courts, swimming pools, fitness centers, country clubs and private sports clubs, historic sites, and cultural attractions.
Waterloo
City Hall
920-478-3025
www.waterloowis.com
Chamber of Commerce
920-478-2850
http://waterloowichamber.com
The small, welcoming community of Waterloo is located at the edge of the county near the border of Dodge and Dane counties at the intersection of state highways 19 and 89. One of the city’s points of pride is 1911 C.W. Parker Carousel, one of 150 remaining still in operation. Nestled in Firemen’s Park, this dazzling attraction complements one of the most beautiful natural amphitheater baseball fields in the state. The park also serves as a focal point for annual events and holiday celebrations that include Wiener & Kraut Day, a local favorite since 1959 that includes a horse-drawn wagon ride to the carousel. Newcomers will discover a delightful small town with Friday night band concerts, a history museum, and friend family businesses.
Whitewater
City Hall
262-473-0500
www.whitewater-wi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
262-473-4005
www.whitewaterchamber.com
The college town of Whitewater is home to a campus for the University of Wisconsin, benefiting from the intellectual and cultural enrichment this outstanding institution adds to the community. History students will want to visit the 1890 Historical Museum and Train Depot that houses artifacts and historical displays related to the area. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the walking tours of historical homes that showcase late 19th and early 20th-century architecture, while Indian Mounds Park features an outstanding collection of Native American Indian mounds shaped like turtles, birds, and other animals. Recreational amenities within the city and throughout the countryside are superb for biking, swimming, camping, hiking, horseback riding, skiing, hunting, fishing, and winter sports. Off-road trails and on-road bike routes are abundant in the Kettle Moraine area, including the John Muir and Emma Carlin Trail, and the Glacial Drumlin Trail.
