Countryaah.com

Cities and Towns in Columbia County, Wisconsin

by · Published · Updated

Founded in 1846, Columbia County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Columbia County was formed from Portage County. The city of Portage is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Columbia County has a population of 58,488 and area of 765.53 square miles (1,983 km²).

 

List of all cities in Columbia County, WI alphabetically

  • Arlington, WI
  • Cambria, WI
  • Columbus, WI
  • Doylestown, WI
  • Fall River, WI
  • Friesland, WI
  • Lodi, WI
  • Pardeeville, WI
  • Portage, WI
  • Poynette, WI
  • Rio, WI
  • Wisconsin Dells, WI
  • Wyocena, WI

Major Cities and Towns in Columbia County, Wisconsin

City of Portage

Overview

  • Area: 9.62 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 10,300
  • ZIP Codes: 53901
  • Latitude: 43.5391° N
  • Longitude: 89.4629° W

Portage, the county seat of Columbia County, is located in the central part of the county along the Wisconsin River. Founded in the early 19th century, Portage was named for its strategic location at the portage between the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, a vital link for Native Americans and early European explorers. The city developed as a transportation and trade hub, particularly during the fur trade era. Portage played a significant role in Wisconsin’s early history, serving as a key site for military, commercial, and cultural exchanges. Today, Portage is known for its rich historical heritage, with several well-preserved buildings and sites reflecting its storied past.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Portage is served by the Portage Community School District, which includes Portage High School, Middle School, and several elementary schools. Notable landmarks in the city include the Portage Canal, a historic waterway that played a crucial role in the city’s development, and the Museum at the Portage, which offers exhibits on the city’s history and its role in the fur trade. The Indian Agency House, a historic site built in 1832, is another key attraction, providing insights into early interactions between Native Americans and European settlers. Portage also hosts the annual Canal Days festival, celebrating the city’s heritage with parades, music, and community events.

City of Columbus

Overview

  • Area: 4.51 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5,100
  • ZIP Codes: 53925
  • Latitude: 43.3391° N
  • Longitude: 89.0151° W

Columbus is a small city located in the southeastern part of Columbia County, near the border with Dodge County. The city was founded in the mid-19th century and was named after Christopher Columbus, reflecting the era’s enthusiasm for exploration and discovery. Columbus developed as a center for agriculture and industry, with its location along the Crawfish River and the arrival of the railroad contributing to its growth. The city’s historic downtown features a variety of well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, giving Columbus a charming, small-town atmosphere. Today, Columbus is known for its historic architecture, thriving arts community, and strong agricultural roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Columbus is served by the Columbus School District, which includes Columbus High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Key landmarks in the city include the Columbus Carriage Festival, an annual event that celebrates the city’s equestrian heritage with horse-drawn carriage rides, parades, and competitions. The Christopher Columbus Museum offers exhibits on the city’s history and its namesake, while the historic Columbus Public Library, built in 1912, is a significant architectural landmark. The nearby Crawfish River provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and enjoying the scenic natural beauty of the area.

City of Lodi

Overview

  • Area: 1.77 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 3,100
  • ZIP Codes: 53555
  • Latitude: 43.3147° N
  • Longitude: 89.5276° W

Lodi is a small city located in the southwestern part of Columbia County, nestled in the scenic hills of the Driftless Area. The city was established in 1846 and was named after Lodi, Italy, reflecting the aspirations of its early settlers. Lodi grew as an agricultural community, with dairy farming and cheese production playing key roles in its economy. The city’s location along Spring Creek and its picturesque landscape have made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil, rural lifestyle. Today, Lodi is known for its friendly community, natural beauty, and strong ties to its agricultural heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lodi is served by the School District of Lodi, which includes Lodi High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Notable landmarks in the city include the Lodi Agricultural Fair, Wisconsin’s oldest free fair, which celebrates the region’s farming heritage with livestock shows, rides, and entertainment. The historic Lodi Valley Suites and Spring Creek offer opportunities for scenic walks and fishing, while the nearby Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area provides hiking trails and stunning views of the Wisconsin River Valley. Lodi’s charming downtown features a variety of local shops, restaurants, and businesses that contribute to its vibrant community life.

City of Wisconsin Dells

Overview

  • Area: 7.73 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,800
  • ZIP Codes: 53965
  • Latitude: 43.6270° N
  • Longitude: 89.7707° W

Wisconsin Dells, known as “The Waterpark Capital of the World,” is a city located in the northern part of Columbia County, extending into Sauk, Adams, and Juneau counties. The city was established in the mid-19th century as a logging and transportation hub along the Wisconsin River. Wisconsin Dells’ unique sandstone formations, carved by the river over millennia, attracted early tourists, leading to the city’s development as a major vacation destination. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted tourism, with the city’s natural beauty and entertainment options drawing visitors from across the country. Today, Wisconsin Dells is one of the Midwest’s premier tourist destinations, known for its waterparks, attractions, and natural wonders.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wisconsin Dells is served by the School District of Wisconsin Dells, which includes Wisconsin Dells High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Significant landmarks in the city include the Original Wisconsin Ducks, amphibious vehicles that offer tours of the scenic river and rock formations, and the numerous indoor and outdoor waterparks that have made the city famous. The Dells’ historic downtown features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, while the nearby Mirror Lake State Park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and water activities. The city also hosts several annual events, including the Automotion Classic Car Show and the Wisconsin Dells Festivals, which draw thousands of visitors each year.

Village of Poynette

Overview

  • Area: 2.41 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 2,500
  • ZIP Codes: 53955
  • Latitude: 43.3928° N
  • Longitude: 89.4010° W

Poynette is a village located in the central part of Columbia County, near the confluence of the Wisconsin and Fox Rivers. The village was founded in the mid-19th century and was named after Pierre Paquette, a French-Canadian fur trader who was one of the area’s earliest European settlers. Poynette developed as an agricultural community, with dairy farming and crop production playing central roles in its economy. The village’s location near major transportation routes, including highways and railroads, contributed to its growth and development. Today, Poynette is known for its rural charm, strong community spirit, and access to outdoor recreation.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Poynette is served by the Poynette School District, which includes Poynette High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Notable landmarks in the village include the MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, which offers educational programs, nature trails, and a wildlife exhibit, and the nearby Lake Wisconsin, a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. Poynette’s annual Fourth of July celebration, featuring a parade, fireworks, and community events, is a highlight of the village’s social calendar. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities, including hunting, hiking, and birdwatching.

Read more: