Cities and Towns in Pepin County, Wisconsin

Founded in 1858, Pepin County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Pepin County was formed from Dunn County. The city of Durand is the county seat. With FIPS code of 91, Pepin County has a population of 7,364 and area of 231.98 square miles (601 km²).

 

List of all cities in Pepin County, WI alphabetically

• Arkansaw, WI
• Durand, WI
• Pepin, WI
• Stockholm, WI

Major Cities and Towns in Pepin County, Wisconsin

Durand

• Area: 1.97 square miles
• Population: 1,854 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 54736
• Latitude and Longitude: 44.6255° N, 91.9654° W

Location and History

Durand, the county seat of Pepin County, is located along the Chippewa River in the southwestern part of the county. The city was founded in 1856 by Miles Durand Prindle, a land speculator and businessman who recognized the potential of the area due to its proximity to the river, which provided a vital transportation route for lumber and goods. Durand quickly became a center for the logging industry, with sawmills springing up along the riverbanks. As the logging industry waned, the city diversified its economy, becoming a hub for agriculture, particularly dairy farming, which remains central to the local economy today. Durand’s historic downtown and scenic riverfront make it a charming small town with a strong sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Durand is served by the Durand-Arkansaw School District, with Durand High School being the primary educational institution. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including the Old Courthouse Museum, which preserves the history of Pepin County and the surrounding area. The museum, housed in the county’s former courthouse, features exhibits on the region’s pioneer history and the Chippewa River’s role in the development of the city. Another key landmark is the Chippewa River State Trail, which offers opportunities for biking, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the river. Durand’s Riverside Park, located along the Chippewa River, is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and community events such as the annual Funfest, which includes a parade, live music, and fireworks.

Pepin

• Area: 1.08 square miles
• Population: 837 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 54759
• Latitude and Longitude: 44.4425° N, 92.1471° W

Location and History

Pepin is a small village located on the western shore of Lake Pepin, a naturally occurring widening of the Mississippi River. The village was established in the mid-19th century and is famously known as the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, the beloved author of the “Little House on the Prairie” series. The area’s scenic beauty, with its rolling hills and expansive water views, has made Pepin a popular destination for tourists and artists. The village was named after Lake Pepin, which itself was named by early French explorers in honor of the Pepin family, notable figures in the region’s history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pepin is served by the Pepin Area School District, which includes Pepin High School. The village is home to several significant landmarks, most notably the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, which celebrates the life and legacy of the famous author. The museum is located near the site of Wilder’s birthplace and attracts visitors from around the world. Another important site is the Pepin Marina, which provides access to Lake Pepin for boating and fishing, and is a hub for recreational activities in the village. The annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Days festival is a major event in Pepin, featuring historical reenactments, craft fairs, and various family-oriented activities that celebrate the village’s rich cultural heritage.

Stockholm

• Area: 1.10 square miles
• Population: 66 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 54769
• Latitude and Longitude: 44.4808° N, 92.2658° W

Location and History

Stockholm is a small village located along the eastern shore of Lake Pepin in the northwestern part of Pepin County. The village was founded in 1854 by Swedish immigrants who were drawn to the area by its fertile land and scenic location. Stockholm was named after Sweden’s capital, reflecting the heritage of its early settlers. The village developed as a farming community, with agriculture being the mainstay of its economy. Over time, Stockholm has evolved into a charming artist’s enclave, known for its vibrant arts scene, quaint shops, and historic buildings. The village’s picturesque setting on Lake Pepin makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful retreat.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Stockholm is part of the Pepin Area School District, with students attending schools in nearby Pepin. The village is known for its well-preserved historic buildings, many of which now house galleries, boutiques, and cafes. A major landmark in Stockholm is the Stockholm Opera Hall, a historic building that hosts concerts, theater productions, and community events. Another key attraction is the Stockholm Art Fair, held annually in the village park, which draws artists and visitors from across the region to celebrate local art and crafts. The proximity to Lake Pepin also makes Stockholm a popular spot for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching, with several parks and scenic overlooks offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding bluffs.

Maiden Rock

• Area: 0.89 square miles
• Population: 113 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 54750
• Latitude and Longitude: 44.5611° N, 92.3086° W

Location and History

Maiden Rock is a small village located along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, near the southern tip of Lake Pepin. The village was named after the famous rock formation overlooking the river, which, according to legend, was the site where a young Dakota woman leaped to her death rather than marry someone she did not love. Maiden Rock was established in the mid-19th century as a river town, with its economy initially centered on river trade and farming. The village’s scenic location and dramatic views of the Mississippi River have made it a popular spot for artists and visitors seeking to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Maiden Rock is served by the Pepin Area School District, with students typically attending schools in nearby Pepin. The village’s most iconic landmark is Maiden Rock itself, a towering bluff that offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding landscape. The village is also known for its charming downtown area, where historic buildings now house art galleries, antique shops, and cafes. Each year, Maiden Rock hosts several events that celebrate its artistic and cultural heritage, including the Maiden Rock Summerfest, which features live music, local crafts, and family-friendly activities. The surrounding area is also popular for outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and scenic drives along the Great River Road.

Arkansaw

• Area: 1.35 square miles
• Population: 191 (as of the 2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 54721
• Latitude and Longitude: 44.6250° N, 91.9103° W

Location and History

Arkansaw is a small unincorporated community located in the central part of Pepin County, just a few miles west of Durand. The village was named after the Arkansas River, with the spelling altered to reflect the pronunciation used by early settlers. Arkansaw was established in the mid-19th century and developed as an agricultural community, with farming being the primary industry. The village’s location along Arkansaw Creek provided early settlers with access to water and fertile land, making it an ideal location for farming. Over the years, Arkansaw has remained a small, rural community with a strong connection to its agricultural roots.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Arkansaw is part of the Durand-Arkansaw School District, with students attending schools in nearby Durand. The village is known for its peaceful, rural setting and its close-knit community. A key landmark in Arkansaw is the Arkansaw Creek Park, which offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and a scenic setting along the creek. The park is a popular spot for community events and family gatherings. Another significant site is the Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery, which reflects the village’s long history and the generations of families who have lived in the area. Each year, Arkansaw hosts the Arkansaw Fur, Fish, and Game Days, a community festival that celebrates the village’s outdoor heritage with fishing contests, live music, and various family-friendly activities.