Cities and Towns in Waushara County, Wisconsin
Founded in 1851, Waushara County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Waushara County was formed from Marquette County. The city of Wautoma is the county seat. With FIPS code of 137, Waushara County has a population of 24,828 and area of 626.15 square miles (1,622 km²).
List of all cities in Waushara County, WI alphabetically
- Coloma, WI
- Hancock, WI
- Pine River, WI
- Plainfield, WI
- Poy Sippi, WI
- Redgranite, WI
- Saxeville, WI
- Wautoma, WI
- Wild Rose, WI
Major Cities and Towns in Waushara County, Wisconsin
1. Wautoma
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.72 square miles
- Population: 2,218 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54982
- Latitude: 44.0730° N
- Longitude: 89.2876° W
Location and History
Wautoma is the county seat of Waushara County, located in the central part of the county along the White River. The city was established in the mid-19th century and grew as a center of agriculture, particularly dairy farming, which has long been a staple of the local economy. Wautoma’s name is derived from a Native American word, although its exact meaning is uncertain. The city was officially incorporated in 1901 and has since served as a hub for government, commerce, and education in Waushara County. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred growth, connecting Wautoma to larger markets and facilitating the export of agricultural products.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wautoma is home to the Wautoma Area School District, which includes Wautoma High School and Parkside School. Major landmarks include the Waushara County Courthouse, an iconic structure in the heart of the city, and Bird Creek Park, a popular spot for recreation and community events. The city also hosts the annual Waushara County Fair, which showcases the region’s agricultural heritage. The WWII Veterans Memorial Building is another key site, reflecting the city’s respect for its veterans and its history.
2. Redgranite
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 2.26 square miles
- Population: 2,149 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54970
- Latitude: 44.0458° N
- Longitude: 89.1021° W
Location and History
Redgranite is located in eastern Waushara County and is named after the red granite quarries that were once the lifeblood of the town. Established in the late 19th century, the town quickly grew around the quarrying industry, which attracted workers and their families. The high-quality red granite extracted from these quarries was used in monuments and buildings across the country. The town was incorporated in 1904, and while the quarrying industry has since diminished, Redgranite remains a close-knit community with a strong sense of history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Redgranite is served by the Wautoma Area School District, with nearby Wautoma High School providing secondary education. Major landmarks include the historic Redgranite Quarry, which has been transformed into a popular recreational site for swimming and scuba diving. The Veterans Memorial Park honors the town’s military history, and the Redgranite Correctional Institution is a significant facility in the area. The town also hosts several annual events, including the Redgranite Quarry Days, celebrating the town’s quarrying heritage.
3. Wild Rose
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.10 square miles
- Population: 725 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54984
- Latitude: 44.1772° N
- Longitude: 89.2467° W
Location and History
Wild Rose is a small village located in the north-central part of Waushara County. The village was founded in the 1880s, and its name is thought to be derived from the abundance of wild roses that once grew in the area. Wild Rose developed as a quiet farming community, with agriculture being the primary economic activity. Over the years, it became known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, attracting visitors to its lakes and forests. The village’s history is closely tied to the rural development of Waushara County and reflects the broader agricultural trends of the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wild Rose is served by the Wild Rose School District, with Wild Rose High School and Wild Rose Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks include the Wild Rose Millpond, a picturesque spot popular for fishing and boating, and the Nordic Mountain Ski Area, which provides winter sports opportunities. The village also has a historic downtown area with several preserved buildings, reflecting its late 19th and early 20th-century origins. The nearby Pine River offers additional outdoor activities, making Wild Rose a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
4. Plainfield
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.55 square miles
- Population: 838 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54966
- Latitude: 44.2111° N
- Longitude: 89.4934° W
Location and History
Plainfield is located in the southwestern part of Waushara County and is one of the oldest settlements in the area. The village was established in the mid-19th century and quickly became a center for farming and commerce. Plainfield’s location along key transportation routes facilitated its early growth, and the village became a hub for the surrounding agricultural region. The village is perhaps most famously associated with Ed Gein, a notorious figure in American crime history, which brought Plainfield national attention in the mid-20th century. Despite this dark chapter, the village remains a peaceful and welcoming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Plainfield is part of the Tri-County Area School District, with Tri-County High School serving local students. Major landmarks include Veterans Memorial Park, which honors local veterans and serves as a community gathering space. The historic Plainfield Opera House is another key site, reflecting the village’s cultural heritage. The nearby Hancock Research Station, operated by the University of Wisconsin, is significant for agricultural research, particularly in potato farming, which is a major industry in the region. The village’s rural charm and agricultural roots continue to define its character.
5. Hancock
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.07 square miles
- Population: 408 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54943
- Latitude: 44.1270° N
- Longitude: 89.5221° W
Location and History
Hancock is a small village located in the southwestern corner of Waushara County. Established in the late 19th century, the village developed as a center for agriculture, particularly potato farming, which remains a significant industry in the area. Hancock was named after John Hancock, a prominent figure in American history, reflecting the patriotic spirit of its founders. The village’s growth was modest, maintaining a rural, small-town atmosphere over the years. Hancock’s history is closely linked to the broader agricultural development of Waushara County and the central Wisconsin region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hancock is served by the Tri-County Area School District, with students attending schools in nearby Plainfield. Major landmarks include the Hancock Research Station, which plays a crucial role in agricultural research, especially in the cultivation of potatoes and other crops suited to the region’s sandy soils. The village also has a community park and several historic buildings that reflect its late 19th-century origins. The annual Hancock Potato Festival celebrates the village’s agricultural heritage, drawing visitors from across the region. Despite its small size, Hancock remains a vital part of Waushara County’s farming community.
6. Coloma
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.30 square miles
- Population: 450 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 54930
- Latitude: 44.0342° N
- Longitude: 89.5239° W
Location and History
Coloma is a small village located in the southwestern part of Waushara County, near the border with Adams County. The village was established in the mid-19th century and grew as a result of its strategic location along early transportation routes, including the historic Yellowstone Trail, which passed through the area. Coloma was named after Coloma, California, a nod to the Gold Rush, reflecting the ambitions of its early settlers. The village’s economy has traditionally been based on agriculture, with dairy farming and crop production being the primary industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Coloma is part of the Westfield School District, with Coloma Elementary School serving younger students. Major landmarks include the Coloma Hotel, a historic building that dates back to the village’s early days, and the Coloma Park, which hosts community events and recreational activities. The village is also known for its connection to the Yellowstone Trail, one of the first transcontinental highways in the United States. The nearby Ice Age National Scenic Trail offers outdoor activities and scenic views, making Coloma a destination for hikers and nature lovers. The village’s history and rural charm are central to its identity.