GRANT COUNTY
County Offices
111 S Jefferson St
Lancaster 608-723-2675
www.co.grant.wi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
111 S Jefferson St
Lancaster 608-723-2675
www.co.grant.wi.gov
Grant County is home to a population of just over 49,000 residents. Grant County also is in the tri-state area with Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, and is crossed by travelers commuting to Madison from a number of eastern Iowan cities, and by residents of northern Illinois traveling to the Twin Cities or La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Lifestyle
Grant County comprises the extreme southwest corner of the state of Wisconsin and the Mississippi River forms the county’s western edge. The discovery of lead in this region in the early years of the nineteenth century resulted in its being one of the earliest places where settlement occurred in the state and the places where these settlers congregated are among the earliest communities in Wisconsin.
Grant County is full of historic sites and communities, the wild and scenic lower Wisconsin River, and the Upper Mississippi. The region is rich with high plateaus, deep creek valleys and scenic byways. Historic sites throughout Grant County take you back to the important beginnings of mining, religion, education and commerce in Wisconsin. The natural beauty and features of Grant County are your start to auto and bike tours, wildlife viewing, landscape vistas, and river activities. Hundreds of miles of bluff-lined smaller rivers and streams nestled in deep valleys offer cold-water angling, canoeing, and birding. Grant County is bordered to the north and west by the Lower Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. Anglers enjoy fly-fishing for trout. Water based recreation is plentiful on the rivers and streams in the county. Other outdoor activities include many golf courses, hundreds of miles of bicycling or hiking trails in two local state parks. In the winter, ski, snowmobile, or take a sleigh ride in the area.
The county is home to many small towns and historic communities. The towns offer residents a quiet pace of life with all the amenities and services they need close to home. Some of the best dining and shopping in Grant County is found along small town main streets in unique historic buildings. Most of the dining in this area can be described as home-cooking, from breakfast in a local bed and breakfast through evening coffee and dessert at a local supper clubs. Residents and visitors find local favorites, like pasties and pies, to international favorites.
With plenty to see and do in Grant County, residents have endless opportunities for fun and excitement.
Services
The regional economy of Grant County is reliant on a diverse mix of businesses from small service companies to larger manufacturers. Residents will find a broad range of opportunities for employment in many fields.
Health care is a priority in the county and is well represented by an excellent full-service hospital, healthcare facilities and human service agencies that offer a continuum of care, resources and support to meet the physical, mental and developmental needs of the community. There are more than 100 physicians practicing in the area. Nursing care and assisted living for long and short-term patients, as well as postoperative, elderly, ambulatory/bedfast and chronically ill patients, and Alzheimer’s care is available. The county is home to a variety of medical specialty facilities as well. The Grant Regional Health Center was built in 1955 and supports the health care needs of the counties citizens and the surrounding area. The hospital provides a full range of acute care inpatient and outpatient services. Inpatient services include medical care, major and minor surgery, obstetrics, newborn nursery, orthopedics, cardiac care and pharmacy services.
Madison County affords outstanding educational opportunities at all levels. Public and private schools offer strong college preparatory, vocational and technical programs. Grant County Schools offer a variety of enrichment programs which take students beyond the normal curriculum. Academic enrichment in music, drama and art broaden the cultural awareness of local students and community. Accredited private schools that offer classes in kindergarten through grade twelve are also available. For higher education, the county is also home to a University of Wisconsin Extension Campus and the home of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Southwest Tech is a comprehensive technical school of higher learning that offers an excellent selection of educational opportunities and a broad array of support services.
The lack of traffic and urban bustle, the friendly people, and a slower living pace combine with low property taxes and high property values for a superb quality of life. Historic sites, museums, restaurants, and libraries add to the quality of life.
Boscobel
City Hall
1006 Wisconsin Ave
Boscobel 608-375-5001
www.boscobelwisconsin.com
Chamber of Commerce
800 Wisconsin Ave
Boscobel 608-375-2672
www.boscobelwisconsin.com
Boscobel is home to more than 3,200 residents. Approximately ½ of a mile to the north of the city, across a riparian swamp, is the Wisconsin River. U.S. Route 61 crosses the Wisconsin River at Boscobel. In Boscobel, you’ll find the charm of years gone by and the conveniences of today.
Residents enjoy an enviable quality of life in a community that is moving forward while enjoying its history. The community is home to several historic structures including the historic Boscobel Hotel, built in 1863 and originally known as the Central House. Located in the heart of the downtown, this native limestone landmark is one of two buildings in Boscobel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The thriving downtown community offers a wide variety of restaurants, stores, and unique shops. Excellent schools, churches, parks, recreation programs, library and senior center support an enriching community life. Boscobel Area Health Care is a full-service medical facility providing 24-hour emergency care, in-patient and out-patient care, and long-term nursing care. Boscobel businesses enjoy the advantages of the Boscobel Municipal Airport and local freight train service. The city maintains six parks including Kronshage Park, which is home to an Olympic sized swimming pool, baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, basketball court, sand volleyball courts, playground equipment, horseshoe pits, 3 picnic shelters, numerous picnic tables and outdoor grills. The community offers its residents everything they need close to home.
Cuba City
City Hall
108 North Main St
Cuba City 608-744-2152
www.cubacity.org
Chamber of Commerce
108 North Main St
Cuba City 608-744-2152
www.cubacity.org
Cuba City is a city located in both Grant and Lafayette Counties. It is home to more than 2,400 residents. The city is nicknamed “The City of Presidents” because of the presidential banners displayed along the city’s Main Street. Cuba City offers the family-oriented and economic benefits of small town living with the convenience of big city amenities within just miles. The city is located just 17 miles from Dubuque, Iowa and just 80 miles from Madison. Residents will find everything you need from shopping, groceries, antiques, dining and more in and near Cuba City.
Cuba City maintains several parks throughout the community that residents can enjoy. These include the largest, Splinter Park, which has lighted softball fields, lighted sand volleyball courts, lighted tennis courts , basketball court, a pavilion, playground equipment for young children , restrooms & drinking fountains. In addition there is Presidential Courtyard an extensive visitor center dedicated to the railroad that used to pass through town. Included in the center are a completely restored caboose, a gazebo, and railcars. Recreation choices are vast with the city surrounded by the Mississippi River, Wisconsin River, state parks, snowmobile trails, and ski resorts just to name a few local recreational activities.
Families with children will find that the Cuba City School district not only provides an excellent learning experience in academics, but it has also been credited with the State Excellence Award, and has earned many honors, trophies and state titles through its outstanding sports programs. Residents will also find convenient continuing education and health care options, as there are eight colleges and universities and four hospitals within 20 miles of Cuba City. All in all Cuba City offers its residents a peaceful way of life in beautiful natural surroundings.
Lancaster
City Hall
206 S Madison
Lancaster 608-723-4246
www.lancasterwisconsin.com
Chamber of Commerce
206 S Madison
Lancaster 608-723-4246
www.lancasterwisconsin.com
Lancaster is the county seat of Grant County and is home to more than 4,200 residents, who enjoy a landscape left untouched thousands of years ago by the glaciers that leveled the rest of the Midwest terrain. The area retains its striking rock bluffs, beautiful wooded valleys, and meandering creeks and streams. Residents enjoy a downtown that is based around a central square and courthouse, in the most traditional of American city layout. The city has a wide array of homes and buildings with architectural styles that include Contemporary, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Queen Anne. Located downtown is the Grant County Courthouse, which was built in 1905. Designed by architect Armand Koch, this famous brownstone building with its octagonal glass and copper dome is visible from the hilltops that surround the city. Inside the courthouse dome are four murals painted by Franz Edward Rohrbeck. Built in 1922, another historic landmark in Lancaster, Wisconsin is City Hall, which includes a fabulous movie theater. This striking building designed by renowned architects Claude & Starck is an excellent example of prairie-style architecture.
Lancaster boasts numerous facilities, programs, and public-access areas that provide excellent recreational opportunities for young and old alike. Golfers can enjoy an eighteen-hole municipal golf course that offers a challenge for golfers of all ages and ability. Memorial Park is home to the municipal swimming pool, baseball diamond and other recreational sporting areas. Lancaster also offers an extensive summer recreational program.
Friendly people, a strong, diversified retail and industrial economy, excellent schools, hospital, outstanding parks, library, swimming pool, and small town charm are just a few of the reasons why Lancaster is a fantastic place to live and visit.
Fennimore
City Hall
860 Lincoln Ave
Fennimore 608-822-6119
www.fennimore.com
Chamber of Commerce
860 Lincoln Ave
Fennimore 608-822-6119
www.fennimore.com/chamber
Fennimore offers natural beauty, hometown charm and a friendly community atmosphere. The city is home to more than 2,500 residents. Known as “the crossroads of Southwest Wisconsin”, Fennimore is conveniently located at the intersections of US highways 18 and 61. This provides easy access to the urban amenities of nearby cities. Fennimore has an excellent public school system and is also the home of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Southwest Tech is a comprehensive technical school of higher learning that offers an excellent selection of educational opportunities and a broad array of support services.
The city also boasts beautiful parks, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball, basketball courts, and ball diamonds. A 9-hole golf course is only three miles north on Highway 61. The 45-acre Oakwood Nature Park features trees and wildflowers native to the area, with 3½ miles of hiking trails. In addition, a volunteer board coordinates a wide variety of summer recreation activities for youth and adults in the community. Bird lovers will enjoy watching bluebirds, eagles, and other birds throughout the area. For winter enthusiasts, miles of snowmobile trails go through Fennimore, and the southwest Wisconsin area boasts some of the best trout fishing in the nation no matter the season. Fennimore is a community that has a feeling of small town charm, featuring a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Homes are well kept and affordably priced. A recent revitalization of the downtown business district brings even more excitement to this small community.
Platteville
City Hall
75 N Bonson
Platteville 608-348-9741
www.platteville.org
Chamber of Commerce
275 W. Business Highway 151
Plateville 608-348-8888
www.platteville.com
Platteville is the largest city in Grant County. The city is home to more than 11,000 residents. Platteville is nestled among the gently rolling hills of Southwestern Wisconsin. Surrounded by beautiful farm country, Platteville is home to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville which has an average enrollment of more the 6500 students. This large student body gives the city a young and vibrant feel and contributes greatly to the high quality of life enjoyed by local residents. The city provides numerous parks to enjoy fun and relaxation. Located near the center of town, City Park is home to a large gazebo, hosting weekly outdoor concerts during the warmer months. Legion Field offers multiple sports amenities, such as a soccer field, baseball diamonds, and horseshoe pitching pits. Providing individuals with large open areas, playground equipment, and a sheltered area, Valley View Park is another favorite. Smith Park offers patrons shade from its hundreds of trees, as well as several picnic shelters. A biking/hiking trail is a recent addition to the city’s recreational facilities. Baseball, volleyball, fishing, golfing, and camping are just a few of the activities residents are able to enjoy throughout the year.
Platteville residents enjoy a number of parades, festivals, and special activities throughout the year. Community events such as fish fries, music festivals and fireworks displays are just a small example of activities one might enjoy. Some of the favorite Platteville gatherings include the Party in the Park, outdoor concerts, Quilt Show, Art Fair, Haunted House, Dairy Days and the 4th of July. Annually, Platteville holds a Historic Encampment in Moundview Park that features demonstrations and historic displays.
For residents with kids, the public school system includes three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Platteville’s schools are enhanced by a community that values education.
With a historic downtown, enviable natural surroundings, excellent services and all the charm that small town living affords, Plattevillle is a great place to settle.
