Wisconsin Rapids, Central Wisconsin and Area Community Guide

The Wisconsin Rapids area is home to beautiful settings and friendly communities. Experience a variety of local colors and flavors by getting out and exploring the area's parks, town squares, and welcoming atmospheres.

Babcock

Babcock, in the southwestern corner of Wood County, is a small residential community with rural aspects. Home to Sandhill Wildlife Area and Ocean Spray's cranberry receiving station, Babcock truly has nature's best: birds and berries.

Cranmoor

The Cranmoor township one of three cranberry producing regions in the state of Wisconsin and is the world's largest inland cranberry producing region in the world. The township boasts acres upon acres of cranberry beds, which are a beautiful sight to behold while driving the world-famous Cranberry Highway during the fall harvest and June blossom time.

Grand Rapids

The town of Grand Rapids, the third largest community in Wood County, is known for its central location, wooded residential areas, and access to a variety of recreational activities. The community is also home to Lake Wazeecha and South Wood County Park, a favorite spot for recreational biking/walking, camping, boating and fishing.

Kellner

rural community located on the Portage County border, Kellner has retained its mid-western charm and is the perfect setting for a Sunday drive. The town boasts country cooking cafés and charming shops throughout.

Nekoosa

The City of Nekoosa is a small residential community with a strong sense of place. What began as a fur trapping and trading community, the community's prime location on the Wisconsin River soon led to other industries. By the 19th century Nekoosa had established itself as home of "Peter Papermaker," a symbol of papermaking ingenuity and manufacturing. Riverside Park, a striking spacious site near Nekoosa's business quarter is home to several large events including Walleye Days in the Spring and the Giant Pumpkin Festival in the Fall.

Pittsville

Located at the geographical center of Wisconsin, Pittsville offers peaceful residential living midway between Wood County's two largest cities: Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids. Majestic antique homesteads, faded red barns, acres of cranberry beds, and family farms all contribute to Pittsville's charms.

Port Edwards

Originally titled "French Town," the pioneers of Port Edwards, including its founder, John Edwards, dammed the Wisconsin River in 1840 to provide water power for a sawmill. Today, Port Edwards thrives on the preservation of the area's history, its beauty, and an abundance of recreational opportunities. Port Edwards is the perfect place to stop for a picnic or snack while biking between Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa along the Wisconsin River.

Rome

An area rich in recreational opportunities and natural beauty, Rome is home to "The Lakes:" Arrowhead, Camelot, Petenwell, and Sherwood. The community prides itself on the numerous acres within the town available for recreational opportunities including boating and fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing and ATVing. Rome is also home to several annual events including Snoblast at Lake Arrowhead and the Taste of Rome.

Rudolph

Rudolph is a charming community located approximately 7 miles north of Wisconsin Rapids. An agricultural area once populated by sawmill and stave mill workers, Rudolph is now home to a thriving cheese factory, Wisconsin's largest grotto, and several quaint country stores. Rudolph's Country Christmas, which includes a one-day special cancellation from the postal service for letters to friends and family, is celebrated every December.

Vesper

Thriving on its rural charm, Vesper offers much of what we prize about our nation's agricultural areas. Sample ripe, delicious fruits and vegetables by picking or purchasing at the community's weekly farmer's market, one of its apple orchards, or a local pumpkin farm. Vesper is the quintessential example of a perfect rural respite.

Wisconsin Rapids

Wisconsin Rapids, the county seat of Wood County, is a consolidation of the two early towns of Grand Rapids and Centralia; the former lying on the east side of the Wisconsin River, the latter on the west. The Indians gave to this place along the river the name of "Ad-dah-wah-gam", meaning the "two-sided rapids", as the rapids here were divided in two by a great boulder. The consolidation was effected in the spring of 1900 and the city subsequently bore the name of Grand Rapids until 1920, when its name was changed because freight and mail intended for it was frequently sent by mistake to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Wisconsin Rapids today offers mid-western charm and atmosphere while providing access to modern infrastructure and technology, abundance educational and cultural opportunities, a mix of retail establishments and restaurants, and a stable business environment.

Wisconsin Rapids Area

The Wisconsin Rapids area is a close-knit group of communities growing outward from the borders of the Wisconsin River. The Wisconsin River is the lifeline of much of the area, supplying water for domestic and industrial use, recreational opportunities, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. A variety of stores, services and recreational opportunities are available throughout Biron, Saratoga, Seneca, and Sigel.