Area Communities
Babcock
Babcock is located in the southwestern corner of Wood County, a small residential community with rural aspects. Home to the Sandhill Wildlife Area and Ocean Spray’s cranberry receiving station, Babcock truly has nature’s best birds and berries.
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Cranmoor
The Cranmoor township one of three cranberry producing regions in the state of Wisconsin and is the 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 season.
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Kellner
Keller is a rural community located on the Portage County border. It has retained its Midwestern charm and is the perfect setting for a Sunday drive. The town boasts country cafes and charming shops.
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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 unique character.
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Rome
An area rich in recreational opportunities and natural beauty, Rome is home to Arrowhead, Camelot, Petenwell and Sherwood. The community prides itself on the numerous acres within the town available for recreational opportunities including fishing and boating, hiking, cross-country skiing and ATVing. Rome is also home to several annual events including Snoblast at Lake Arrowhead and the Taste of Rome.
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Rudolph
Rudolph is a friendly community located approximately seven 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.
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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, abundant educational and cultural opportunities, a mix of retail establishments and restaurants, and a stable business environment.
Biron
Biron offers a blend of natural beauty, quiet residential neighborhoods along with an abundance of wildlife and recreation, due to its location along the banks of the Wisconsin River. Home to one of North America’s finest coated paper manufacturing facilities, as well as hundreds of acres of thriving cranberry marshes. Biron’s diverse landscape provides the perfect place to live work and play in the Heart of Wisconsin.
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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, fishing and boating.
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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 became an important industrial center along the Wisconsin River. By the 19th century Nekoosa had established itself as home of “Peter Papermaker,” a symbol of papermaking ingenuity and manufacturing. Riverside Park, a striking and 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.
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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.
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Vesper
Full of rural charm, Vesper offers much of what Americans prize about our nation’s agriculture heritage. Sample ripe, delicious fruits and vegetables by picking or purchasing at the community’s weekly farmer’s market. Visit one of Vesper’s apple orchards or the local pumpkin farm. Vesper is the quintessential example of a rural escape.