Bloomfield’s longstanding subdivisions have lake and wildlife access
Near the border of Wisconsin and Illinois, Bloomfield offers a slower pace of life. While the community has subdivisions, most residents live around Pell Lake and spend their days fishing, hiking or getting together with friends at local watering holes. “I would say the community is tight-knit," says Candace Kinsch, an area native and Bloomfield’s village clerk. “A lot of people grew up here, and seasonal homes became permanent homes as people retired.”
Kinsch says the area was incorporated into a separate village and town in 2012. The town is small and on the outskirts of the village, and Kinsch says that the two places are in the process of legally becoming one again.
New construction is growing as environmental factors are monitored
The village has a few distinct subdivisions, like Lake Ivanhoe, the state’s first Black-founded resort community. Many original homes from the 1930s still stand in the neighborhood. Most neighborhoods in the area surround Pell Lake and have spacious grass lawns and a variety of new traditional, ranch-style and split-level houses. New construction is also growing. “We built 17 new homes last year, and we already have seven new homes being built right now,” Kinsch says. “We also have a lot of generational families that are splitting off property for their children to build.” Home prices typically range from $210,000 to $780,000, with a median price of $320,000.
According to Walworth County Health and Human Services, more than half of Wisconsin homes had higher levels of radon than the Environmental Protection Agency deemed safe in 2024. Additionally, Walworth County, which includes Bloomfield, has higher radon levels than most of the state. The WCHHS and the Kenosha/Walworth County Radon Information Center provide the community with low-cost test kits and mitigation resources.
Residents can fish, hike and hunt in Bloomfield’s recreational areas
Pell Lake is the village’s central waterfront destination, but residents can also access Powers, Benedict and Tombeau lakes. While boating is permitted, the lakes’ shallow waters are better suited for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Roller Rink Park has a small picnic and beach area along Pell Lake. Bloomfield Wildlife Area offers over 1,200 acres of wetlands, oak savannas and Lake Ivanhoe shoreline. Hikers, birders and cross-country skiers use access lanes to explore the park, and hunters can find pheasants, ducks and deer in the wetlands. The area also has a popular wildlife and safari park. Four Seasons Nature Preserve offers boardwalk hiking trails and an open field for pets to run. Goldeneye Club is a private golf course, while Nippersink Golf is open to the public. The community is also within 9 miles of Lake Geneva Public Beach and The Mountain Top Ski and Adventure Center.
Students either attend Lake Geneva or Genoa City schools
Most students are in the Lake Geneva Joint No. 1 School District, but some students living on the east side of Bloomfield attend Genoa City Joint 2 School District. Students in the Lake Geneva district start at Star Center Elementary School, which has an A-minus Niche rating. Lake Geneva Middle School has a B, while Badger High School has a B-plus. The high school offers a variety of technology, engineering and agricultural science courses, ranging from 3D printing to greenhouse management.
People support small businesses and shop for local produce
Bloomfield has only a few commercial options. Bars like Pell Lake Inn and Pookie’s Sunset Saloon let locals grab a drink and snack on casual fare. At 2 Brothers Bar & Grill, people eat fried fish, play pool and challenge friends to a volleyball game. During harvest season, Hafs Road Orchard opens to the public to sell apple cider, caramel apples and pumpkins. Dollar General offers everyday essentials, while Lakeside Country Store is the closest grocery store. National chains like Walmart are roughly 7 miles away.
Two highways lead drivers around Walworth County and beyond
The community has two main thoroughfares: Highway 12 and County Highway H. These connect to Lake Geneva, a regional destination. County Highway B and state Route 120 also pass through, increasing drivers’ options since public transportation is unavailable. The closest hospital is Mercy Lake Geneva Medical Center, 7 miles away, and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 50 miles from the village.
