Brillion's supportive community culture lead to hosting Olympians
Home to about 3,000 people, Brillion has a longstanding focus on community support. “Brillion Iron Works was owned by the Peters family, and they assisted employees to buy and finance homes through their paychecks. Then, you could work in Brillion and live there,” says Mayor Mike Smith, who has been a Brillion resident for about 10 years. “The Peters family really created that culture — investing in the community.” The foundry eventually shut down, and Ariens is now the major employer in Brillion and aims to continue the legacy the Peters family established. The snow blower and lawn mower manufacturer saw potential in the cross-country skiing center outside town. After purchasing and renovating the property, they petitioned to have it annexed by the city. The professional-grade courses are open to the public and host the U.S. Olympic biathlon team during training. This community culture expands beyond just its employers. It’s something residents take upon themselves to foster and practice. “A local hardware store owner was getting gas one day and saw a house on fire,” Smith says. “He went and got his hose and put the fire out.”
The Olympic biathlon course and community parks around the city
Brillion borders Brillion Wildlife Area, where trails span 4,800 acres of woods, wetlands and prairies. On the far south side of the city, Ariens Nordic Center includes about 3 miles of cross-country skiing trails and rifle facilities. The Olympic biathlon team is here throughout the year, training for the Olympics. “Even in the summer, they do it on rollerblades instead of skis,” Smith says. “You stop in the pub with your family, and they’re there eating.” Horn Park includes a playground, a 9-hole disc golf course and an amphitheater. Peters Park consists of a soccer field, volleyball courts and a baseball diamond used by the school district and local leagues.
Brillion's different housing options and quiet, neighborhood
Trees shade lawns in front of Brillion’s Nationals, bungalows and ranch-style homes. Narrow driveways sit alongside houses, leading to detached single-car garages. Sidewalks line the neighborhood streets. “If you’re out on a walk, you’re going to get honked at by your neighbor or stopped by the family out with their dog,” Smith says. Homes typically start around $200,000 and reach up to $380,000.
STEM education is important at Brillion's public schools
Each school in Brillion’s public school system has its own STEM space. Brillion Elementary School and Brillion Middle School share a building, though they have separate facilities. Both include open-concept STEM workstations, and the middle school offers woodworking, design and problem-solving electives. The elementary receives a B-plus from Niche, while the middle school receives an A-minus. Brillion High School receives a B-minus and includes Ariens Technology and Engineering Education Center, offering open-concept spaces and workshops. Courses cover manufacturing, computer science, mechanics, robotics, construction and interior design. The schools also have great basketball programs and have won local and state championships.
Pizza joints and bakeries owned by Brillion locals
Most locally owned restaurants in Brillion line Main Street. Ethel’s Pub and Grill offers American fare, like wings and burgers. The Trough Underground is a newer addition to the city, providing plenty of pizza options. “The fire chief and his wife own the restaurant,” Smith says. For baked goods, locals head to Batch Baker Company. “The owner of the bakery, her daughter is on the basketball team with my daughter,” Smith says. “When they won their championship, the baker showed up with cookies with their individual numbers on them.” Marketplace Foods is the city’s grocery store, but there’s a Walmart Supercenter about 18 miles away in Appleton.
Brillion seasonal and annual summer traditions
The Brillion Farmers Market sets up stalls along Main Street on Sunday mornings in the summer. The vendors change regularly to offer a steady mix of options. BrillionFest is always the second Saturday of June. In addition to being a celebration with a car show, vendor fair, live music and food trucks, it is also a community fundraiser, so proceeds go to local organizations. “BrillionFest also has a light fest on Friday night, where people decorate their tractors and trucks with Christmas lights,” Smith says.
Walking around the city and driving throughout Calumet County
Sidewalks allow residents to walk throughout Brillion, whether they’re heading to downtown restaurants or community parks. U.S. Route 10 links the community to downtown Appleton, about 21 miles west, while Wisconsin Route 32 goes south to the rest of Calumet County and north to Green Bay, about 25 miles away. Ascension Calumet Hospital is about 14 miles away in Chilton. Brillion residents can choose between flying out of Appleton or Green Bay. Appleton International Airport and Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport are about 28 miles from Brillion.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
