Riverside recreation and access to nearby cities in Brodhead
Along the winding Sugar River, Brodhead is a rural city amid the rolling countryside and farmland of southern Wisconsin. Around 35 miles south of Madison, the community offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere, ample riverside recreation and easy access to city amenities. “Brodhead is a small community, but you have everything you need right in town,” says Kim Govert-Meris, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Signature. “It’s a self-sufficient town, and commuters are within 45 minutes of Janesville, Monroe and Madison.”
Historic homes and oak-lined streets
The streets of Brodhead are lined with century-old farmhouses, charming Victorians and ranch-style homes. Most houses sit on quarter to half-acre lots on walkable, quiet lanes. Tall oak trees shade sidewalks and dot front lawns, providing a degree of privacy between neighbors. Fenced-in back yards and two-car garages are common. While many homes date back to the early 1900s to the 1970s, there are some brand-new, 2020s homes throughout with modern craftsman features. Fixer-uppers range from $80,000 to around $170,000, while move-in-ready builds can go for $170,000 to $420,000. Empty, half-acre lots range from $30,000 to $60,000.
Dual enrollment courses and extracurriculars at Brodhead High School
Most of the area’s families are served by Albrecht Elementary School, which earns a B-minus grade from Niche. Brodhead Middle School receives a C-plus. The B-minus-rated Brodhead High School has around 50 extracurricular offerings, from history club and an equestrian team to Dungeons & Dragons and travel club. The high school partners with Blackhawk Technical College for its dual enrollment courses. Brodhead Memorial Public Library puts on regular community programs and events, including a monthly book club, preschool story times and community puzzle nights.
Local eats and small businesses on First Center Avenue
Well-maintained sidewalks can take residents to Brodhead’s commercial hub on First Center Avenue, with local businesses including a pharmacy, a furniture store and a vintage video game store. Bridges Bar & Grill serves pub fare from specialty burgers and patty melts to jumbo soft pretzels. Fatboyz Pizza is a popular spot for coffee and pastries in the morning, and made-to-order pizza and subs in the evening. For dessert, Tastee Creme offers window-service soft serve, sundaes and floats. “People come from all over the area to visit the Decatur Dairy,” Govert-Meris says. “Wisconsin is known for its cheeses, and Decatur has won a bunch of awards at the local and national level.” Shoppers can pick up groceries and essentials at the local Piggly Wiggly or Dollar General.
A popular rail trail and parks along the Sugar River
The Sugar River cradles the west side of Brodhead, with multiple waterside parks in the area. Putnam Park has a picnic shelter, basketball courts, a playground and a footbridge that leads to the Pearl Island recreation area, which offers open field space, picnic tables and river access. Putnam Park is also home to the Brodhead Municipal Pool. The 24-mile Sugar River State Trail has been repurposed from an abandoned rail line and spans from Brodhead to New Glarus. Popular among bikers, walkers and runners, the trail winds through wooded groves and open fields, following the river along the way. Jaycee Park is home to a playground, sand volleyball courts and multiuse sports fields.
Drive to nearby, southern Wisconsin cities
Madison is around 35 miles north via Wisconsin Highway 104 and U.S. Route 14, with an abundance of shops, restaurants and lakeside recreation. Janesville is roughly 20 miles east. For commercial flights, Dane County Regional Airport is 40 miles away.
Written By
Jillian Pillow
