Denmark is trying to grow, while also keeping its small-town charm
In 1848, Danish immigrants settled in the Fox Valley, naming the town they founded after their homeland. Today, crop fields and dairy farms surround the Village of Denmark, creating a quiet atmosphere separated from the activity in nearby cities like Green Bay. Home to about 2,000 people, a few parks and some locally owned restaurants, Denmark is trying to expand. “We’re going through a growth period right now. We added 92 apartment units and a new hotel. There are new housing developments on the drawing board,” says Susan Selner, Denmark’s Village President. “The community has stressed that we maintain our character and charm, so we’re not trying to become the big city. The key is doing it so it matches what we’ve got.”
Denmark's homes range from historic to modern
Denmark offers a mix of housing styles, from historic Nationals and Chicago bungalows to midcentury ranch-style homes and modern New Traditionals. Neighborhoods closer to the village center have sidewalks, leading to front walkways, whereas newer communities have lawns that run unobstructed straight to the curb. Most homes have driveways and garages, while lawns feature small gardens and trees. Homes typically range from $200,000 to $430,000.
B-rated public schools with winning baseball teams
Denmark Elementary School receives a B-plus from Niche. B-rated Denmark Middle School offers computer science, agriculture and technical education electives. Denmark High School receives a B-plus. Sports are a big part of the culture here. “You can meet a lot of people at the school events. Baseball and softball are very active out here, so you can go out to a game and meet a lot of parents,” Selner says. “Our girls’ softball team won the state title last year, and our boys’ baseball team won the state title three years in a row.”
Two American restaurants call Denmark home
Denmark only has two restaurants. Susters Arcade opened back in 1909 and is a fifth-generation family owned business. Locals know it for its broasted chicken, but it has other American fare like burgers. De Grand Family Restaurant also serves American but sets itself apart as the only breakfast joint in town. Main Street Market is the locally owned grocery store in town, but Bellevue has a Walmart Supercenter and Costco about 12 miles away.
Denmark's community park and the Devil's River State Trail
Veterans Memorial Park is the city’s main green space. The 30-acre parcel includes a playground, basketball court and baseball diamonds used by the schools and local leagues. From June to August, the wading pool opens. Devil’s River State Trail has a trailhead right in the center of Denmark. The multi-use converted railway stretched 15 miles, ending in Rockwood.
Volunteer opportunities and the annual Christmas tree lighting
The Denmark Lion’s Club is active in the community and hosts the Annual Parade and Picnic every July. The parade finishes in Veterans Memorial Park, where there are games, live music and raffles. “We have a lot of people who are interested in volunteering. We have a food pantry and a thrift closet,” Sellner says. “If you want to get involved, there’s a community for it.” The Christmas Tree Lighting takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the trailhead in the center of town. After the lighting, residents can stick around for a street festival with booths from local businesses, holiday treats and pictures with Santa.
Taking the Interstate from Denmark to downtown Green Bay
Interstate 43 goes through the western side of town, linking Denmark with Green Bay, about 18 miles away. Aurora BayCare Medical Center is along the way, about 12 miles away. Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport is 20 miles from Denmark.
![Caroline Ernst]()
Written By
Caroline Ernst
