The small Wisconsin town of Emerald, an hour east of Minneapolis, earns its name—long expanses of open green land stretch for miles in this rural community. “The area provides a visceral feeling of serenity and tranquility,” says Nanci Johnson, a realtor with Edina Realty Inc. “You’re surrounded by natural beauty, emerald forests. That’s how the town got its name. People love the farming lifestyle the area provides, and many keep chicken coops or horses.”
Early 20th-century homes
You’ll find historic homes dating as far back as the early 1900s. Saltbox homes, Craftsman-style homes, colonial-revival homes, triplexes and farmhouses all make up the area. Home prices in the area range from $145,000 to $262,000.
Rural homes with large front porches can be found in Emerald.
Farmhouses are easy to come by in Emerald.
Ranch-style homes can be found in the town of Emerald.
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A top-rated Saint Croix County middle school
Students in the community attend Glenwood City Public Schools, with the elementary, middle and high school all sharing a building. Children attend Glenwood City Elementary School, with an overall Niche grade of C-plus. Next, kids attend Glenwood City Middle School, which has an overall Niche grade of B-plus and was ranked the fifth-best public middle school in Saint Croix County. Teenagers attend Glenwood City High School, which has an overall Niche grade of B-minus.
Snowshoeing and fishing in the Cylon Wildlife Area
Nature enthusiasts have plenty to choose from when it comes to activities. Cylon Wildlife Area is a few minutes north of Emerald. The property spans 2,342 acres and consists of upland and lowland hardwoods, sedge meadow grassland and wetland with open water. It’s the last significant expanse of wild land left in Saint Croix County, and here, locals can experience the pure quiet of the outdoors. Birding, hiking, hunting and trapping are all popular pastimes. Eight miles of the Willow River flows through the area, and locals enjoy fishing and canoeing along its banks. In the winter, visitors take part in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
There’s also Glen Hills Park, a water-based recreation facility with 700 wooded acres surrounding the 78-acre Glen Lake. The park has over 100 campsites and two cabins for fun camping adventures and a landing for boats. Swimming, paddle boating and kayaking are popular nautical activities. Local anglers can fish along the park’s pier, while golfers can play at the park’s 9-hole disc golf course. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, and in the winter, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are all popular pastimes. Many in the area enjoy the equestrian lifestyle, with horse-riding facilities like DayBreak Ranch nearby.
Cylon Wildlife Area is located just north of Emerald.
Just east of Emerald, Glen Hills Park has a 9 hole disc golf course.
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Local saloons bring the community together
When hunger strikes, there are a few great local dives for residents to choose from. The Billy Goat Saloon offers libations and comradery, while Shotgun Saloon occasionally holds fun local events that bring the community together. When residents are craving seafood or steak, they head to Laurel’s Supper Club, a casual dining establishment with cozy décor. When locals need to grab groceries and other household necessities, Nilsson’s grocery is just minutes away.
Order a burger and beer at Shotguns Saloon in Emerald
The Billy Goat Saloon is located on County Road D in Emerald.
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An rural equestrian lifestyle
Emerald is off the beaten path, with travel by car being most common. The equestrian lifestyle is also very popular, with some locals opting to get around town by horseback.
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Discover the perfect blend of opportunity and natural beauty with this stunning 88 acre Property. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, start or add to your existing farm, or secure prime hunting land, this parcel has it all. Newly installed driveway. Approximately 30 acres tillable and 50 acres wooded.
Welcome to your own slice of country paradise! This versatile 40-acre property offers endless possibilities—whether you're dreaming of a hobby farm, a quiet retreat, or an income-generating investment. With 25 acres previously leased for farming and a history of livestock and crop use, the land is ready for your next venture. Enjoy sweeping views from the massive deck or sip your morning coffee
Chalet-Style Retreat on 16.82 Acres with Pond, Guest House & Horse BarnTucked far off the road down a long, private driveway, this stunning chalet-style home is a true country escape. Set on 16.82 scenic acres, the 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features an open-concept layout, vaulted ceilings, and a cozy, rustic charm. A walkout basement offers room to grow, and the 2-car attached garage adds
Discover the perfect blend of opportunity and natural beauty with this stunning 88 acre Property. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, start or add to your existing farm, or secure prime hunting land, this parcel has it all. Newly installed driveway. Approximately 30 acres tillable and 50 acres wooded.
Welcome to your own slice of country paradise! This versatile 40-acre property offers endless possibilities—whether you're dreaming of a hobby farm, a quiet retreat, or an income-generating investment. With 25 acres previously leased for farming and a history of livestock and crop use, the land is ready for your next venture. Enjoy sweeping views from the massive deck or sip your morning coffee
Chalet-Style Retreat on 16.82 Acres with Pond, Guest House & Horse BarnTucked far off the road down a long, private driveway, this stunning chalet-style home is a true country escape. Set on 16.82 scenic acres, the 2-bedroom, 2-bath home features an open-concept layout, vaulted ceilings, and a cozy, rustic charm. A walkout basement offers room to grow, and the 2-car attached garage adds
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