Fennimore offers cozy living in Grant County
Fennimore is a rural community of about 3,000 in Grant County, southwestern Wisconsin, offering a peaceful setting and easy access to outdoor recreation. The town is in the Driftless Area and near the Big Green River and other streams, and has become a fly-fishing mecca. Within the community, Fennimore has educational institutes, recreational venues, medical clinics and local businesses, making it a self-sufficient community. “It definitely has more of a small-town atmosphere than country living,” says Ashley Edge, local resident and city clerk. “We have two major highways that come through town, so there’s easy transportation access. People are about 30 minutes away from larger cities like Dodgeville and Prairie du Chien.” Fennimore has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Tree-lined streets and modest homes in a country setting
Surrounded by rolling hills and green valleys, Fennimore’s city center follows a grid layout. Most streets are lined with mature trees, and only some roads have sidewalks. Single-family homes span from the late 1800s to the 2000s, ranging from modest cottages and Craftsman bungalows to ranch-style builds. Larger Colonial Revivals and houses with Queen Anne influence are also in the housing mix. Lots can go up to about one-third of an acre, with green lawns, backyard decks and gardens. Prices typically range from around $100,000 to $300,000. Edge said the city plows roads after winter snows, and that Fennimore is situated on a hilltop, so flooding is rarely an issue.
Education resources include reputable public schools and tech college
The city is served by Fennimore Community Schools, which is rated by Niche as the No. 2 best school district in Grant County. Schools include Fennimore Elementary School, which earns a B-plus from Niche, and Fennimore Middle & High School. The middle school grades get a B, and the high school grades get a B-plus. The school’s career and technical education department offers activities like local career fairs, college visits, apprenticeships and job shadowing opportunities. “Our school system is a huge perk for families, and our schools have won the National Blue Ribbon Schools distinction awards,” Edge says. “Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is another huge draw, and it was named by Forbes as the best two-year trade school in Wisconsin. There are lots of resources for students here.” The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is about 25 miles south and offers over 50 undergraduate programs.
Parks, waterways and trails offer year-round recreation
For outdoor recreation, the city has a community swimming pool, several sports fields and parks, as well as recreational programs for youth sports and camps. The city’s 18-hole disc golf course is at Oakwood Nature Park, which also has nature trails for hiking and cross-country skiing. Marsden Park features play equipment and sports courts, and cyclists can explore the 15-mile Dinky Bike Route that stretches between Fennimore and Woodman. Locals often go fly-fishing and trout fishing, and popular fishing spots around Fennimore include the Blue River State Fishery Area and the Big Green River. In addition, the county has miles of snowmobile trails, and the nine-hole Hickory Grove Golf Course is open to the public.
Shopping and dining options around Lincoln Avenue
Restaurants and businesses are concentrated along Lincoln Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare. Friederick's Family Restaurant has homestyle comfort food. Locals can tune in to a game over pub food and drinks at Cottonwood Sports Bar & Supper Club, which first opened in 1964. Bender's Foods and Dollar General cover daily groceries and essentials. Walmart is approximately 30 miles away in Platteville.
Distance to Dubuque and Madison
U.S. routes 18 and 61 pass through the city. Dubuque, Iowa, is about 40 miles south, and Madison is approximately 70 miles east. Dane County Regional Airport is in Madison, and Grant Regional Health Center is about 10 miles away in Lancaster.
Events and celebrations in the city
On weekends, families can take their kids to the Fennimore Doll and Toy Museum to see vintage toys and memorabilia, and history fans can visit the Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum. The Heritage Day Celebration features local food stands, family-fun activities and free entry to local participating museums. The city’s winter holiday festival has a craft show, a tree lighting ceremony and a parade.
