Fredonia is a charming, rural community 30 miles north of Milwaukee
Fredonia is a Southeast Wisconsin destination 30 miles north of Milwaukee that blends historic charm with rural living. The Town of Fredonia is centered around The Village of Fredonia and its amenities, such as well-rated schools and activity-filled parks. It also includes the smaller villages of Waubeka and Little Kohler. Much of the sprawling community still features the farmland and rolling hills that European settlers found in the mid-1800s, but efforts to modernize include a new industrial park that can take advantage of the nearby Interstate 43 corridor. “It has more of an up-north country feel. There’s a lot of green space,” says Scott Hollrith of Hollrith Realty in nearby Grafton. “It’s a great area. It’s a nice, clean community that is simple to live in.”
Community has held an annual Flag Day celebration since 1946
Waubeka claims to be the birthplace of Flag Day. On June 14, 1885, Bernard J. Cigrand, then an 18-year-old schoolteacher, assigned his students an essay on the American flag. In honor of Cigrand, a Waubeka native, an annual Flag Day celebration began in 1946. Today, the event includes, a program, bands, a parade, and an essay contest. “It’s a big deal,” says Hollrith, who has attended several of the celebrations. “The community all shows up, and it’s an all-day affair. You can eat brats, meet veterans, and the end there’s fireworks.” In addition, Waubeka is home to the National Flag Foundation’s Americanism Center. Featured attractions include a museum and the Avenue of Flags, which features all 27 configurations of the Stars and Stripes.
Historic homes, midcentury homes, new construction and plenty of farmland
The influence of German and Luxembourger settlers can be seen all across the area, especially in the architecture of area churches. Midcentury ranch-style homes on spacious lots are common here. Larger multi-level contemporary homes in subdivisions are the latest residential additions. The land opens up the farther you get from town. “There are a lot of country lots out there,” says Amy Cottrell of Coldwell Banker, who sells homes throughout Ozaukee County. “They offer buyers more land if they want privacy.” The median price in is about $340,000. “It’s more affordable in Ozaukee County to buy there,” Cottrell says. “The housing prices are much lower versus Mequon, Cedarburg or Grafton.” Residents can expect to experience hot summers and cold, snowy winters, both affected by proximity to Lake Michigan, which is less than 10 miles away.
Waubedonia Park is a regional attraction on the Milwaukee River
Parks are the center of community activity. Marie Kraus Park is a large, wooded green space home to a disc golf course. Oak Park hosts youth baseball games. Freedom Park is home to community events, including a concert series. Several smaller parks offer playgrounds among their amenities. Waubedonia Park features soccer fields on one side and access to the Milwaukee River on the other. It is a popular spot for campers during the summer and snowmobilers in the winter. Outdoors enthusiasts can float the river, which runs through a large portion of the community’s south side. “You can go at least 15 miles down the river to Grafton, or go the other way to West Bend,” Hollrith says. “It’s off the beaten path, but it’s connected.” Boaters and anglers can enjoy the river, as well as Lake Michigan. Nearby Harrington Beach State Park is a popular seasonal destination on the lakefront.
Northern Ozaukee School District earns a B-plus from Niche
The Northern Ozaukee School District, which earns a B-plus from Niche, is headquartered on a campus that includes a trio of schools that serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Ozaukee Elementary and Ozaukee High schools are B-rated by Niche. Ozaukee Middle School earns an A-minus.
Drinking, dining stops concentrated in the Village of Fredonia
Like housing and parks, dining and drinking options are concentrated in the Village of Fredonia. Jen’s Place, Fredonia Family Restaurant and Tom & Jodi’s Fredonia Inn are popular destinations for eating and unwinding. Stony Hill Bar & Grill and The Dawg House are located in Waubeka. Walmart offers one-stop shopping in nearby Saukville.
Sheboygan, Milwaukee are easily accessible
Wisconsin Highway 57 runs through the community’s east side on the edge of the Village of Fredonia, providing most of the population a direct route to nearby destinations such as Random Lake and Saukville. Highway 57 connects to I-43 south of the community in Saukville and provides direct access to regional destinations. Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital – Ozaukee is about 15 miles away via I-43. “You’re close enough to everything that it’s not a monster drive,” Hollrith says. “You can go to Sheboygan, Grafton, Milwaukee. It’s an easy commute.” Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is about a 40-mile drive down the interstate.
The community’s CAP Index crime score of 2-out-of-10 is lower than the national average.
Written By
Matt Pallister
