Kewaskum's access to the outdoors and small-town charm
Kewaskum calls itself the Gateway to the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The park is a big attraction for hikers in the region, but this isn’t the only way Kewaskum residents can get outside. In addition to local parks, state trails go through and around the community, inviting local bikers and hikers and long-haul backpackers from across the state. At home in the town of Kewaskum, people have plenty to do when they aren’t looking to get outside or do too much hiking, from local restaurants to baseball leagues. “It’s a small community and everybody knows everybody’s business,” says real estate agent Sharon Ellis with RE/MAX United. “But everybody is very helpful and accommodating.”
From state forests and national trails to community parks
The Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit stretches across 30,000 acres along Kewaskum’s eastern side. Formed by glaciers, the hilly landscape has trails specifically for biking and skiing. Mauthe and Long lakes also have beaches. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also goes through the forest, a popular backpacking trail that runs almost 1,200 miles across Wisconsin. The entrance point in Kewaskum makes access easy for residents. The trail also intersects with another — Eisenbahn State Trail. “It is very attractive for snowmobiling in the winter and then biking in the summer.” In town, Kewaskum Kiwanis Community Park’s six baseball diamonds host the local leagues, which Ellis states is a big deal here. “It starts with T-ball and then moves up to adult baseball,” Ellis says. The park also has tennis and pickleball courts. “River Hill Park has the river going through it, and there’s fishing,” Ellis says. “They just put in a kayak launch.” Hon-E-Kor Country Club is a 27-hole golf course that’s open to the public. It splits into three separate nines, and visitors can choose which sets they want to play in a game. In the winter, Sunburst Ski Area offers skiing, snowboarding and a large tubing area with 45 chutes.
Kewaskum's diverse housing stock in and outside of town limits
In town, New Traditionals, split levels and ranch-style homes line the wide streets. Young trees sit along the curb, but most yards are without too much ornamentation or personalization. Condos and apartment complexes are also common. The single-family homes and condos typically range from $180,000 to $450,000. Outside of the town’s limits, the setting is more rural, with open fields and farmlands. Homes are more spread out, situated at the end of long driveways and offer anywhere from 2 to 16 acres. Home styles are range, including farmhouses, ranch-style homes, custom builds and French-influenced houses. The wide range also applies to the housing prices, where smaller homes and plots start around $370,000 and larger, sprawling plots sell as high as $830,000.
Kewaskum's public schools all receive about B ratings
Kewaskum’s school district includes two elementary schools, one for students who live in the town and one for the ones who live in the surrounding areas. Kewaskum Elementary School serves the former, while Farmington Elementary School houses the latter. Both feed into Kewaskum Middle School. All three schools receive A-minus ratings from Niche. Kewaskum High School receives a B and offers free live streams for all its sporting events.
Local cafe and restaurant options and West Bend's supermarkets
In the morning, locals stop in The Coffee Corner Bistro for caffeinated drinks and bagels. While there’s plenty of seating inside, people can also sit outside on the small deck surrounded by flowerboxes. Out of Kewaskum’s town limits, the Great Outdoors Supper Club serves ribs, steaks, seafood and pasta. It hosts a book club on the second Sunday of the month, offering another chance for locals to connect. Kewaskum’s only grocery store is Piggly Wiggly, but nearby West Bend also has a Walmart Supercenter, Aldi and Meijer about 10 miles away.
U.S. and state routes link Kewaskum with the surrounding areas
U.S. Route 42 runs down the center of Kewaskum, linking it to other towns like West Bend, about 7 miles south. Kewaskum Health Center is off this thoroughfare on the northern side of town. Wisconsin Route 28 cuts through the eastern portion of the community, linking the town with the more rural properties and areas. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is 40 miles away.
Seasonal community events hosted right in the center of Kewaskum
From June to August, River Hill Park hosts Music in the Park on Tuesday evenings. People can also get food and drinks before the music starts. In December, the Kewaskum Christmas Parade goes through the center of town. The parade has a different theme each year, and different organizations enter with their own interpretations of the theme. However, it always closes with Santa’s float as the grand finale.
Written By
Caroline Ernst