Lancaster balances a nostalgic vibe with a growth mindset
The Grant County seat of Lancaster in rural southwest Wisconsin was built around a central town square with mom-and-pops and an iconic Classical Revival courthouse. While its multigenerational businesses and architecture offer a historic, small-town feel, Lancaster keeps boosting its school ratings, parks and industry. "I think the draw is being the county seat, having the courthouse and those nostalgic small businesses around the square with the ability to grow," says Brad Klaas, a lifelong Lancaster resident and Realtor with Platteville Realty. "We've had some big businesses come to town, and we're actively working on some stuff through the city as far as bigger businesses."
Mix of historic homes and newer builds on spacious lots
The housing selection here balances turn-of-the-20th-century properties with newer homes and building opportunities. Existing homes include ranch-style, Dutch Colonial, cottage, bungalow and Victorian properties. The median single-family price is about $190,000. "There are many small subdivisions with multiple homes that are newer in them," Klaas says. "So, you have the ability to build and be in some very nice areas – bigger lots, a little more secluded – that subdivision-type feel, but you're not paying homeowner's association [fees] and the crazy stuff that goes along with it."
Lancaster schools surpass state standards and emphasize career readine
Lancaster Community Schools serves the area. Winskill Elementary School, which gets a B from Niche, boasts a math proficiency level double that of the Wisconsin average. The school adjusted its teaching approach several years ago, and now 80% of students meet or exceed expectations in the subject. Kids can also attend Lancaster Middle School, which gets a B-minus, and Lancaster High School, which gets a B. The district supports age-appropriate career readiness activities for all grade levels, beginning with field trips in elementary school. High schoolers can access career and technical education opportunities, youth apprenticeships and dual enrollment courses. St. Clement's Catholic School is a religious private school option serving preschool through sixth grade. "The schools are a big part of it [the appeal]," Klaas says. "I think we have a very good reputation school-wise."
From coffee to fitness, local favorites anchor the community
Lancaster's central town square is walkable for many residents, with locally owned shops and restaurants. Walker's Clothing and Shoes has been a downtown anchor since 1928 and offers a wide selection for adults and kids. The Coffee Tree serves espresso drinks and breakfast burritos. Doolittle's Pub & Eatery serves sandwiches, burgers, pizza and other casual bites for lunch and dinner. The glass-domed courthouse earns Lancaster the nickname "City of the Dome."
Piggly Wiggly is also centrally located in town. On Lancaster's east side, Elite Fitness offers personal training, massage and acupuncture. Larger retailers are nearby in Dubuque. "That's a big draw, too — having the ability to get some things locally without driving crazy far, but we’re also 40 minutes to Dubuque, where you can shop the mall and all the big box stores," Klaas says.
Outdoor spaces include a city park, pool and golf course
Memorial Park is Lancaster's most popular recreation area, with a swimming pool, 74 picnic tables, playground equipment, a 9-hole disc golf course, two softball diamonds and a pond. The upgraded public pool features a twisty slide, diving board, lap lanes, a shallow area and a clubhouse. "It's a wonderful addition to the town," Klaas says.
The Memorial Park fishing pond is open to kids 16 and younger. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources restocked it in 2025 with rainbow and brown trout. "There are little kids down there fishing away almost daily," Klaas says. "Parents are always helping pull bluegills off the line. They catch them by the dozen." The Lancaster Municipal Golf Course has grown from 9 to 18 holes and is a major attraction with several annual tournaments.
Community events include summer festivals and holiday traditions
The Chamber of Commerce organizes several community events, like Night on the Square in July. The festivities include kids' games, food from local nonprofits and a demonstration by America's Best Karate Education Center, a martial arts school on the town square. "It's a place for small businesses to come in and promote what they've got," Klaas says. Lancaster rings in the holidays with the Night of Frosty Cheer tree lighting ceremony, featuring tractor rides, a s'mores station and chili cook-off contest. The Grant County Fair in August is another annual highlight with traditional carnival rides, food, 4-H competitions and country line dancing.
Locals may walk or bike in town,
The town offers a pedestrian-friendly layout and infrastructure. "It's a very well put-together town, basically centered around the square, so it's walking distance virtually everywhere,” Klaas says. “They've got bike lanes, which is pretty cool, on Madison Street now, so you can get from one side of town to the other."
Locals mainly rely on cars for longer travel as fixed bus routes aren't available. U.S Highway 61 serves travelers to Dubuque, about 30 miles south. U.S. Highways 151 and 18 and State Highways 35, 81 and 129 are also nearby. Dubuque Regional Airport is the closest commercial airport, about 40 miles south. Locals have close access to healthcare, including emergency care, at Grant Regional Health Center, a 25-bed critical access hospital in town.
