Mondovi has outdoor recreation and small-town life in rural Wisconsin
Mondovi is a small city in western Wisconsin, where rifle shots ringing out during deer season are the loudest noises around. The community is nationally renowned for its white-tailed deer, which makes sense given the rural, countryside setting. "There are a variety of reasons people would move here. I just sold a home, and the buyers were from California. They just wanted to be out here where there's peace and quiet," says Wanda Johnson, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker Brenizer Realtors, who has over 30 years of experience. "It's just a quiet, small community." Set along the Buffalo River and with several wildlife areas nearby, Mondovi offers lots of room for outdoor activity. Major employers include Marten Transport, the school district and a local nursing home. While the peacefulness is a big draw to the area, residents have an easy drive to nearby cities like Eau Claire and Menomonie.
A mix of 20th-century cottages and ranch-style homes
Most homes in Mondovi are from the early 1900s to the 1970s. Earlier styles include cottages, American Foursquares and the occasional Victorian. Around the middle of the century, ranch-style homes became the dominant trend in town. Most residential streets have sidewalks and tall pines, oaks and maples scattered throughout the front yards. Much of the area is suburban, but it is possible to find lots of a half-acre to an acre, especially in the Valley Estates subdivision. Most homes in Mondovi sell for $120,000 to $400,000.
Buffalo County draws hunters with record-setting deer
Mondovi's countryside location gives residents quick access to various recreational activities. "Hunting is really big. They're known for their hunting. It matches Christmas," Johnson says. "Kids take off from school. It's a huge deal. The stores have 'widows' sales' for the wives left alone during hunting season." Buffalo County is known nationwide for producing the most Boone and Crockett Club Record-Book white-tailed deer. Big Swamp Wildlife Area is a public natural area about 5 miles from town, known for being a good spot to hunt deer, black bears and small game. A little farther out of town, Tiffany Wildlife Area offers over 13,000 acres for deer hunting. Parks in the city include Sharps Point Park, which has a playground, picnic areas and the city's veterans' memorial on the banks of Mirror Lake. The Buffalo River State Trail is a 36-mile path from Mondovi to Fairchild, passing through fields, farms and woodlands.
Casual dining and everyday shopping downtown
Mondovi Family Restaurant is a casual spot on Main Street serving breakfast and other comfort food. McT's is a locally owned fast-food spot known for its ice cream and milkshakes. Buzz's Bar & Grill serves standard bar fare like burgers and wings. Downtown is also home to thrift shops, a pharmacy and a hardware store. Groceries are available at Hansen's IGA Market. Residents can drive to Eau Claire for more shopping and dining options.
County Fair brings excitement to town every summer
The Buffalo County Fair takes place at the fairgrounds on Harrison Street in early August. The community comes together to see events like a tractor pull, demolition derby and live music. The fair also includes carnival rides and livestock shows.
Career-focused programs and dual enrollment at Mondovi High
Mondovi Elementary School earns a B from Niche, while Mondovi Middle School gets a B-minus. Mondovi High School also receives a B and offers several career and technical education courses, including agriculture, business and technology education. Students can take dual credit courses through Chippewa Valley Technical College and participate in work-based learning, which allows them to work at local businesses during school hours.
State highways and county roads connect to nearby cities
Wisconsin Highway 37 offers a 23-mile drive northeast to Eau Claire. The city of Menomonie is about 33 miles away via county roads H and J. U.S. Route 10 also passes through the area, leading east-west across the state. The closest hospital is Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
