April Reszka quips that “bears are everywhere” in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. But she quickly quells any concerns. “Well, not live bears,” says the executive director of the Mukwonago Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Mukwonago is an alteration of the Potawatomi word “mequanego,” which means “bear’s den.” Although the community has no worries about living among free-roaming bears, wooden carvings of the hefty mammals do stand outside many businesses in this village.
Beyond its attractions, Mukwonago is an active and tight-knit Milwaukee exurb. “It’s very small, very friendly, neighborly and community-oriented,” says Jen Oven, the owner of Oddwillow’s Game Haven. “There’s lots of events that are always running between local festivals and things with the schools. Everyone’s very involved. It’s a wonderful area to be in.”
Mukwonago residents look forward to the farmers market in the summer and fall.
Mukwonago is the Potawatomi word for "Bear's Den" so you will find bears all over the city.
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Ranch-style homes, split-levels and new Traditionals
Homes here are situated in neighborhoods with mature tree canopies. Many were built after the mid-20th century, and common builds include ranch-style houses, split-levels, bi-levels and Colonial Revivals. Mukwonago also has subdivisions of new Traditional and Craftsman-style homes, as seen in areas like the northwest corner of the village.
Single-family homes here mainly cost between $300,000 and $600,000. Prospective buyers can also find condominium and townhouse-style units for between $300,000 and $400,000. Mukwonago's median price is $458,000, more than double Milwaukee’s and slightly higher than the national median.
A lovely Ranch style home stands proudly in Mukwonago.
Split-level homes with mature trees are popular in Mukwonago.
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Mukwonago’s array of shops and diverse eateries
While many businesses exist in the vintage buildings and repurposed houses around downtown — sometimes referred to as the Place of the Bear area — the entire village has various stores and restaurants. Local shops sell merchandise ranging from bikes to board games and trading cards to acoustic guitars and apparel. Patrons at the Vintage Vault Arcade play retro games and pinball machines.
As far as eateries go, Mukwonago has several local cafes and restaurants serving everything from burgers and classic American comfort foods and pizzas to Mexican and Chinese fare. A commercial corridor on the east end has chains like ALDI and Walmart. Nearby, the Elegant Farmer is easy to spot, featuring an oversized smiley face painted on the side of its building. The locale is known for its baked goods and fresh produce.
Mukwonago Township rockstars can check out the Guitar Center on Bluemound Avenue.
The famous smiley-face barn at The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago is sure to put a smile on your face.
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Near plenty of natural areas and the shores of the Phantom Lakes
Hikers can explore hundreds of acres at the Mukwonago River State Natural Area. Here, the pristine Mukwonago River snakes through the nature preserve and flows into the Phantom Lakes. With access points like Indianhead Park, the lakes attract anglers and kayakers alike. The area also boasts rich biodiversity and its wildlife includes over 50 species of fish, reptiles and waterfowl. Nearby, visitors to Mukwonago Park can let their dogs roam free, swim in the pond or even try their hand at archery.
The Mukwonago River is known as one of the cleanest and most biodiverse streams in the area.
Mukwonago residents can go fishing on peaceful Phantom Lake.
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A parade or festival almost every week
When it comes to entertainment, Reszka puts it simply: “We have a parade or festival pretty much every other weekend.” One of the biggest celebrations is December’s Midnight Magic, which features a parade and involves participation from many businesses. For example, some businesses will host photo shoots with Santa or run hot cocoa bars. “And everybody in town is out walking about, shopping and visiting businesses and other events,” Oven says. Other annual events include September’s Fall Fest and a July 3rd fireworks show over Phantom Lakes.
Head to the Mukwonago Farmer's Market on a warm, summer Saturday.
Mukwonago Lions Summerfeste is a beloved local carnival in the summer.
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Served by one of the 30 best districts in Wisconsin
The Mukwonago Area School District serves the area and earns an A grade from Niche. The ratings site also ranks the system among Wisconsin’s 30 best districts. Mukwonago High is known for its strong athletics programs, like its football team, which reached a state title game in 2024. The district also oversees eight schools, all but two of which are elementary schools. The Mukwonago Baptist Academy, one of a few private options, serves students from prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Students in Mukwonago can attend Clarendon Avenue Elementary School.
Mukwonago High School is a well-rated high school in Wisconsin.
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Growing village with manufacturing and health care jobs
Most of Mukwonago falls within Waukesha County, where manufacturing, transportation, education and health care are among the leading fields. Mukwonago’s industrial employers include manufacturers like Banker Wire, a global wire mesh maker headquartered here. The ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital-Mukwonago is another major employer.
Mukwonago has steadily grown over the decades, and the latest U.S. Census estimate shows the village has a population of about 8,500. “The downtown area is definitely really cute, and they’re really working on upgrading that area and bringing more life to it,” Oven says.
Commuters take Wisconsin Highway 83 to Waukesha, the county seat about 13 miles north. Interstate 43 takes commuters to Milwaukee, about 30 miles east. The Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is the region’s hub for commercial flights.
The ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital is a major employer in Mukwonago.
Downtown Mukwonago is a quintessential and charming American town.
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Important to know
Mukwonago lies in a region with harsher winters than other areas like the American South and several portions of the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Averaging over 30 inches a year, the village’s location in the upper Midwest and proximity to Lake Michigan also leads to higher annual snowfall accumulation than other parts of the Heartland.
The latest Mukwonago Police Department data shows 240 reported crimes in 2023, showing a steady annual increase since 2020. However, the village has much lower crime rates than Milwaukee and slightly lower figures than Wisconsin.
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