Forests and river recreation define the Peshtigo area
Peshtigo is a small community located about 50 miles north of Green Bay and just west of Marinette . The city and its more rural surrounding town share the name Peshtigo, and residents of both have access to river recreation and thousands of acres of forests. Although there are a few industries and businesses in the area, proximity to U.S. Route 41 also allows it to serve as a bedroom community for Marinette.
From the mid-1800s through 1871, a large sawmill made Peshtigo a center for the logging and lumber industry. That changed in October 1871, when a forest fire swept through the region, destroying structures and claiming hundreds of lives. Since then, forestry practices have evolved, and the community has rebuilt with safety in mind.
The Peshtigo Flowage and oodles of state lands draw outdoor lovers
The Peshtigo River and the bay of Green Bay offer many opportunities for recreation. The Peshtigo Flowage — the wide, lake-like area above the city’s dam — is popular for boating and swimming. The lower portion is known for its trout fishing, and in the fall, salmon swim up toward the dam to spawn. A boat ramp along Shore Drive provides access to the bay.
In addition to water sports, the region boasts “oodles and oodles of county-owned and state-owned lands,” says Kyle McDonald, an associate broker with Bigwoods Realty, Inc., who has lived in the area for about 10 years. “If you’re an outdoorsperson, there’s always something to do outside.” One destination is the Peshtigo Harbor Unit, which spans nearly 7,000 acres near the mouth of the river. It’s open to a variety of activities, including hunting, trapping and cross-country skiing.
Smaller green spaces include the 60-acre Badger Park, featuring a playground, a disc golf course and a swimming beach. Peshtigo Youth Baseball holds practices and games at the East Side Ball Parks, and Harper Park hosts an ice rink during the winter. Golfers also have a choice of two 18-hole courses, both of which are open to the public.
Variety of homes on city lots or spacious town parcels
Many of Peshtigo’s oldest homes rest along the tree-lined streets near the river, and some were built shortly after the fire. Other city options include midcentury ranch-style houses and post-2000 New Traditionals. Outside city limits, there are a few residential developments, but the landscape tends to be more rural, with tall evergreens or fields between homes. Sales typically range from $120,000 to $390,000.
Parts of the community lie within flood zones, and lenders may require flood insurance. The area's CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4. While the city provides water and sewer service, most town homeowners rely on private wells and septic systems.
Peshtigo district offers AP and dual-credit programs
Children who live in the city or town of Peshtigo are served by the Peshtigo School District, which gets an overall B-minus rating from Niche. Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center also receives a B-minus, while Peshtigo Middle/High School is rated C for middle grades and B-minus for high school. High schoolers have several options to get a jump start on earning college credits, including Advanced Placement courses and the University of Oshkosh’s Cooperative Academic Partnership Program. Some rural properties may fall under the Marinette or Coleman school districts, both of which have C-plus Niche ratings.
Grocery shopping and restaurants along French Street
Businesses and homes line the edges of French Street, the city’s main artery. Pharmacies, convenience stores and Lofaro’s Fresh Market, the local grocery store, provide access to most everyday needs. Peshtigo Café is a popular sit-down breakfast spot, and Sprinkles serves ice cream and burgers. McDonald recommends Brown’s Corner. “It’s your typical Wisconsin supper club — you go get your fish fry on Fridays or prime rib on Saturday nights,” he says. For more shopping and dining options, residents head to Pinetree Mall in nearby Marinette, which has big-box retail and chain restaurants.
The annual Peshtigo Historical Day features a parade and fireworks
Peshtigo hosts small-scale events throughout the year, including bingo nights and seasonal activities. The community’s largest celebration is Peshtigo Historical Day, which takes place in September. Festivities begin with a parade into Badger Park, where there are bouncy houses and historical reenactments. Live bands perform throughout the day, and in the evening, there’s a fireworks display along the river.
A few transportation options, but most drivers use U.S. Route 41
Cyclists can take rural county roads to travel to and from Marinette, and during the winter months, residents can follow the snowmobile trails that wind through the region. Marinette County Elderly Services offers limited on-demand transportation services, and Indian Trails buses also stop in the city.
The main thoroughfare for car travel is U.S. Route 41. Green Bay, located about 50 miles south, is home to Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport. Emergency care is available at Aurora Medical Center-Bay Area in Marinette, less than 10 miles away. Freight trains occasionally pass through Peshtigo, which creates noise and may cause traffic delays.
