Though Platteville's lead and zinc mines no longer operate, the city honors its strong mining history with museums, mascots and a giant M overlooking the city. In 1936, mining students carved an acre-sized letter from snow on the side of Platte Mount. The giant letter is now permanent, made from limestone and cement, and can be seen in parts of Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa when lit with candles for events.
Today, Platteville is home to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and the population of 12,000 grows by more than 50% during the school year. "It's also the hub for education, commerce, culture and jobs in southwestern Wisconsin," says City Manager Clinton Langreck. "There are family names that can be traced back for many generations here," he says. "But there are also new families moving here all the time, thanks to our university and employers."
The iconic giant "M" hike sits four miles east of Platteville for all to enjoy.
Platteville now leads southwestern Wisconsin in education, commerce, culture, and jobs.
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University of Wisconsin-Platteville was Wisconsin Mining Trade School
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville enrolls nearly 6,500 students. The mascot, Pioneer Pete, is a miner honoring the university's earliest days as Wisconsin Mining Trade School. The university is the area's top employer, followed by healthcare, retail trade, food services and manufacturing. Southwest Health Center employs 475 people.
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, originally Wisconsin Mining Trade School, has 6,500 students.
Southwest Health is one of the major employers in Platteville.
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The city is adding affordable housing
Houses in Platteville were mainly built between the late 1800s and the mid-1900s. The median price is $250,000, much less than the national median. Small Cape Cods start at around $80,000, while Queen Anne Victorians reach up to $400,000. New traditional homes in subdivisions sell as high as $750,000.
According to the most recent census, homeownership is around 40%. "There's been an inventory shortage of low-end, affordable homes for a few years," says Nate Lancaster, an Advantage Real Estate Group, eXp Realty broker. "Many parents buy them for their kids attending the university, and a few large landlords also buy them up right away."
The city purchased about 30 acres of land to combat housing shortages and is working with developers to build new homes by 2026. "Affordable housing is the category we're aiming to hit," Langreck says.
In Platteville, traditional ranch-style homes are a popular and easily found choice.
Well-maintained Queen Anne Victorian homes in Platteville add charm to the city.
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Beautiful hills and valleys
Getting active outside is a big part of life in Platteville. Lancaster says some people move to the area because they’re looking for a rural community with what he describes as “beautiful surroundings.”
"The topography is stunning and so unique with hills, valleys and even bluffs," he says.
Completed in 2023, the $1.3 million Platteville Inclusive Playground follows ADA compliance. Rountree Branch Trail stretches from the western end of the university to the city's eastern edge and is lit at night.
According to the NOAA, Platteville has mild, humid summers and cold and snowy winters, with an average of 43 inches of snow. "With the wind chill, it can get as cold as 30 degrees below zero," Lancaster says. "It's the kind of place where you hope you have a remote start for your car."
Your little ones will enjoy every moment at Platteville Inclusive Playground in Platteville.
Platteville locals can enjoy hiking along the scenic Rountree Branch Trail.
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Celebrating history with events and parades
Locals can browse through thousands of garage sales during the city-wide sale in May, and music lovers can enjoy the weekly Music in the Park series from June through August in City Park. Events and parades celebrate annual holidays, and Hometown Festival Weeks highlights and honors the history of Platteville. The Mining Museum and Rollo Jamison Museum offer underground tours of the 1840s lead mines and a ride on a once-operational train. Both students and the community attend the university's 16 NCAA Division III sporting events, and the Center for the Arts performing arts theater on UW-Platteville's campus has more than 20 events annually.
Platteville’s Mining Museums offer lead mine tours and a ride on a historic train.
Platteville locals enjoy live music on Thursday evenings at City Park downtown from June to August.
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Buying root beer with a cause
Fast food chains and national casual restaurants are on the city's outskirts, and locally owned eateries and shops are downtown along Main Street and its side roads. Platteville Main Street Root Beer is available at many restaurants and shops, and proceeds go to The Main Street Program. This non-profit organization aims to restore and preserve Platteville's historic character.
Locally owned shops and eateries can be found along Main Street and side roads in Platteville.
Platteville’s Main Street Program works to restore and preserve the city’s historic character.
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Home of Henry Hillman
Children living in Platteville attend Platteville School District, rated A-minus by Niche. The district is the highest rated in Grant County and the 33rd highest in Wisconsin. Platteville High School's mascot is Henry Hillman, a nod to the region's hills and valleys.
Platteville Middle School provides education in the Platteville area.
Students are offered a great education at Platteville High School.
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Important to know
Platteville is just north of U.S. Highway 151, which runs diagonally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and passes through Madison. Platteville Public Transportation has buses throughout the city. Dubuque Regional Airport offers commercial flights nearby, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport offers international flights just 166 miles east.
The Platteville Police Department reported a slight increase in crime from 2022 to 2023:134 in 2022 compared to 157 in 2023.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Chon Kit Leong
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brad Klaas,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Platteville, WI sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Platteville, WI over the last 12 months is $253,750, up 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
The country property you've been waiting for! This serene lot offers solitude while being close to town where you can relax on the large screened-in porch or in the colder months, the sunken living room is the perfect spot to cozy in. The main floor has it all! You'll enjoy a large master bedroom with on-suite, main floor laundry, pantry, and 2 other bedrooms. A non-conforming room in the
Offer-Bump. Tucked away in a small, peaceful subdivision, this stunning 5-bed, 2-bath home is perfect for those who crave the tranquility of country living while staying connected to a community. Step inside and be enchanted by the tasteful blend of modern farmhouse charm and boho chic—a style that instantly makes you feel right at home. You’ll fall in love with the almost 1-acre lot—a true
This delightful cape cod will check all your home search boxes! It's got FIVE bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. On the first floor you'll find the kitchen and dining, plus a main floor living space, laundry with a 1/2 bath, the primary bedroom with it's own bath and an office nook space. Head downstairs to a very large lower level rec space, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, HUGE storage, with a walk out basement.
JUST LIKE COUNTRY- WITH CITY CONVENIENCE! Check out this well maintained 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath ranch home with attached 2 car garage. Greet each day with your cup of coffee in the delightful sunroom. Step into the the kitchen, with main floor laundry just off that. It has 1800 sq ft, and room to finish the basement. A north side location near golf course, and walking trail, it is situated on 2
*INCOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. *STUDENT RESTRICTIONS. *PLEASE CONTACT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FOR DETAILS.Thank you for your interest in Ruxton. As a newcomer to the downtown area, Ruxton pays homage to Platteville’s industrial roots. Once home to the showroom of Pioneer Ford, the building’s past informs its way forward. The name is an ode to the New Era Motor’s Ruxton of 1929—a car that’s both
Pet Friendly Pioneer Apartments is under new ownership and management as of April 2023 and our mission is to create an inclusive, safe, and comfortable home for students, families, and other groups.Pioneer Apartments consists of 3 apartment buildings and for the first time ever we are allowing pets in 830 and 880 Union Street!We will also be available for those with housing
Washington Place offers a combination of comfort, style, and quality. You'll find this community at 250 N Washington St in Platteville. The leasing team is ready to help you find the best floor plan for your lifestyle. Give us a call now to check the current floor plan availability.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
