Union Grove is a “small, tight-knit” community amid farmland
Union Grove, Wisconsin, is one of several rural communities west of Racine. Farmland with acres of corn and other crops surrounds the village of about 5,000 people. The community has homes from various generations, several parks and sports fields and a historic downtown with local eateries and bars. The community also hosts events ranging from small gatherings to the annual Racine County Fair. “It’s a very small, tight-knit community, where they support each other in almost every way possible,” says Justin Miklaszewski, owner of Two Creeks Farm, a local butcher shop. “The community will help neighbors and help businesses. They always come to parties that other businesses might put on. I like how friendly and outgoing they are, and they’re very supportive.”
Homes range from older Queen Annes to New Traditionals
Homes are located along straight roads, and some have sidewalks. Some residents also live next to neighborhood parks, one of which has a pond and a small baseball field. While their sizes vary, many lots have space for backyard pools and other features. Housing styles include Queen Anne, American Foursquare, Craftsmen and ranch-styles. Depending on size and condition, many homes go from about $240,000 to $600,000. Several new homes sell for up to $830,000. A few homes sold as investment properties for less than $200,000. Condos and duplexes also go from $220,000 to $370,000. The village also has manufactured homes.
Restaurants make classic breakfasts, comfort foods and baked treats
The village’s historic downtown has vintage brick buildings and staples, including Just Brew It, where staff often customize patrons’ drinks at their request. Mulberry’s Pancakes & Cafe is another breakfast destination, while Baking Bird makes cakes and other desserts. The bakery’s decor includes numerous birdhouse ornaments covering a mural of two trees. “They do a lot of different stuff,” Miklaszewski says. “She’s got cheesecake, cookies and she does hot ham and rolls with us on Sundays.” Dining spots outside downtown include Early Bird Cafe, which serves American comfort foods and breakfast. Nearby, Tincan Roadhouse has bar fare and weekly fish fries. Residents may do their grocery shopping at Piggly Wiggly.
Union Grove has amenities for indoor and outdoor sports
School Yard Park is one of the village’s largest open spaces. The park has a few playgrounds, baseball fields and open space used for soccer. The park also has a short trail. Since the early 2020s, the park’s pavilion has been a destination for small community gatherings. American Legion Memorial Park is another open space with a designated area for dogs. Ryan Moe/Michael Young Memorial Park has another playground. Old Settlers Bowling Center offers indoor activities. Sand volleyball courts are also outside the bowling alley.
The village is home to Union Grove elementary and high schools
The village is home to Union Grove Elementary School and Union Grove High School. The elementary school receives a B-minus from Niche, while the high school gets a B-plus. Union Grove Elementary serves students from kindergarten to eighth grade. In October, the elementary school hosts the annual Fall Craft Fair and Bake Sale, a major fundraiser for clubs like the softball team and safety patrol. The event involves book sales and over 100 craft vendors. Union Grove High was the Racine area's fourth-best high school in 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Events range from community gatherings to Racine County Fair
The Racine County Fairgrounds are on the outskirts of Union Grove. Each July, many come to the fair to get on carnival rides and watch bull riding shows, a beauty pageant, tractor and truck pulls and a demolition derby. The village also has smaller community gatherings. In January, Two Creek Farms invites the community to sample a variety of cooked meats and other sides. “Our business puts out 50-plus different samples for customers to try and taste. It’s completely free, and we run a bunch of different sales,” Miklaszewski says. “Customers can come in, grab a plate and basically try anything.”
Commuters take I-94 to Milwaukee
Wisconsin Highway 11 passes through the area and goes to Racine, 16 miles east. Union Grove is also a few miles west of Interstate 94. Commuters may take the interstate to go to Milwaukee, 30 miles north. The Brew City is home to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights. Union Grove commuters may also take Wisconsin Highway 11 to Racine, less than 20 miles east. Union Grove is 7 miles west of Aurora Medical Center Mount Pleasant, the nearest hospital.
The area receives substantial snow during the winter
Winter snowfall is common in the greater Milwaukee and Racine area. Union Grove usually receives 41 inches of snow annually.
