Waterford is a farm community with popular waterway
Waterford, Wisconsin, is a village and town on the rural outskirts of the Milwaukee region. The village is located along the Fox River, which past settlers would frequently ford, or cross, to go to the market. Today, the river draws kayakers and anglers and has a few restaurants and bars near its banks. The village and town are a combined community of roughly 12,000 people. The village has a historic downtown and riverside parks, while the surrounding town is farmland used for growing crops like corn and soybeans. Waterford Town Supervisor Dale Gauerke says the local waterway is one of the community’s draws. “We have the Fox River, which goes all through the community,” he says. “It’s an important recreational area, and people love to be on the water. There are lots of boaters and homeowners with water frontage. They really enjoy that lifestyle.”
Waterford offers a mix of homes near outdoor amenities
Homes in the village line both straight and winding roads. Neighborhood amenities include open spaces and a walking trail between several homes and the Fox River. One of the open spaces, Fairview Park, has benches and picnic tables around a pond. Homes and condominiums near the river also have private docks with pontoons. Houses include Colonial Revival, ranch-style and modern traditional homes. Single-family homes go from about $290,000 to $600,000, while condos mostly run between $240,000 and $450,000. “There’s a new subdivision on the east side that’s really starting to fill up fast. I imagine those will be young families,” Gauerke says. “There’s also a lot of people who have lived here for many years. They like it and don’t want to move.”
Recreation includes fishing, boating, biking and wildlife viewing
Village Hall Park is among several places with fishing spots and boat launches. The park also hosts a free summer concert series called River Rhythms. Whitford Park has a playground and a few baseball and softball fields for local leagues. The Fox River flows into Tichigan Lake, another fishing destination north of the village. The lake’s fish include bass, trout and catfish. The lake is also near the diverse habitats of the 1,500-acre Tichigan Wildlife Area. The preserve is popular for birdwatching, and its bird population includes waterfowl, woodpeckers and bald eagles. Local cyclists may access Seven Waters Trail, a 17-mile path that reaches other regional destinations like Muskego Lake. Rivermoor Golf Club and Restaurant offers a public 18-hole course.
Waterford offers diverse cuisines, wine bar and waterfront dining
Several restaurants are in Waterford’s historic downtown. The area has buildings with vintage glass storefronts and several benches and planters on the sidewalks. Residents may start their day at Kat’s Coffee House, a cafe with coffee-themed art on its walls. Kat’s is near Scungilli’s Italian Eatery, where the menu includes panini, sausage, meatballs and cannolis. Thai Italina and Marty’s Restaurant each offer a diverse mix of cuisines. Marty’s serves a mix of Mexican and classic American fare. Bars include Oak Wine & Spirits, which is popular for its cocktails and self-pour wines. Doc’s on the Fox offers dining right along the Fox River. Pick n’ Save provides a grocery shopping option.
Waterford Graded School District serves the community
Depending on where they live, students may attend Washington-Caldwell School District, which serves students from 4-year-old kindergarten to eighth grade. Washington-Caldwell gets an A-minus from Niche. Other elementary schools in the area include Evergreen Elementary, which receives an A-minus. Students may then go to Fox River Middle School and Waterford Union High School, which both get A-minus grades. Fox River Middle hosts December’s Winterfest, a community drive. The event includes craft and food vendors and photo opportunities with Santa.
Waterford has a July 4 parade and summer concert series
During the summer, many wear patriotic clothes and bring out their American flags for the 4th of July Parade on Main Street. Parade participants have included flag-bearing cowboys on horseback. Between June and August, many come out to Ten Club Park on Monday nights for Fun & Food on First. The weekly event involves live music and food trucks.
Commuters take Wisconsin Highway 36 to Milwaukee
Wisconsin Highway 36 passes through the village. Commuters may take the highway to Milwaukee, less than 30 miles from Waterford. Milwaukee is home to Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, the region’s hub for commercial flights. Waterford is also less than 10 miles north of Aurora Medical Center - Burlington, one of the nearest hospitals to the village.
Waterford gets winter snow
Newcomers to the area should expect winter snowfall. The area usually receives 26 inches of snowfall annually. However, places in other parts of the state, like the Driftless Area, get more snow.
Photography Contributed By
Otto Rascon
