Franklin, WI
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Medical Institutions and Healthcare
Franklin is a suburban city in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, known for its rapid growth, strong community, and preserved pioneer history at Legend Park.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Franklin, Wisconsin.
- Administrative Role: Franklin is a city with its own mayor and common council. It is a principal suburb within the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
- Location: The city is located in Milwaukee County, in the southeastern part of the state of Wisconsin, USA . The region is known as a vibrant industrial and cultural hub on the western shore of Lake Michigan.
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Founding Name: The area was originally part of the Town of Kinnikinick before being established as the Town of Franklin in 1841. The name "Franklin" was chosen to honor the esteemed American founding father, Benjamin Franklin .
- Nickname: By the 1950s, Franklin had earned the nickname "City of Homes" due to its rapid development of residential neighborhoods serving as a suburb for workers in nearby Milwaukee .
Date of Foundation and Age
- Year of First Mention / Founding: The Town of Franklin was formally established on December 20, 1839, when it was split from the Town of Kinnikinick. The first census for the town was taken in 1840 .
- Incorporation as a City: To prevent annexation by the city of Milwaukee, the town incorporated as a fourth-class city on August 15, 1956 . The city is therefore 84 years old as an incorporated city in 2024, and 185 years since its founding as a town.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 42°53′57″N 88°00′08″W .
- Landscape Position: Franklin is situated in the gently rolling glacial landscape of southeastern Wisconsin. The city is famously bisected by the Root River, which flows south through its center on its way to Lake Michigan .
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 790 feet (241 meters) above sea level .
- Setting: Franklin is a suburban city, characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and preserved green spaces, including parks and agricultural remnants.
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Primary Type: Franklin is primarily a residential suburb and a growing business center.
- Economic Profile: While historically agricultural, its economy is now driven by retail, healthcare, and professional services. Its location near Milwaukee and the airport has attracted corporate offices and logistics. The city is actively fostering economic growth through high-quality residential, recreational, and business development .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Franklin was 36,816 . The most recent estimate from July 2024 shows continued growth, with the population reaching 37,816 .
- City Class: Franklin is a medium-sized city and is one of the fastest-growing communities in Wisconsin . It is part of the larger Milwaukee metropolitan area, which has a population of over 1.5 million people .
- Demographic Note: The population is diverse, with a significant and growing Asian community, which made up over 5% of the population in 2010 .
City's "Visiting Card" (in short)
Franklin, Wisconsin, offers a blend of suburban comfort and deep historical roots. Visitors can step back in time at Legend Park, a living museum with pioneer-era buildings, while also enjoying modern amenities, parks, and its convenient location just a short drive from downtown Milwaukee and the airport . It’s a city that honors its past while rapidly growing for the future.
Geography
Water Bodies
The primary geographic feature of Franklin is the Root River, which runs south through the city, effectively cutting it in half . This river is a key part of the local landscape and drainage system, flowing from its headwaters to eventually empty into Lake Michigan in the nearby city of Racine. The river and its tributaries create corridors of green space and wildlife habitat throughout the suburban area.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Franklin has a humid continental climate, which is characteristic of the Upper Midwest. It is marked by four distinct seasons, with very cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers.
Average Temperatures by Month
The city experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
- Hottest Month: July is the warmest month, with average high temperatures reaching 27°C (81°F) and average lows around 18°C (64°F) .
- Coldest Month: January is the coldest, with average high temperatures near -2°C (28°F) and average lows plunging to -10°C (14°F) .
- Annual Average: The average mean temperature for the year in Franklin is about 9°C (48°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
Franklin receives a significant amount of precipitation throughout the year, with a notable peak in the late spring and early summer.
- Average Annual Precipitation: The city gets approximately 1,229 mm (48.4 inches) of precipitation annually, which includes rain and melted snow .
- Wettest Month: June is the wettest month, with an average of 181 mm (7.1 inches) of precipitation .
- Driest Month: January is the driest, receiving only about 64 mm (2.5 inches) of precipitation, mostly in the form of snow .
- Snowfall: Snow is a major feature from December through February, accounting for 31-41% of all precipitation during those months .
Sunny Days and UV Index
- Sunny Periods: The sky is clearest from June to October, offering plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities. Even in the cloudier winter months, there are periods of sunny, clear weather .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April-May): Temperatures warm up quickly from cool to moderately warm. This is one of the wettest times of the year, with significant rainfall .
- Summer (June-August): Summers are warm to hot and humid, with the most sunshine. July is the warmest month. This is the best time for enjoying the parks and the Root River. Expect frequent, sometimes heavy, thunderstorms.
- Fall (September-October): Autumn features warm days and cool nights, with decreasing precipitation as the season progresses. The changing leaves provide a beautiful backdrop. It's an excellent time for a visit.
- Winter (November-March): Winters are cold, cloudy, and snowy. February is the snowiest month. This season is ideal for those who enjoy winter scenery, but outdoor exploration of historical sites will be limited.
Landmarks
Legend Park Historical Village
The most unique and significant cultural attraction in Franklin is Legend Park, operated by the Franklin Historical Society. This is not a single building but a collection of preserved and relocated historic structures that form a living museum of the city's pioneer and agricultural past . Key buildings within the park include:
- The Sheehan-Godsell Cabin: The oldest known structure from Franklin's earliest non-native settlers, Irish immigrants who arrived in the area in the 1840s .
- The Old Town Hall: A historic civic building that represents the early local government established shortly after Wisconsin's statehood .
- Whelan School: A one-room schoolhouse that served the community in the late 19th century, illustrating the history of rural education .
- St. Peters Chapel: A charming chapel built in 1869, which serves as a beautiful example of pioneer-era religious architecture .
- The Wendt Barn: An 1880s barn donated and reconstructed in the park to serve as a museum, preserving and showcasing the community's rich farming heritage with original artifacts and tools .
This park offers guided tours and provides a profound connection to the spirit of the people who built Franklin. It is a place where history is not just displayed but brought to life.
Veterans Memorial
The City of Franklin is home to a Veterans Memorial, a significant local landmark dedicated to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It serves as a central point for community remembrance and patriotic observances, reflecting the city's strong support for its veterans and military families.
Transport
Main Airports
Franklin is exceptionally well-located for air travel, served by the primary airport for the entire Milwaukee region.
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE): This is the main commercial airport for the area, located just 8 miles (approximately 14 km) northeast of downtown Franklin . It is a full-service airport with flights from major airlines like Southwest, American, Delta, and United, offering connections across the United States and to some international destinations . Due to its proximity, it is the most convenient option for nearly all travelers coming to Franklin by plane.
Major Highways and Roads
Franklin is well-integrated into the regional road network, making it easily accessible by car.
- U.S. Highway 45: This major north-south highway runs directly through Franklin, connecting it to the Milwaukee area to the north and the surrounding suburbs and rural areas to the south and west .
- Wisconsin State Highways 36 and 100: These state highways also intersect in Franklin, providing additional key routes for travel within Milwaukee County and to neighboring communities like Greendale, Hales Corners, and Greenfield .
Train
While there is no train station within Franklin itself, the city is served by the national rail network via the Amtrak service . The nearest Amtrak station with service to cities like Chicago is located in downtown Milwaukee, a short drive north from Franklin.
Bus
Franklin is accessible by intercity bus, with Greyhound and FlixBus providing services to the broader Milwaukee area. The Milwaukee Intermodal Station, which is about a 20-25 minute drive from Franklin, is the primary hub for these bus lines .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
The Iconic Wisconsin Friday Fish Fry
While Franklin is a modern city, it is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Wisconsin, the most famous of which is the Friday fish fry. This is not just a meal but a weekly ritual across the state. In Franklin, the tradition is celebrated with particular fervor at the Hideaway Pub & Eatery, which has gained a reputation throughout Wisconsin for its exceptional version of this classic .
The star of the show is the classic beer-battered cod, fried to a crispy, golden-brown perfection. However, the menu offers a veritable treasure trove of options for the adventurous, including tender lake perch, sweet walleye, and flaky bluegill. For those who want to sample it all, the "Wisconsin platter" piles beer-battered walleye, lake perch, and bluegills together on one plate . This meal is a quintessential part of the local culture, offering a warm, community-focused dining experience that has made Hideaway Pub & Eatery a staple in Franklin . The tradition is so strong that it draws locals back week after week, making it a true taste of Franklin's heritage.
A Taste of Ireland in Franklin
For a different kind of comfort food, Franklin is home to Mulligan's Irish Pub & Grill, a family-owned establishment that has been a neighborhood gathering place for over 15 years. The owner, Brian Francis, draws on his Irish heritage to serve up traditional meals that "warm the soul" .
The menu features classic dishes such as their award-winning Irish lamb stew, a nod to the fact that lamb is a more prevalent meat in Ireland than beef. Another staple is banger's & mash, which consists of Irish sausage served with traditional colcannon mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables . To complete the authentic Irish pub experience, Mulligan's serves Guinness with the proper two-part pour, a ritual in itself .
Local Favorites and Bakeries
Franklin's dining scene also includes beloved local spots that have become institutions. O&H Bakery is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch, known for its baked goods . For those craving Italian cuisine, Trattoria di Carlo offers authentic Italian dishes in a cozy setting, and That's Amore serves up homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas . The area also features Water Street Brewery in nearby Oak Creek, a Milwaukee institution since 1987, which combines craft beer with classic American comfort food like beer-battered fish fry and hand-crafted burgers .
Sport and Sporting Legends
Franklin Field: Home of the Milwaukee Milkmen
Franklin's most significant sporting landmark is Franklin Field, a modern baseball park that opened in 2019 on the site of a former landfill . The stadium, located at 7035 S. Ballpark Drive, has a capacity of 4,000 spectators and features field dimensions of 330 feet down the lines and 408 feet to center field .
Franklin Field is the home of the Milwaukee Milkmen, an independent professional baseball team competing in the American Association of Professional Baseball . The park also serves as the home field for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers college baseball team . The ballpark is a key part of the city's identity, offering professional sports entertainment and contributing to the local community.
The Rock Sports Complex
For a broader range of athletic activities, Franklin is home to The Rock Sports Complex, an action-packed destination for sports lovers, families, and adventure seekers. Located just a short distance away, this complex boasts world-class fields for baseball, softball, and soccer . Beyond traditional sports, it offers exciting attractions like go-kart racing, a zip line, and mini-golf, making it a hub for both competitive and recreational activities .
Nearby Major League Sports
While Franklin has its own professional baseball team, it is also part of the greater Milwaukee metropolitan area, putting it within easy reach of major league sports. Residents and visitors are just a short drive from American Family Field, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), and Fiserv Forum, where the Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) play . The Milwaukee area also has a strong soccer tradition, with the Milwaukee Sports Complex in Franklin itself serving as a year-round sports hub with a 55,000-square-foot fieldhouse for volleyball, indoor soccer, and basketball, as well as outdoor fields for rugby, football, lacrosse, and soccer .
Medical Institutions and Healthcare
Ascension Wisconsin Hospital Campus - Franklin
Franklin is served by a major full-service hospital, the Ascension Wisconsin Hospital Campus - Franklin, located at 10101 S 27th St . This facility is a comprehensive medical center, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to serve the community's healthcare needs .
As part of the larger Ascension health system, one of the largest non-profit and Catholic health systems in the United States, the Franklin campus offers a wide range of medical services. The hospital has 180 practicing physicians affiliated with it, covering 53 medical specialties . These specialties include:
- Cardiovascular Disease and Interventional Cardiology
- Neurology and Neurological Surgery
- Oncology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pulmonology
- Bariatric Surgery
This broad range of specialties indicates that the hospital is equipped to handle complex medical cases and provides a significant healthcare resource for Franklin and the surrounding southeastern Wisconsin region. For specialized care not available at the Franklin campus, residents can access the broader Ascension network, including nearby hospitals in Greenfield and Racine .