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Reedsburg, WI

Reedsburg is a friendly city in Sauk County, Wisconsin, situated along the scenic Baraboo River and known for its historic downtown and annual Butterfest celebration.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The city's official name is Reedsburg. It is a city in Sauk County, Wisconsin, United States . Sauk County is known for its scenic driftless area landscapes, including the Baraboo Bluffs, and is a region with a strong agricultural and manufacturing heritage . Reedsburg operates under a Mayor-council form of government .

Date of Founding and Age

The first settler, James W. Babb, arrived in the area in 1845. However, David C. Reed, who arrived in 1847, built a dam and a sawmill and is considered the city's namesake . The town was platted in 1852 and incorporated as a city in May 1887 . As of 2026, the city is 139 years old since its incorporation.

Geographical Position and Coordinates

Reedsburg is located in northern Sauk County at coordinates 43°32′2″N 90°0′10″W . The city lies along the Baraboo River and is surrounded by the Town of Reedsburg . A notable geographical marker is the 90th meridian west, which runs through the city, marked by a plaque on Main Street . The city sits at an elevation of approximately 274 meters (899 feet) above sea level . It is about 55 miles (89 km) northwest of Madison, the state capital .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Reedsburg is a small city with a mixed economy. Historically, its industry has relied on agriculture and manufacturing . It was once famous for its butter production, a heritage celebrated annually at Butterfest . Today, manufacturing remains important with companies like Seats, Inc. and Hankscraft Motors operating there . It also functions as a local service and retail hub for the surrounding rural area, with a historic downtown shopping district .

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 United States census, the population of Reedsburg is 9,984 . It is the second-largest city in Sauk County, after Baraboo . By population, it is classified as a small city.

City's "Business Card"

Reedsburg is a classic Midwestern city where small-town charm meets a rich agricultural and industrial past. Visitors come to explore its historic downtown, paddle the longest free-flowing river in the nation, and experience the community's pride at its annual Butterfest celebration.

Geography

Mountains and Hills

While there are no mountains within the city itself, the city is located near the Baraboo Bluffs, a prominent topographic feature of Sauk County. These bluffs tower approximately 800 feet above the adjacent Baraboo River valley, offering scenic vistas and a dramatic landscape for outdoor enthusiasts .

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

The most significant waterway is the Baraboo River, which flows directly through the city . It is notable for being the longest free-flowing river in the nation, flowing approximately 100 miles from its headwaters to its confluence with the Wisconsin River . The city has actively worked to improve river access, including a boat launch in downtown Reedsburg, making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking trips . Several creeks, including Babb Creek, Hay Creek, and Copper Creek, are tributaries that flow through Reedsburg into the Baraboo River . To the east, within the city, is the small Lake Virginia . Nearby, in the town of La Valle, are two reservoirs: Lake Redstone and Dutch Hollow Lake .

Parks and Nature Trails

Reedsburg offers several nature trails and parks. The River Walk connects with the Roger Popple nature trail behind Webb Park, providing a scenic stroll along the Baraboo River . For longer excursions, the 400 State Trail, a 22-mile hiking and biking trail built on a former railroad line, runs between Reedsburg and Elroy . The Dell Creek Wildlife Area, encompassing 2,125 acres of public hunting land, is located just 7 miles northeast of town . Within the city, Webb Park is a central recreational area, hosting community events and featuring a skateboard park .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Reedsburg has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Dfb) according to the Köppen Climate Classification system . This means it experiences four distinct seasons, with warm, sometimes humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

Average Temperatures by Month

The warmest month in Reedsburg is July, with average daily maximum temperatures around 27.8°C (82.1°F) and minimums around 18.0°C (64.4°F) . The coldest month is January, with average maximum temperatures of -3.3°C (26.1°F) and minimums dropping to -11.2°C (11.9°F) . The record high temperature is 104°F (40.0°C), set on July 31, 1988, and the record low is a frigid -42°F (-41.1°C), recorded on January 30, 1951 .

Precipitation and Humidity

Reedsburg receives an average of 739 mm (29 inches) of rainfall annually and about 132 mm (5 inches) of snowfall . The long-range forecast suggests that winter precipitation and snowfall will be below normal, while the following summer will be cooler and drier than usual .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

Landmarks

[The 90th Meridian Marker]

A unique local landmark is the 90th Meridian Marker, a pink quartzite monument located on Main Street. Dedicated on October 14, 1963, by the Kiwanis Club, it signifies that the 90th meridian west passes through Reedsburg. The inscription reads, "325 feet east of this point lies the 90th meridian" .

[Main Street Commercial Historic District]

Reedsburg's historic character is preserved in its Main Street Commercial Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 . The district features well-preserved architecture from the city's boom period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, now housing antique malls, unique shops, and restaurants .

[The "Big Store" Legacy]

The Webb and Schweke department store, locally known as the "Big Store," was a landmark for 78 years until it burned down in 1957. At its peak, it was the largest department store in Sauk County . Its legacy lives on through the philanthropy of Herbert Webb, who left a significant trust fund to the city, leading to the creation of Webb Park and Webb High School .

[Reedsburg Woolen Mill Office]

The Reedsburg Woolen Mill was once one of the area's largest employers, producing fabrics for major clients like Sears and Montgomery Wards. While most of the mill complex burned in 1968, the historic mill office building still stands as a reminder of the city's industrial heritage .

Park Sculptures and Community Art

In 2014, as part of the Fermentation Fest, Harvest Park was created in downtown Reedsburg. It features a permanent public art installation called "Ruminant," which is a piece of farm equipment decorated to celebrate the city's agricultural roots .

Transport

Major Airports in the City and Region

The primary air facility is the Reedsburg Municipal Airport (FAA LID: C35) , a city-owned, public-use general aviation airport located one mile east of downtown . It features two asphalt runways and is included in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems . For commercial air service, the nearest major airport is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison, which is less than an hour's drive from Reedsburg and is served by six commercial carriers .

Other Airports (Alternative)

For general aviation, other nearby options include the Baraboo-Dells Airport in Baraboo and the Sauk Prairie Airport in Prairie du Sac .

Public Transportation System

Public transportation is available via The Bus, a county-wide service. The Blue Line serves Reedsburg and connects it to neighboring communities like Lake Delton, North Freedom, Rock Springs, and Baraboo . The bus runs on weekdays and can be flagged down anywhere along its route where it is safe to stop . Local on-demand taxi service is provided by Running, Inc. (Reedsburg Taxi) , operating seven days a week with set fares within city limits and per-mile charges for destinations outside the city .

Major Highways and Roads

Reedsburg is strategically located for ground transport. It is served by two state highways: STH 23 and STH 33 . The city is also just 13 miles from the I-90/94 interstate corridor, providing easy access to regional and national destinations .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Carr Valley Cheese

The area around Reedsburg is renowned for its cheese production, with Carr Valley Cheese being a standout. Founded by master cheesemaker Sid Cook, this family-owned creamery in nearby LaValle is famous for its award-winning specialty and artisan cheeses . Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the cheese-making process and sample their extensive range of products. A must-try are their fresh cheddar cheese curds, a Wisconsin delicacy known for their distinctive "squeak" when eaten fresh . Carr Valley's products are a direct reflection of the region's rich dairy heritage .

The Reedsburger

A truly unique local creation is "The Reedsburger" (trademarked), a hamburger that showcases the area's agricultural bounty . Served at the Touchdown Tavern, this burger is prepared with locally-sourced High View Bison, offering a lean and flavorful twist on a classic . Enjoying this burger in the historic tavern, located in the 1896 Roper Hotel, provides a taste of both local flavor and Reedsburg's history.

Wisconsin Grilled Cheese at The Deli Bean

For a taste of local comfort food, the Wisconsin Grilled Cheese at The Deli Bean is a must. This sandwich elevates the classic by combining provolone and cheddar with cranberry chutney and mustard, all panini-grilled on sliced sourdough . It perfectly pairs with their house specialty, baked French onion soup, and highlights the state's love for its namesake dairy product in a creative and delicious way.

Corner Pub Brewery

Reedsburg's local craft beer scene is centered at the Corner Pub Brewery, a micro-brewery brewing about 100 barrels a year on-site . Their beer is only available on tap at the pub, making it a true local experience. The selection includes a variety of styles such as Weiss, Stout, American Pale Ale, Bock, Old Gold Lager, and Smoked Porter. The pub is easily spotted by the "Hops Boom and Bust" mural on its facade, a nod to the area's history of hops production .

Fermentation Fest

Reedsburg is also the home of the annual Fermentation Fest, a unique "live culture convergence" celebrating foods and drinks made through fermentation . Held in the fall, this event offers workshops and programs on making sourdough bread, brewing beer, and creating sauerkraut, firmly linking the community to its agricultural roots and culinary creativity .

Farmers Markets and Local Producers

The region's culinary identity is best explored at its farmers markets. Running from May through October, multiple markets are held weekly in Reedsburg, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts . These markets are a direct line to area producers like September Farms in LaValle, known for seasonal vegetables, berries, and U-pick raspberries, and Valley Springs Farm in Reedsburg, which offers pasture-raised beef and homemade jams .

Museums

Pioneer Log Village and Historical Society

This open-air museum is an educational representation of early Reedsburg and the surrounding Sauk County area . It features nine original log cabins, some moved intact and others rebuilt, that paint a vivid picture of 19th-century pioneer life. The village includes three pioneer homes, an 1873 one-room schoolhouse, an 1873 log church, a general store and post office, a library, and a working blacksmith shop . Three large museum buildings house a vast collection of artifacts from local early settlers, spanning from ancient native peoples to the 1950s. Highlights include displays of vintage clothing, early industries, cameras, medical and dental equipment, and military history . The site also hosts a famous Chicken BBQ on Memorial Day weekend and a living history Heritage Day in September .

Woolen Mill Gallery

Managed by the innovative Wormfarm Institute, the Woolen Mill Gallery on Main Street showcases top-notch exhibits of fine art and curiosities from May through October . This non-profit organization is dedicated to building a sustainable future by fostering links between agriculture and the arts. The gallery is a key part of this mission, bringing contemporary art to the heart of this rural community .

Agnes Moorehead Lounge and Norman Rockwell Exhibit

Reedsburg offers two unique, smaller-scale attractions for niche enthusiasts. Inside the Touchdown Tavern, located in the historic Roper Hotel, you can find the Agnes Moorehead Lounge. This small exhibit showcases memorabilia and pictures from the career of the Reedsburg-born actress, most famous for her role as the witch mother-in-law, Endora, on the classic TV comedy "Bewitched" . Additionally, Marty's Steakhouse at the Voyageur Inn and Conference Center features a surprising Norman Rockwell exhibit with over 4,000 pieces of his work, covering subjects from World War I to modern-day rock stars .

Sport and Outdoor Recreation

The 400 State Trail

Reedsburg is a major trailhead for the 400 State Trail, a 22-mile-long recreational trail perfect for biking, hiking, and in winter, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing . The trail gets its name from the Chicago & North Western Railway's passenger train, the "400," which once ran this route . Starting at the historic train depot in Reedsburg, the trail connects to the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, creating a vast network for outdoor enthusiasts .

Nearby State Parks

While Reedsburg itself is a small city, it is a gateway to some of Wisconsin's most spectacular natural areas for outdoor sports and recreation.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Reedsburg Area School District

The primary educational institution in Reedsburg is the Reedsburg Area School District, which provides public education from kindergarten through 12th grade to the community . The district is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular activities .

University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

For those interested in higher education and research, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum is a significant destination within a reasonable drive . While not in Reedsburg itself, it represents the influence of the state's flagship university. The arboretum is filled with effigy mounds, thousands of plant and animal species, and unlimited places to explore through hiking and running trails, serving as a living laboratory for ecological restoration and research .

Healthcare Facilities

Reedsburg Area Medical Center

The primary healthcare provider in the city is the Reedsburg Area Medical Center (RAMC) . Located at 2000 N Dewey Ave, this is a 25-bed hospital providing a comprehensive range of medical services to the community . RAMC is affiliated with 23 practicing physicians across 15 specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Cardiology, and Emergency Medicine . The medical center also hosts a weekly farmers market on its campus from May to October, emphasizing its commitment to community health and wellness .

Nearby Healthcare Access

For more specialized medical needs, residents and visitors can access larger medical centers in nearby cities. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, home to the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, a major academic medical center, is approximately 50 miles to the southeast . This facility offers advanced specialized care and is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States.

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