The Milwaukee 7 was formed in September 2005 to create a regional, cooperative economic development platform for the seven counties of southeastern Wisconsin: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Waukesha and Washington. In this OnMilwaukee.com series, Gregg Hoffmann profiles each of the counties and highlights their unique attractions and appeal.
As the autumn leaves turn colors, the beauty of Washington County becomes more evident than ever.
Blessed with the terrain of the Kettle Moraine, the county has retained the beauty of nature while strengthening its ties to the Milwaukee metro area. With the gentle rolling landscape carved by the glaciers and towered by the historical landmark of Holy Hill, Washington County provides an interesting atmosphere for family living, business, and industry.
Ancient glaciers, inland lakes and woodlands form the foundation for a variety of recreational activities. Hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, golfing, skiing, and snowmobiling are among the many outdoor activities for sport enthusiasts.
West Bend, the county seat, is a combination of small town living and a business hub, within easy access of the larger urban area.
Before the United States claimed the Wisconsin territory in 1833, the West Bend area was home to the Potawatomi and Menominee Indians. Settlers, attracted by the Milwaukee River and the advantages it afforded industry and farming, began to make their homes in the area, and a village was established in 1845. The village -- always a convenient midway stop between Milwaukee and Fond du Lac -- had 30 families by 1848, and public spaces and buildings were soon established.
The arrival of the railroad in 1873 spurred a period of rapid growth and expansion. Today's population of almost 130,000 reflects the solid community and economy forged by the county's founders. Washington County has well-known major manufacturing industries including: machine tooling, metal fabrication, printing, photo finishing, and trucking in well-developed business and corporate parks in Hartford, Germantown, Jackson, Slinger and West Bend.
By no means does manufacturing have a monopoly on Washington County business. The insurance, finance and pharmaceutical industries are well represented.
But, let's get back to that natural beauty. Glacier Hills Audubon Nature Center in Hubertus, Homestead Hollow Park in Germantown, Lac Lawrann Nature Conservancy in West Bend, and Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg offer wonderful scenery and chances to explore the Kettle Moraine and surrounding country. The Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest near Hartford is especially glorious in autumn.
The Ice Age Trail provides for the enjoyment of wild flowers and wildlife appreciation and offers a variety of recreational opportunities - hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, and others. The newly paved Eisenbahm State Trail along the Milwaukee River in West Bend provides a safe and beautiful facility to bike and walk.
Holy Hill is a great place to get an overview of the scenery. A wide expanse of the county lies spread out below the towers of the National Shrine of Mary -- Help of Christians, an impressive Romanesque cathedral built between 1879 and 1881. Holy Hill is the highest point in the county.
History can be found throughout Washington County. Lizard Mound County Park offers self-guided tours of one of the state's largest and most diverse groups of Native American effigy mounds.
Many buildings dating back to the 19th century have been preserved and serve as museums, antique stores, gift shops and other unique attractions. The Old Courthouse Square Museum on West Bend, the Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, and the Dheinsville Settlement near Germantown are just three must-stops for history buffs. And in West Bend is the Museum of Wisconsin Art, which boasts the world's largest collection of Carl von Marr.
If I had that one day to spend in Washington County, I'd start it early with a hike in Riveredge in Newburg. After working up an appetite, I'd head to West Bend for breakfast, perhaps a museum stop or two and some shopping.
In the afternoon, I'd take a ride along many of the scenic roadways, drinking in the beauty and buying some apples at a roadside stand. Highway 83 in the western part of the county is always one of my favorites, but there are many. Later in the afternoon, I'd watch the sun start to set from Holy Hill.
Then, head east for a good meal in Germantown, or west into Hartford, or one of the other charming towns near the metro area. In Washington County, good food is a tradition, ranging from German and other ethnic restaurants, to fish fries on Fridays and fine dining.
One day is not really long enough. I'd have to make at least another trip to take in many of the other attractions. Washington County is not a place you want to rush through. If you do, you miss much of its charm.
