6 Reasons to love Waukesha

Waukesha is a place loved by all in Lake Country and Waukesha County. Some call Waukesha the heart of Waukesha County, and I couldn’t agree more. Waukesha has also been called, “Guitar Town” and “Spring City” – read on to find out the reasons to love Waukesha!

This summer 2024, Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry (WPRF) is teaming up with the Friends of WPRF to launch a new program “Where You Belong.” This is an opportunity for individuals to meet up at free programs and events to improve their social connection and health by connecting with new people, participating together, and making new friends. Participants will be part of an exclusive welcoming reception.

“Together we can demonstrate why Waukesha is Where You belong,” said Mary Berg, Recreation Service Manager. “All participants are encouraged to make more intentional connections through facilitated introductions and build community”.

“The City of Waukesha Parks and Recreation is where many memories and friendships begin and are cultivated. It plays a vital role in enhancing lives, ensuring health, building strong families and a more connective community,” said Mayor Shawn Reilly.

WPRF fosters a sense of belonging in the community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.

We at Lake Country Family Fun have put together a list of the 6 reasons we love Waukesha with awesome help from our friends from the Waukesha Pewaukee Visitors Bureau.

1. Rich History

Waukesha is home to the great Les Paul who invented the solid body electric guitar, first 8-track tape recorder, and more. This is the reason why Waukesha is also coined “Guitar Town”.
Waukesha is the first home to resident Indian tribes like Sauk, Menomonie, Winnebago and Potawatomi.
Waukesha was originally known as “Spring City” for its fresh spring waters thought to have healing properties. Due to this notion, many flocked here and it was considered a resort town for a long while.
Waukesha hosts Wisconsin’s oldest Fair, the Waukesha County Fair, each July at the Waukesha County Expo Center and Fairgrounds! Fun Fact, this year was the 176th fair.
The Cutlers founded Waukesha and hence there is a park named, “Cutler” park. Being a Cutler myself I traced the history back and found that I am not the same Cutlers that founded Waukesha (bummer!)
The Museum of Waukesha County History is in downtown Waukesha, located in the historic 1800s old courthouse and its 1938 annex. There are several excellent exhibits to see right now including one on the fascinating agricultural legacy of Waukesha County, one of the largest Les Paul interactive exhibits in the nation, displays from the Springs and Resorts Era in Waukesha, and much more! Find affordable admission, and an excellent, fun outing for groups, clubs, churches and schools — and especially for business owners as a thank you gift to key staff in the holiday season.

2. Awesome Architecture

Waukesha’s walkable and charming downtown offers more than just great shops and dining, but some beautiful, historical architecture. We just love the Rotunda building and attending events there – it’s simply unique! FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE is an awesome, outdoor walkable event loved by many.
The stone buildings lining main street, historic courthouse and churches nod to a bygone era and also make for some great photo ops especially by the waterfalls.
Guitar murals and sculptures can be found sprinkled throughout the city as well!
The Ingleside Hotel underwent a building upgrade (inside and out) in recent years and is an amazing staple in this area, boasting the only water park in the county.

3. The Fox River

Downtown Waukesha has the Fox River running through it. The riverside is beautifully landscaped and offers runners, bikers, rollerbladers and those who enjoy a long stroll a lovely paved path alongside the river (3-mile path). You can even enjoy the water and rent a paddle boat or kayak – along with bike rentals too!
You will find Frame park at the North End, where you can enjoy the formal gardens in the spring, summer and early fall. Frame Park is also home to a large playground, that just underwent renovation (completed September 18, 2019) to become a fully accessible playground!

4. Culture, Embraced

From our growing dining scene with great restaurants like Pat’s Rib Place, Tofte’s Table, Steaming Cup, People’s Park, Didi’s Supper Club and Spring City Winehouse to local artists showcased in numerous galleries and fun events promoting the city’s passion like Waukesha Art Crawl, Friday Night Live and Farmers Market… there is an appreciation for art, music, and food!
The Parades are a part of the Waukesha Culture. With everything that happened at the Waukesha Christmas parade in 2021, the community has only gotten stronger. The City of Waukesha announced that Monday, July 3, 2023, shall be known as Dancing Grannies and 610 Stompers Day in Waukesha, as they will be in the 4th of July parade the following day.
Coffee Shops in Waukesha are abundant and are all unique. We love Mountain Top Coffee and Mama D’s. Find all the Coffee Shops here in the Waukesha tab.
The Waukesha County Airport is a great venue and recently was updated! The FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS is an awesome event for the family! Talk about exploring a variety of cultures through the various Food Trucks that attend the event. (My kids love this event!)

5. Trails galore!

Waukesha is home to Minooka Park, Retzer Nature Center, Fox River Park, Glacial Drumlin Trail, and Lowell Park. So if you are looking for an outdoor adventure, it is easily accessible.
You can read about Jann’s review of the Waukesha, Waukesha County Parks for Fox River Park here, Minooka Park here and the Retzer Nature Center here.

6. Urban meets Nature

Waukesha is a city that offers a nice balance with an urban downtown AND access to lots of countryside including parks and lakes. Despite it being very much a developed city, there is nature around every corner.
The Library is amazing. Read Jann’s review of the Waukesha County Library here.
Monkey Joe’s (urban) is a family-favorite in Waukesha as is the slide at Fox River Park (Nature)!
The campuses of Carroll University, UW Milwaukee at Waukesha and the Waukesha County Technical College are both mixed with urban and nature and make beautiful additions to Waukesha.
Waukesha is also closely situated to Pewaukee Lake and many other lakes in general if the water is what you see.