Adams County is located in the heart of Wisconsin and is known as the “Gateway to Wisconsin” due to its location at the intersection of highways 12, 13, and 21. The county was established in 1848 and was named after President John Adams. It covers a total area of 811 square miles and has a population of over 20,000 people.
The county seat is Friendship, which was founded in 1839. The county also includes the cities of Adams, Big Flats, Dellwood, Rome, and Wellsville. There are also several small towns within Adams County such as Colburn, Coloma, Dell Prairie, Grand Marsh, Hancock, La Valle, Leola and Monroe Center.
The county is home to a variety of attractions ranging from outdoor recreation areas such as Lakeside Park in Rome to historical sites such as the Old Courthouse Museum in Friendship. There are also several golf courses located throughout the county for those looking for a round or two.
Adams County also boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Wisconsin with its rolling hillsides covered with lush forests and winding streams that meander through green valleys. The landscape is dotted with numerous farms that produce some of the finest agricultural products in Wisconsin including corn, oats and hay.
In addition to its natural beauty, Adams County offers its residents a wide range of cultural activities including festivals celebrating local history such as Old Settlers Day or an annual quilt show at the Adams County Historical Society Museum in Friendship. There are also several art galleries located throughout the county showcasing work from local artists along with regular live music performances at venues like The Waterfront Music Hall or The Grand Theatre in Rome.
For those interested in outdoor activities there are plenty of options available including hiking trails like those found at Big Flats Wildlife Area or canoeing down one of many rivers that flow through Adams County like Pine River or Big Roche-A-Cri Creek. For those looking for something more adventurous there are four ATV parks offering trails for off-road enthusiasts to explore on their four wheelers or dirt bikes.
Adams County truly has something for everyone whether it’s enjoying nature’s beauty or experiencing some culture from local artists; this area has it all! Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation opportunities or just want to spend some time exploring this unique part of Wisconsin then Adams County should be your destination.
History of Adams County, Wisconsin
Adams County, Wisconsin is located in the south-central part of the state, and is one of the original counties formed in 1848. It was named after the second President of the United States, John Adams. The county has a total area of 537 square miles and a population of 20,000 people as of 2020.
The first known settlers to Adams County were Native Americans who lived in the region for centuries before Europeans arrived. In 1837, after much negotiation between the US government and local Native American tribes such as the Ho-Chunk Nation, most of what is now Adams County was ceded to white settlers.
By 1844, there were already over 1,700 people living in Adams County and by 1850 that number had grown to more than 6,000. Most settlers were farmers who grew wheat, oats and other grains on their farms while some worked in nearby towns such as Friendship or Coloma.
During the Civil War, many young men from Adams County enlisted in the Union Army to fight for their country and defend their homes against Confederate forces. Afterward, many veterans returned home to start families or find work on local farms or businesses. By 1880 there were more than 10,000 residents living in Adams County and by 1890 that number had grown to nearly 17,000 people.
In 1900, electricity arrived in Adams County with several power plants being built across the county providing electricity to rural areas for illumination and other purposes such as powering small factories or mills. This allowed local businesses to expand and increased economic opportunities throughout the county.
During World War I, many young men from Adams County again enlisted in armed forces around the world to serve their country abroad while those at home worked hard producing food for soldiers overseas or working on military production projects at nearby factories such as Badger Ordnance Works near Baraboo which produced ammunition for US troops during World War II.
Today, Adams County continues to be an agricultural center with many family farms dotting its landscape while also boasting cities like Friendship which hosts an annual Summerfest celebration each July drawing visitors from across Wisconsin and beyond. The county has also become a popular tourist destination due its proximity to attractions like Devils Lake State Park which offers camping, hiking trails and swimming opportunities along with nearby attractions like Circus World Museum and House on The Rock which are popular destinations for families looking for fun activities during vacation.