Jefferson, Wisconsin is a small community nestled where the Rock and Crawfish Rivers meet. A strong community which annually celebrates its German heritage in September.
Welcome to Gemuetlichkeit City
Welcome to Jefferson, proud of our German Heritage which we celebrate each year on the second full weekend after Labor Day. In May at our May Ball the King and Queen for the years festival is announced. This is the best kept secret in Jefferson and kicks off the year for the new royalty.
Our buildings date back to 1878 and restoration continues to preserve some of forefathers proudly built. Our community realizes the importance of preserving and revitalizing our downtown which brings renewed interest in new business development. We also have seen new construction with a new Fort Health Care Clinic and the new Jefferson High School. A beautiful new pavilion in Rotary Park just completed in 2012. River’s Edge Farm Market and Citgo/Frawley Oil station will be completed soon. We look forward to seeing the start of construction for a new club house for Jefferson Golf.
We are a smalltown community with a lot to offer.
To learn more about the history of Jefferson visit the Jefferson Historical Society in the lower level of City Hall at 317 South Main Street.
Events
Gemuetlichkeit Days marks its 43rd celebration on September 13-15, 2013. The theme for this year’s festival is .” The German community dons their dirndls and lederhosen throughout the weekend, and throughout the year at area parades and festivals. Great bands provide non-stop music throughout the weekend. German food, contests, a craft fair and a huge parade on Sunday at noon are a few of the things held over the weekend. Visit www.gdays.org for a schedule of events.
Jefferson Chamber of Commerce sponsors several events throughout the year including City Wide Rummage Sale-Spring & Fall, Autumn Fest and the 18th Annual Parade of Lights along with Santa’s House. Five Cruise Nights in Jefferson are scheduled for 2013 on the first Wednesday of the month, June through October. Check the calendar of events for more details.
The Jefferson County Fair is held July 10-14, 2013 at the Fair Park, which is also the scene for many other events held throughout the year. Every weekend is a busy weekend at the Fair Park. Madison Classics Spring & Fall Car and Swap Meets are held annually at the Fair Park and bring thousands of visitors into our community.
A newly formed Arts Council has some great events planned for 2013, check the website for more information.
The Performing Arts Center is a 1,000-seat auditorium located in Jefferson High School and home to the Council for the Performing Arts. The CPA presents national and local talent throughout the school year.
Recreation
Jefferson has eight beautiful parks. Available are picnic areas, baseball fields, skateboarding, golf course, volleyball courts, soccer fields, inline skating, and ice skating facilities. Jefferson has several great places for family reunions or just for relaxing. The Playland of Dreams children’s play land provides a great place for family entertainment.
Biking enthusiasts come from the surrounding area to ride The Glacial Drumlin Trail, and the Jefferson Aquatic Center offers more recreational choices. The newly expanded, nationally recognized Jefferson County Dog Park is located north of the city off of Hwy 12.
The Rock and Crawfish Rivers meet in Jefferson providing ideal fishing, canoe and kayak opportunities. A fish ladder constructed by the DNR in 2005 enables the fish to get above the dam -
quite unique to see and watch! Jefferson has one of only a few such ladders constructed in the state. The Milwaukee Street Walk Bridge is also very unique and worth taking a walk across.
Looking for some nostalgic entertainment? One of only a few left in the country and Jefferson has one. Hwy. 18 Outdoor Theater shows double features from late April/early May thru September.
Shopping/Dining
For a day trip, we have a antique shop, four resale shops, a quilt shop, coffee shops, art galleries, bakery, beauty shops, seasonal & year round garden shops, farm/meat markets, along with appliance, flooring and other retail businesses. There are several eating establishments to enjoy a great hamburger, nice lunch or dinner.
We invite you to spend some time in this quiet and serene community. Visit our website for more events and information on the county.
