Village of Palmyra

About this Partner

Palmyra appeals to the senses. A place to walk, bike, browse and enjoy. Every season has its charm here. Whether you’re an outdoor or indoor enthusiast, Palmyra has something for you to enjoy.

Palmyra is situated at the extreme upper end of the Scuppernong River and lies about forty miles west of both Milwaukee and Madison.  The Village is located near the heart of the southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest which has more than 20,000 acres of glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests.

History

Named after a city in the Syrian Desert because of the abundance of sand, Palmyra was incorporated on April 4, 1866.  Six mineral springs, each known for their medical and therapeutic properties, were an important part of Palmyra’s early years.  From 1870 to the early 1920’s, people from across the country visited Palmyra enjoying the healing waters at the Palmyra Spring Sanitarium.  In 1924, the sanitarium became the National Druggist Home, but a few years later interest in the therapeutic mineral water treatments declined and the sanitarium was closed.  In the late 1950’s the building was razed and the land leveled.  This era helped shape the history of Palmyra.

History buffs are welcome to visit the Turner Museum and McKenzie/Carlin Historical House at the corner of Third and Main Street.  The next time you need a gift or just want something unique for yourself, stop in at the museum and visit the gift shop.  The Carlin House and Turner Museum are open on Saturdays from 10am until 2pm, from April until December or by appointment anytime by calling 262-495-4406.  There are volunteers anxious to help you select that perfect item for yourself or someone else.

Agriculture

Some of the most productive agricultural land in Wisconsin is located just northwest of Palmyra in the Scuppernong Valley.  In the summer, fields of carrots, onions, potatoes, corn and other produce stretch as far as one can see.

Recreation

Only minutes away are some of the best hiking, mountain biking and Nordic skiing trails in the Midwest, including a 30-mile segment of the acclaimed Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Bicycle touring routes and snowmobile trails lead right into town and miles of equestrian trails, plus a state forest campground just for horse riders, are at Palmyra’s doorstep.

Try your hand at fishing year-round at one of the most ideal and naturally sited fish farms in the country, Rushing Waters Fisheries (see pg 28). Their beautiful 80-acre farm with crystal clear ponds and raceways full of rainbow trout are available for fishing with no license required;  it’s a fun and educational way for the entire family to relax and unwind.  Pack a lunch or grill your catch for lunch on the farm.  Before you leave, stop by their farm store and browse their full line of fresh and frozen seafood, fresh trout and smoked fish.

In June, the Wisconsin DNR sponsors a free fishing weekend on all lakes, rivers and streams.  The Palmyra Lions Club holds a fishing clinic to give people of any age the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful sport of fishing.

The Palmyra Village Park is a twelve-acre facility equipped with newly constructed horseshoe pits and updated playground equipment along with a large existing sandbox, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.   The baseball and softball fields have bleacher seating and are home for both youth and adult leagues.  A pavilion with an attached kitchen can be rented for a small fee for either an individual or group events.

Aviation enthusiasts, recreational aircraft pilots enjoy easy landings at the 2,100-foot all-season turf runway.

Come for a Visit

Palmyra is a friendly community of 1,800 residents in the village and another 1,200 in the township that welcome visitors to their restaurants, retail shops, parks, churches, library, historic sites and attractions. Come and spend a day, a week or a lifetime in historic Palmyra.

Contact Information
Address:
100 Taft Street, Palmyra, WI, USA
Phone: 262-495-8316
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