The city of Tomah, Wisconsin is best known as the location where Interstate 90 and Interstate 94 cross, and the community wholeheartedly embraces this unique position as "The Gateway to Cranberry Country."
The history of the city dates back to its original founding in 1855 by Robert E Gillete, who named the small town at the time after a man by the name of Thomas Carron, an ancestral member of the Menominee Indian tribe in the late 18th century
The city of Tomah, Wisconsin is best known as the location where Interstate 90 and Interstate 94 cross, and the community wholeheartedly embraces this unique position as "The Gateway to Cranberry Country."
The history of the city dates back to its original founding in 1855 by Robert E Gillete, who named the small town at the time after a man by the name of Thomas Carron, an ancestral member of the Menominee Indian tribe in the late 18th century. Carron eventually became a chief of his tribe, and the native american pronunciation of his name, Chief Tomah, prompted the future name of the town. Although the etymological tales of the town name's origin are unsubstantiated, the influences of the Algonquian language are evident.
Because of the famed crossroads, the city serves as a transportation mecca for the region, and many distribution hubs and manufacturing firms operate in the area to enjoy the ease of access to nearby interstate routes. Hotels and restaurants are abundant and thrive in the area as well, and similarly places to rent such as apartment rentals or even a condo or house rental are quite easy to come by. This combination of commercial and manufacturing interest, coupled with a naturally lush and green landscape, create a thriving economy and a great place to live as well as work.
Housing rates for the region are comparably low as well, as competition tends to drive average prices down. To note, however, the town calendar is quite full and hence active throughout the year with different festivals, celebrations and events. Plan accordingly if you are intending to use hotel lodging in town while searching for a 1 bedroom apartment or a two bedroom apartment in the area. Often when looking for places to rent in a new location it is best to first view the town from a visitors perspective before committing to a particular neighborhood.
When preparing to move, consider the location of the property compared to the amenities nearby. While minimal, some of the noise, pollution, and traffic of the interstate system can be eased as the these roads run primarily along the western and southern borders of the city and leave the northeast corner a more desirable location. Considering the town's role within our national transportation system and the traffic that passes by daily, much of the city still offers quiet Midwest living for excellent prices - both places to rent and places to buy.
Four primary neighborhoods make up the city limits of Tomah: Warrens/Wyeville, Kendall/Oakdale, Eggleson St/ Alden Rd, and the City Center.
Warrens/Wyeville: This district is the northern most of Tomah, and shares its southern border with all three others. Several campgrounds, parks and lakes are stretched throughout the rolling hills of the area and attract campers and RV's seasonally. Many large lakes are broken up across the southeastern portion of the state which affords boaters and other water sports endless touring locations. The Cranberry Discovery Center in the northern Warrens is one of the only specialty museums that gives the public everything they want to know about Wisconsin's cranberry industry.
Kendall/Oakdale: The largest district, and home to several guest houses and retreats, this area is mostly rural lands with few rentals available. Several local joints can be found hidden in the back roads, but most of the services are found closer to the interstate such as the Hardee's in Oakdale.
Eggleson St./Alden Rd.: Sharing many of the popular areas as the city center, and home to its charming restaurants, cafes, the eastern portion of town is primarily tracts of homestead land. Lake Tomah is one of the best places to relax on the water in Tomah, and its proximity to the city center makes it a local and tourist favorite alike. The best eats in the neighborhood are by far found at Bp's Smokehouse BBQ, where the little-known rib shack smokes the best pork in town.
City Center: The bustling heart of the city, the downtown area found east of the divide between the interstates is strewn with visitor shops, hotels and guest houses, eateries, the city museum and the home of the annual cranberry festival in Tomah. A popular location for renters wanting to have more excitement, several developments have been built and updated recently with modern options for young families and professionals. Most of the town's restaurants are found on the main street that bends through downtown, but the Burnstad European Cafe is popular stop to grab a coffee and try something new.
Life in this bustling city is ever-growing, but ample highway space and city planning leave the city roads with little congestion and wide roads to move traffic through. Beyond the hallmark road transportation system that fuels the regional economy, the residents of Tomah, with a population estimate of just under 9100 people, are further served via the local Amtrak station and the Bloyer Field Airport. Tomah also has relatively direct access to many nearby places of interest including being an equal distance between Milwaukee, WI and Minneapolis, MN, as well as natural points of interest like Lake Tomah and Recreation Park.
Benefits of living in the town include the abundant recreational activities, and a top-notch school and healthcare system. Fort McCoy and Volk Field are both military establishments that are in the area, as well as the VA Medical Center. Alternatively, the Tomah Memorial Hospital offers most of the advanced medical services, and continues to serve the community through their affiliated clinics, the Mayo Health Care System and Gundersen Lutheran. Furthermore, the Tomah School District supports over nine elementary, middle and high schools nearby which is geographically the largest in the state.
Whether you enjoy roller skating, the community theater, or fishing and hunting in the great outdoors, an apartment is waiting for you to cater to your hobbies - because in Tomah, WI, opportunities abound for a multitude of activities. Premier golf courses and a modern Parks and Aquatic center offer a full suite of fair-weather enjoyment, and over 270 miles of groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski trails round out the year's adventures. Tomah will certainly surprise you.
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