"More Than Just a Village!" (-Menomonee Falls town slogan)
Menomonee Falls, located in the southeastern quarter of Wisconsin, has the distinction of being the largest village in the state, with more than 35,000 residents. The town was officially incorporated into the local demographics in 1892, and in the mid-20th century, it annexed nearby Fussville, a small collection of rural families (But don't make a fuss about it! Har har). Settlers originally came to this part of Wisconsin because of its beauty and the large supply of fresh water in the area. The village of Menomonee Falls actually gets its name from the central river and water features of the town. The Menomonee River winds directly through the village and crashes down into a spectacular waterfall in the center of the settlement, which makes this little town both unique and picturesque. The waterfall itself is quite gentle and idyllic: it is backed by old bricks and empties into soft rolling green hills that surround this settlement.
Where Appleton Avenue and Main Street meet, the historic downtown of Menomonee Falls begins
"More Than Just a Village!" (-Menomonee Falls town slogan)
Menomonee Falls, located in the southeastern quarter of Wisconsin, has the distinction of being the largest village in the state, with more than 35,000 residents. The town was officially incorporated into the local demographics in 1892, and in the mid-20th century, it annexed nearby Fussville, a small collection of rural families (But don't make a fuss about it! Har har). Settlers originally came to this part of Wisconsin because of its beauty and the large supply of fresh water in the area. The village of Menomonee Falls actually gets its name from the central river and water features of the town. The Menomonee River winds directly through the village and crashes down into a spectacular waterfall in the center of the settlement, which makes this little town both unique and picturesque. The waterfall itself is quite gentle and idyllic: it is backed by old bricks and empties into soft rolling green hills that surround this settlement.
Where Appleton Avenue and Main Street meet, the historic downtown of Menomonee Falls begins. It is here, often referred to as "The Four Corners," where the oldest homes and business buildings were built 100 years ago. The town takes pride in conserving and maintaining these buildings in tip-top condition so that they are attractive and functional as part of the village economy. The town has not only invested money in the upkeep of these historic downtown buildings, but it has also designed all of historic downtown in such a way as to resemble a luxurious shopping area. Instead of concrete, the sidewalks are paved with red bricks. The tall lamp posts are decorative, and one can follow the red path on a stroll past specialty shops, artisan stores, and restaurants. The Historic Walking Tour takes participants on a light walk around the old buildings downtown, and just a short way away is the Menomonee River, where you can relax and take in the sights, such as the Lepper Dam, thickly forested areas, and the grassy meadows that are home to all kinds of local wildlife.
If you are considering not only renting a home here in Menomonee Falls but also renting or buying a commercial property, there are local grants that can help you get started. The downtown area is where the village's economy is centered, so entrepreneurs should look here before creating a business plan. Employment can be found in the local restaurants and offices, and salespeople are always being recruited. The town's BID financing program provides financial opportunities for new businesses to renovate and maintain historic buildings so that the downtown feel of Menomonee is eventually spread throughout the entire town. Recent renovations under this program have seen the Mill Park area completely refurbished with a new flower shop, restaurant, bakery, and deli.
Given the small size of this town, you may worry that there is a shortage of available apartment rentals, but that is not the case at all! There are several apartment complexes in the town that are not only well-maintained, but quite new and beautiful inside. At the top end of the budgetary scale, you can rent a semi-luxury condo that comes equipped with its own washer and dryer, as well as a microwave, heated garage and private entrance. While options on the lower end of the budget scale do exist, don't expect to go bargain-hunting for a home here. Living in a pristine pastoral ain't free, you know!
When it comes to finding a full-sized house for rent, you need to be vigilant and patient as these are quite rare in this small town. Until you are ready to buy a home here, stick with the apartment listings and wait for the perfect home-buying opportunity to present itself.
There is no shortage of community events for the local residents to get involved in. From January to December, the local schedule is virtually non-stop with outdoor concerts, parties, and festivals. Some of these include the annual Halloween Family Fun Festival, the Farmers Market, blood drives, recycling initiatives, the Fall Fest, and even a Civil War Encampment. During the Civil War Encampment, Falls residents can come and talk to "Abraham Lincoln" about his presidency and witness a Civil War battle reenactment. The Falls Community Carnival is an annual event at which there are carnival rides, food, games, and prizes to be won. The proceeds from this Carnival are pledged to the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry, which is the local functioning food bank.
Outdoor musical concerts are common in Menomonee Falls, especially in the Mills Pond Park and the Village Park. For a great time with music, fresh air, and a community vibe, this is the perfect event--and an ideal chance to mingle with your neighbors. The beautiful scenery of the Falls' parks and the small town community atmosphere makes outdoor events like these and all the other Menomonee Falls festivals fun for everyone.
Two days a week, a whole host of vendors come out to the Menomonee Falls Farmers Market to sell their top-quality products. The Market is set up every Wednesday or Sunday morning, depending on the season. It spreads out to accommodate the dozens of produce tables and vehicle parking.
The Menomonee Falls Farmers Market prides itself on producing and selling the best produce that Wisconsin has to offer. You can find fresh garden vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and carrots here, as well as more refined produce, like mushrooms and honey. Some vendors sell homemade craft items or soaps and body lotions, while others focus on vegetable and fruit items. There are 35 registered vendors for the weekly market, so you might get variety anxiety at all the deliciousness at your fingertips! But have no fear--the end result is guaranteed to be delicious, no matter how you choose.
