More about Ozaukee County
Located just north of Milwaukee, along Lake Michigan’s shore, you will find Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Covering a land area of 235 square miles, it is Wisconsin’s smallest county with Lake Michigan access, wide-open farm fields, and rolling hills. This undoubtedly helps contribute to its charming, small-town feel. At last count, roughly 86,503 individuals called Ozaukee County home.
One of the county’s original limestone quarries can be found at Harrington Beach State Park. Ozaukee’s harbors and quarries were created early in its history due to this area’s excellent fishing and rich limestone deposits. Along Ozaukee County’s coastline, you’ll find steep bluffs and a flourishing fishing industry involving sport and commercial activities.
If you’re looking to build a home with close lake access, you may consider this or one of Wisconsin’s other coastline counties. Ozaukee County is, in fact, the United State’s 25th wealthiest county in terms of per capita income. It also made the “America’s Best Places to Raise a Family” list in the Forbes June 2008 issue. Ozaukee County was rated number two.
As with most counties, Ozaukee County comprises small towns, quaint villages, and larger cities with plenty of shopping opportunities. But typical of southeastern Wisconsin counties, it also contains several unincorporated communities and a census-designated place.
Currently the site of Harrington Beach State Park, there is even a ghost town that went by the name of Stonehaven. The park has been careful to preserve some of Stonehaven’s historic buildings.
Ozaukee County has art galleries and studios, the Cedarburg Cultural Center, Cedarburg History Museum, and more for those seeking a bit of culture and history. While in Cedarburg, be sure to stop in for a bit of wine tasting at the historic Shops of the Cedar Creek Settlement-located winery.
Nature lovers will enjoy Ozaukee County’s widespread parks, many offering baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, and other sports-related settings. There are several golf courses and opportunities for sailing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, etc.
Bring your camera to take advantage of the photo opportunities presented by Port Washington’s St. Mary’s Hill. The local historical society collection is housed here, at the historic Coast Guard station lighthouse. There is also a lighthouse museum for those who love maritime history.
Typical of Wisconsin’s southeastern counties, there is a little something for everyone in this down-home area, blessed by mother nature herself.