Introduction to Adams County, Wisconsin
Adams County is located in central Wisconsin, bordered by Juneau County to the west, Wood County to the north, and Columbia County to the south. Established in 1848, Adams County was named after John Adams, the second president of the United States. The county is known for its natural beauty, with forests, rivers, and lakes offering abundant recreational opportunities. Agriculture, tourism, and small manufacturing businesses form the backbone of the local economy.
Adams County has a population of approximately 20,500 people and experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The county’s landscape, including the scenic Wisconsin River and Castle Rock Lake, makes it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- County Seat: Friendship
- Number of Cities and Towns: 9
- Major School Districts: Adams-Friendship Area School District, Wisconsin Dells School District
Friendship
City Overview
Friendship is the county seat of Adams County, located in the north-central part of the county near the Wisconsin River. Founded in 1857, the town is named to reflect the values of community and harmony among its settlers. Friendship is a small, close-knit community with a peaceful atmosphere and serves as the administrative center for Adams County.
Friendship experiences cold winters with significant snowfall and warm, humid summers. The town’s proximity to outdoor recreation areas, including Roche-A-Cri State Park and the Wisconsin River, makes it a popular spot for hiking, camping, and fishing. Roche-A-Cri Mound, located in the state park, is a well-known local landmark, offering panoramic views and historic Native American petroglyphs.
City Facts
- Population: 725 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 500 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 53934
- Road Network: State Highway 13, State Highway 21
- Nearest Airports: Central Wisconsin Airport (Mosinee), Dane County Regional Airport (Madison)
- Libraries: Adams County Library
- Hospitals: Moundview Memorial Hospital
Major Schools
Friendship is part of the Adams-Friendship Area School District. Adams-Friendship High School (grades 9-12) enrolls approximately 500 students and offers a wide variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, athletics, and vocational education. Adams-Friendship Middle School serves grades 6-8, and Roche-A-Cri Elementary School serves students in grades K-5. The district focuses on preparing students for both college and careers, offering personalized instruction and opportunities for community engagement.
Adams
City Overview
Adams is located just south of Friendship and is the largest town in Adams County. It was established in the late 19th century as a railway town, which brought economic growth to the area. Over the years, Adams has developed into a small, thriving community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries. The town is known for its friendly residents and rural charm.
Adams enjoys the same climate as the rest of the county, with warm summers and snowy winters. One of the town’s key landmarks is Burt Morris Park, a recreational area that provides sports fields, walking trails, and playgrounds for local residents. Adams is also close to Petenwell Lake, a popular destination for boating and fishing.
City Facts
- Population: 1,967 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 900 people per square mile
- ZIP Code: 53910
- Road Network: U.S. Route 13, State Highway 21
- Nearest Airports: Central Wisconsin Airport, Dane County Regional Airport
- Libraries: Adams County Library
- Hospitals: Moundview Memorial Hospital (Friendship)
Major Schools
Adams is served by the Adams-Friendship Area School District. Adams-Friendship High School provides education for grades 9-12, with approximately 500 students enrolled. The school offers academic programs focused on college readiness, career and technical education, and extracurricular activities such as sports and music. Adams-Friendship Middle School and Adams Elementary School serve younger students, offering education for grades K-8 with a focus on early academic development and community involvement.
Grand Marsh
City Overview
Grand Marsh is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Adams County. Founded in the mid-1800s, Grand Marsh developed as an agricultural hub, with its rich farmland supporting dairy farms and crop production. Today, Grand Marsh maintains its rural character and is known for its quiet, scenic environment.
Grand Marsh experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The community is surrounded by agricultural fields and forests, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. While small in size, Grand Marsh is home to several annual community events, including the Grand Marsh Corn N’ Tater Festival, which celebrates the area’s farming heritage.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 600
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Code: 53936
- Road Network: State Highway 82, County Road E
- Nearest Airports: Dane County Regional Airport, Central Wisconsin Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Adams
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Friendship (Moundview Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Students in Grand Marsh attend schools in the Adams-Friendship Area School District. Most students commute to nearby Adams or Friendship for their education. Adams-Friendship High School serves grades 9-12, providing a comprehensive education for rural students, while Adams-Friendship Middle School and the local elementary school offer strong academic foundations for younger students. The district emphasizes community values, agricultural education, and participation in extracurricular activities such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA).
Rome
City Overview
Rome is located in the northern part of Adams County, near Petenwell Lake. The town was officially incorporated in the 1970s but has a long history as a resort and vacation destination due to its proximity to lakes and forests. Rome has become known for its recreational opportunities, attracting visitors for activities like boating, fishing, and golfing.
Rome’s climate includes cold, snowy winters and warm summers, making it an attractive location for both winter and summer outdoor sports. Landmarks in the town include Lake Arrowhead and Sand Valley Golf Resort, which has garnered national attention for its world-class golf courses. Rome’s natural beauty and growing tourism sector have made it a popular spot for vacation homes and outdoor enthusiasts.
City Facts
- Population: 2,720 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: Approximately 100 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 54457
- Road Network: State Highway 13, County Road Z
- Nearest Airports: Central Wisconsin Airport
- Libraries: Rome Community Library
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Friendship (Moundview Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Rome is part of the Adams-Friendship Area School District. Most students in Rome attend Adams-Friendship High School for grades 9-12, where they benefit from a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including Advanced Placement courses and sports programs. Adams-Friendship Middle School serves grades 6-8, while elementary students attend the local elementary school, with a focus on early childhood education and developing essential academic skills. The district also partners with local businesses to provide career and technical training opportunities.
Dellwood
City Overview
Dellwood is a small, unincorporated community located near the Wisconsin River in Adams County. Founded as a farming community, Dellwood is now a quiet, rural residential area surrounded by forests and agricultural land. The area is well-known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly its proximity to the Wisconsin Dells area and Petenwell Lake.
Dellwood experiences typical Midwest weather, with hot summers and cold winters. Residents enjoy easy access to nearby lakes and forests, making it a popular spot for those who appreciate rural living and outdoor activities. The community has maintained its quiet, small-town feel while benefiting from its proximity to larger towns and cities.
City Facts
- Population: Approximately 500
- Population Density: Low, rural area
- ZIP Codes: 53927
- Road Network: State Highway 13, County Road Z
- Nearest Airports: Central Wisconsin Airport
- Libraries: Nearest library in Adams or Friendship
- Hospitals: Nearest hospital in Friendship (Moundview Memorial Hospital)
Major Schools
Students in Dellwood attend schools in the Adams-Friendship Area School District. Adams-Friendship High School, Middle School, and Elementary Schools provide education for students from Dellwood, offering a variety of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services. The district emphasizes community engagement and academic success, with opportunities for students to participate in local agriculture and conservation programs.