Getting to Know Mazomanie
Head west on Hwy 14 from Madison and you’ll discover some beautiful scenery. Wide open fields, an occasional deer (or herd of them) and graceful hawks and eagles in flight are all common sites. Many people stop when they get to Cross Plains or Black Earth, 2 small towns closer to the state capital. But continue on a few miles to Mazomanie and you just might be glad you did.
This is definitely the place for outdoor enthusiasts, with its many parks and trails nestled among the gently rolling hills of rural Mazomanie. The Wisconsin River to the north, offers plenty of opportunity for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and more. And Black Earth Creek runs right through downtown. Mazomanie supports youth activities with a community pool and youth soccer fields. In fact, it should come as no surprise that the tagline found under ”Mazomanie” on the village website is “Live Outside.”
Check out the annual Gandy Dancer Festival, featuring Americana and Bluegrass tunes or the Badger State Tractor Pull. In the winter you can go cross country skiing or snowshoeing. And you’ll find acres of good hunting land in this part of the state, as well.
But there’s plenty to do for those who don’t want to “live outside” as well! Visit the Historical Society Museum, the Midwest Microcar Museum or the “Old Depot” Free Library. Then eat at a downtown restaurant.
Walking through downtown is like taking a step back in time. Brick and stone storefronts complete with railings and pillars line Brodhead St, reflecting the 1880s architecture popular when they were built.
Founded in 1855, a railroad depot and flour mill popped up two years later. Now these buildings are home to a consignment shop, bike shop, art gallery and restaurants. Mazomanie boasts a whopping 33 places on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2008, it was named one the nation’s coolest small towns!
The median age of Mazomanie residents is just 36.5, pretty evenly split between males and females. The median household income sits at roughly $71,000 today (up from just $49,191 in 2000). The average income is slightly higher at $91,000. Median home and condo values are estimated at $200,000, while the mean prices come in a bit higher at $212,332. Detached homes are valued at $214,663, while townhouses or duplexes are touch lower at $187,138. Rent is typically around $798.
Students living in the village of Mazomanie attend Wisconsin Heights schools while those in the town attend wither Wisconsin Heights or Sauk Prairie School Districts, depending on where they’re located.
Small in size — just under 1,700 people in the Village of Mazomanie and another 1,200 in the Town — “Mazo,” as it is affectionally known, has an appeal all its own, with an abundance of reasons to settle here. And if you’ve never eaten at The Old Feed Mill, well, we highly recommend it. You’ll be glad you did.