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Kaukauna, WI

Frequently asked questions

Kaukauna, WI

Kaukauna is a city in Outagamie and Calumet counties, Wisconsin, United States. It is situated on the Fox River, approximately 100 miles (160 km) north of Milwaukee. The population was 17,089 at the 2020 census. It is a part of the Appleton, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Kaukauna is located in southeastern Outagamie County, with a small portion extending south into Calumet County along State Highway 55 (Friendship Drive). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.06 square miles (20.88 km²), of which 7.66 square miles (19.84 km²) is land and 0.40 square miles (1.04 km²) is water. The city is divided into the North Side and South Side by the Fox River, which is spanned by four bridges.

Kaukauna is a Native American word and in various languages means "portage", "long portage", "place where pickerel are caught", and "place of pike". This area was traditionally home to the Ho-Chunk and Menominee peoples. The first Europeans in the area were the French. The first Catholic missionary in the area, Fr. Claude Allouez, commented on the "apple trees and vine stalks in abundance" that he found the people of Kaukauna cultivating. Kaukauna became an outpost of trade in Green Bay and saw much intermarriage between French and Menominee people, leading to a Métis culture that produced local leaders such as Augustin Grignon.

The first recorded land deed in Wisconsin was assigned to Dominique Ducharme in 1793. He obtained 1,281 acres (518 ha) from the Menominee Indians for two barrels of rum and other gifts. These acres are the original site of the town of Kaukauna. The property was purchased by Charles A. Grignon (and recorded Dec. 18, 1828), who built a mansion on the river on Kaukauna's north side. The home, which bears Grignon's name, is operated as a museum by the Outagamie County Historical Society.

In 1836, following years of negotiations about how to accommodate the Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee, and Brothertown peoples who were removed from New York, the Menominee ceded over four million acres of land to the United States in the Treaty of the Cedars. Grignon of Kaukauna was one of the signatories of the treaty.

Health and wellness are paramount in Kaukauna, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Aurora BayCare Health Center stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Kaukauna Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include IronForge Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Ghost Town Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Kaukauna, such as the Valley Trail from the Nature Center and Konkapot Creek Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Kaukauna, WI, are the 1000 Islands Environmental Center, Grignon Mansion, and Grignon Park.

Population: 17,372 (2022). Elevation: 650 feet (198 meters). Area: 7.53 square miles (19.51 km²). ZIP Code: 54130. Area code: 920.

FAQs

What does Kaukauna, WI mean in English?

Over the years it has had many names: Kakalin, Cacolin, Cau Caulin, Kackaloo, Grand Kaukaulin, Grande Coquiller Rapides. The name derives from the Menomini word, Ogag-kane, meaning the stopping place of the pike or O-Gau-Gau-Ning, the stopping place of the pickerel. In any event, the name refers to the abundance of fish the early inhabitants found in the river beneath the falls.

Why is Kaukauna, WI called the Electric City?

Kaukauna became known as the “Electric City” because of its ability to harness the waters of the Fox River to produce electricity. Throughout the years as customer demand grew, so did the utility. Power lines were run to rural areas, substations were rebuilt or new ones constructed, new wells were dug, larger water towers were erected while old towers were dismantled, and now solar, wind, and biogas technologies are also being used to generate power.

Is Kaukauna, WI a good place to live?

Kaukauna is in Outagamie County and is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in Kaukauna offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Kaukauna, there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Kaukauna and residents tend to lean conservative. 

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Kaukauna 

Aurora BayCare Health Center

Kaukauna Parks and Recreation Department

IronForge Fitness

Anytime Fitness 

Ghost Town Fitness Center

Valley Trail from Nature Center 

Konkapot Creek Trail

1000 Islands Environmental Center

Grignon Mansion 

Grignon Park

Kaukauna Library

Kaukauna Utilities

Niche

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