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Waukesha, WI

Frequently asked questions

Waukesha, WI

Waukesha is the county seat of Waukesha County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Fox River. Its population was 71,158 at the 2020 census, making it the seventh-most populous city in Wisconsin. It is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The city is adjacent to the Village of Waukesha.

The area that Waukesha now encompasses was first settled by European-Americans in 1834, with Morris D. Cutler as its first settler. When the first settlers arrived, there was nothing but dense virgin forest and wild prairie. The settlers laid out farms, constructed roads, erected government buildings, and established post routes.

"Waukesha" is thought to be an Anglicization of the Ojibwe word Waagoshag, the plural of fox (waagosh), or the Potawatomi name Wau-tsha. Wau-tsha (sometimes written as Wauk-tsha or Wauke-that) was the leader of the local tribe at the time of the first European settlement of the area. This is confirmed by accounts of Increase A. Lapham, an early settler and historian of the region. According to Lapham, the Algonquian word for "fox" was pishtaka. Cutler also told visitors about Wau-tsha, who was described as "tall and athletic, proud in his bearing, dignified and friendly."

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 25.07 square miles (64.93 km²), of which 24.81 square miles (64.26 km²) is land and 0.26 square miles (0.67 km²) is water.

On May 31, 2014, two 12-year-old Waukesha girls lured their friend into the woods and stabbed her 19 times. They did this to appease a fictional online character known as Slender Man. The victim survived the attack after being found by a cyclist. The two perpetrators were found not guilty by mental disease or defect and were sentenced to long periods in mental health institutions.

On November 21, 2021, the driver of a red SUV by the name of Darrell E. Brooks Jr drove through the Waukesha Christmas Parade during its procession through downtown Waukesha late that afternoon, killing six people and injuring 62 others. During the trial, he was removed from the courtroom several times and was later sentenced to six consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 763 years and 3 months to be served consecutively.

Health and wellness are paramount in Waukesha, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. ProHealth Care is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Waukesha 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 Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, and Redemption Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Waukesha, such as the Minooka Park Yellow Trail and Glacial Drumlin State Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Waukesha, WI, are the Lapham Peak Unit, Springs Water Park, and Pewaukee Lake.

Population: 70,454 (2022). Elevation: 879 feet (268 meters). Area: 25.08 square miles (64.92 km²). ZIP Code: 53188. Area code(s): 262.

FAQs

What is Waukesha, WI famous for?

In the late 19th century, Waukesha became famous for its healing waters. People came from far and wide to heal and relax in the resort town. After the era of healing waters ended, Waukesha became a major manufacturer of water, beer, soda, dairy products, iron, and steel.

What is the crime rate in Waukesha City, WI?

Waukesha has an overall crime rate of 9 per 1,000 residents, making the crime rate here near the average for all cities and towns of all sizes in America. According to our analysis of FBI crime data, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Waukesha is 1 in 111. Waukesha's crime rate is lower than approximately 33% of Wisconsin communities.

Is Waukesha, WI walkable?

Waukesha has an average Walk Score of 35 with 70,718 residents. Waukesha has some public transportation and does not have many bike lanes. The most walkable Waukesha neighborhoods are Sunset Heights, Greenway Terrace, and Pebble Valley.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Waukesha

ProHealth Care 

Waukesha Parks and Recreation Department

Planet Fitness

Anytime Fitness 

Redemption Fitness

Minooka Park Yellow Trail 

Glacial Drumlin State Trail

Lapham Peak Unit

Springs Water Park

Pewaukee Lake

Wisconsin History

Neighborhood Scout

Walkscore

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.