Burlington

Burlington, Wisconsin is a charming community set along the Fox River. The city is 26 miles from Kenosha, 27 miles from Racine, 37 miles from Milwaukee, 75 miles from the Chicago Loop, and 75 miles from Madison. The town of Burlington is set between Route 43 and Route 41.

Burlington is bordered by Waterford to the north, Racine and Caledonia to the northeast, Union Grove and Mt. Pleasant to the east, Paddock Lake and Kenosha to the southeast, Pell Lake, Twin Lakes, and Genoa City to the south, Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Walworth, and Delavan to the southwest, Elkhorn to the west, and East Troy to the northwest.

Population (2009)- Total 10,975
Density 1.842/sq mi
White 96.0%
Hispanic 2.4%
Asian 0.6%
Other 0.1%
Median income $52,455

(http://www.city-data.com/city/Burlington-Wisconsin.html)

Burlington was once known as “Chocolate City, USA” because of the Nestle Chocolate Factory built there in 1966. The town is also home to an annual Chocolate Fest.

Burlington is also the location of a unique organization called the Burlington Liars’ Club. Sine 1929, the club has awarded a yearly title to the “World Champion Liar.”

Burlington, Wisconsin began as a Potawatomi settlement. The Native Americans left behind numerous burial mounds until a group of French explorers led by Francis Morgan de Vereceones arrived in 1799. Vereceones made a portage from the Root River to the Fox River, setting the foundation for the community that exists today.

The earliest permanent settlers were Moses and Lemuel Smith, who arrived in 1835. Other residents arrived in 1836, dubbing the settlement Foxville. In 1839, the settlers—mostly of Eastern origins—voted to rename the village’s after Burlington, Vermont. The town was incorporated in 1886. In 1900, it became a city.

Burlington real estate is filled with dreamlike wilderness retreats. From sprawling custom ranches to quaint wooden cabins, there is a fantasy home for buyers on every budget. Burlington homes are framed by lush forests and nestled on small private ponds, providing space for swimming, fishing, and lazy summertime canoe trips. With their large lots and stunning natural scenery, Burlington homes offer a view from every window. Walk onto your back porch to enjoy the crisp breeze, watch for regional birds, and breathe in the tangy dew-soaked scent of towering pines.

Burlington single family homes offer dozens of special touches such as full finished basements, built in wet bars, and wine cellars, making them ideal for entertaining. Features such as in floor heating and stone floor to ceiling fireplaces keep your cabin cozy even on the coldest day.

With its location along numerous major highways, Burlington offers all the convenience you could wish from a countryside paradise. Burlington neighborhoods are set walking distance from shopping, local schools, and other day to day destinations, allowing you to focus on the good stuff.

The average Burlington single family home is $150,000 to $250,000. The average Burlington rent is $700 to $800/month.

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Burlington is conveniently set between Route 43 and Route 41.

Route 43 runs northeast through East Troy, Potter Lake, Mukwonago, Big Bend, Muskego, Hale Corners, New Berlin, and Greenfield. The road runs southwest through Elkhorn, Delavan, Allen’s Grove, Clinton, Beloit, and South Beloit.

Route 41 runs north through Union Grove, Mount Pleasant, Caledonia, Oak Creek, Franklin, and South Milwaukee. The road runs south through Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie before bleeding into I-94.

Burlington is home to the Burlington Municipal Airport, located just 25 miles from Waukesha County Airport and 26 miles from the General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, giving residents a wide range of options for long distance travel.

With its peaceful and pristine surroundings, you might expect Burlington, Wisconsin to be car dependent. Luckily, this town is a walker’s paradise with a Burlington Walk Score of 85/100!

Burlington students are served by the Burlington Area School District, which is home to four elementary schools, two middle schools, and the Burlington High School. The city is also home to four private schools and Gateway Technical College.

Elementary Schools:
Cooper Elementary- 249 Conkey Street (262) 763-0180
Lyons Elementary- 1622 Mill Street (262) 763-5380
Waller Elementary- 195 Gardner Avenue (262) 763-0185
Winkler Elementary- 34150 Fulton Street (262) 539-2726

Middle Schools:
Dyer Intermediate School- 201 South Kendrick Avenue (262) 763-0220
Karcher Middle School- 225 Robert Street (262) 763-0190

High School:
Burlington High School- 400 McCanna Parkway (262) 763-0200

Private Schools:
St. John’s Lutheran School- 198 Westridge Avenue (262) 763-8229
Catholic Central High School- 148 McHenry Street (262) 763-1510
St. Mary’s Elementary- 108 McHenry Street (262) 763-1515
St. Charles Elementary- 449 Conkey Street (262) 763-2848

Burlington nightlife is based around those cozy corner dives where everybody knows your name. Celebrate a special event with a few friendly shots or take in the game with a couple of cold ones. Popular Burlington bars include the Countryside Pub (8225 McHenry Street (262) 767-9881), Kalynn’s Korner (28006 Durand Avenue (262) 514-2515), and Bonnie N Betty’s Bar (6069 South Railroad Street (262) 763-9935).

For more upscale nightlife, Burlington locals venture west to Lake Geneva. This charming waterside town offers exquisite old world bars ideal for dress to impress dates. The Red Geranium (Highway 50 and North E (262) 248-3637) offers a fine selection of mid priced wines by the glass or flight. The “She-Crab” sherry and seafood soup is to die for, boasting a mellow, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor. Locals also love the old fashioned Fish Fry.

The nearby Baker House (327 Wrigley Drive (262) 248-4700) is nestled within a resplendent historic hotel. From sunset cocktails on the scenic wrap-around veranda to vintage spirits in the old world bar, the Baker is one of town’s most atmospheric restaurants. Guests can sip their beverages beside the music room’s player piano, play backgammon in the game room, or explore the stately library. Diners enjoy a range of sophisticated small plates showcasing the region’s specialties: fine fresh cheese and seafood.

Have you been looking for that perfect little ice cream stand, brimming full with creamy and refreshing summertime treats? Have you ever wondered where the old world beer and burger dives went, with their cheap drafts, brick walls, and charming back to basics style? Maybe you’ve been looking for that legendary lakeside haunt, the one with a view that’s easy on the eyes and a menu that’s easy on the wallet? The nostalgic eateries of Burlington serve all this and so much more, taking your mouth on a tasty tour of your childhood memories.

BJ Wentkers (230 Milwaukee Avenue (262) 767-1514) is a marvelous street corner restaurant serving some unexpectedly unique dishes. Locals love the German elderflower spirits, magnificent clam chowder served with fresh bread and roasted garlic, and the fresh caught gnocci-trimmed roast salmon. The Happy Hour special offers great deals such as $2.50 taps and $3.00 cocktails, giving locals a delightful night any day of the week.

For unforgettable food and unforgettable views, local diners favor The Waterfront (31100 Weller Road (262) 763-9989) restaurant set along the beautiful Browns Lake. Families love the comforting favorites such as oven baked pizza and Friday Night Fish Fries. However, the restaurant also serves more distinguished dishes for gourmands on a budget; $16.95 will buy you a crisp salad, fresh vegetables, a baked butter-soaked potato, and a char-grilled blue cheese onion stuffed filet. Nibble a fine steak, sip a porch front glass of wine, and enjoy the gorgeous colors of the sunset.

On those nights when the wind whips through your coat and the cold seems to sink through your bones, locals huddle up around a table at Grater Tater (140 West Chestnut Street (262) 661-4649). The piping hot food and the warm friendly atmosphere are guaranteed to heat your heart. The restaurant offers a charming Irish pub-like environment complete with dark wood, exposed brick walls, and beautiful stained glass accents. Regulars highly recommend the authentic bangers and mashed as well as the creative potato bar, where you can customize a baked potato with your own toppings.

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned ice cream parlor? Adrian’s Frozen Custard (572 Bridge Street (262) 763-8562) is a perennial summertime favorite thanks to its sundaes, creamy custard drizzled in chocolate, caramel, and fresh fruit. Sit outside and enjoy a cup of frozen bliss or take a pint home to enjoy with the whole family.

Fred’s (596 North Pine Street (262) 763-8370) is another local classic, set in a quaint brown brick building full of neon signs advertising “the world’s best burgers.” Burlington residents stand fast to this bold claim, raving for Fred’s fresh juicy cheddar soaked meat, the classic cheese curds, and the crisp tasty parmesan fries. Fred’s also offers premium quality root beer on tap for the kids and fine drafts for the adults, making this a dining experience with all the trimmings.

Burlington is widely known as the home of Chocolate Fest (327 South Pine Street (262) 763-7185), an annual extravaganza that honors the town’s legacy as “Chocolate City, USA,” the home of an enormous Nestle Chocolate Factory. The festivities include carnival rides, boat races, band competitions, and a tent full of chocolate treats. Sink your sweet tooth into some cocoa drenched cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries, and decadent chocolate covered cheesecake.

Burlington is a hikers paradise, filled with some of Wisconsin’s finest parks and forest preserves.

The Richard Bong State Recreation Area (Route 142) has a unique history, once designated as a jet fighter base and named for leading air ace Major Richard I. Bong. Today, the park incorporates over 4,515 acres of rolling green open space including grassland, savannah, wetlands, and scattered woodland.

The Cherry Lake Sedge Meadow (Country Highway) is a sight to behold, set within a serpentine glacial basin filled with sedge meadow, marsh fern, and sphagnum moss. The meadow is nestled in the middle of the Honey Creek Wildlife Area, which includes 1023 acres of woodland, marsh, grassland, and scenic trails.

The Karcher Springs State Natural Area (Route 83) is home to another calcerous fen filled with clear water streams. The beautiful landscape features horsemint, spring-cress, and purple false foxglove. Rare species include Ohio goldenrod, marsh blazing-star, lesser fringed gentian, and slender bog-arrow grass.