New Holstein, WI

County: Calumet

History

New Holstein, Wisconsin

New Holstein, Wisconsin is a small town located in Calumet County in east-central Wisconsin. The history of New Holstein can be traced back to the mid-19th century when German immigrants began to settle in the area.

The town was originally known as Altona and was established in 1853 by a group of German Catholics led by Father Caspar Rehrl. They named the settlement after the city of Altona near Hamburg, Germany. The settlers cleared the dense forests, built homes, and started farming, which became the primary occupation for the early residents of the area.

In 1854, the first post office was established in the town, and the name was changed to New Holstein to reflect its German heritage. The name "Holstein" refers to the historic region of Holstein in northern Germany, from which many of the settlers hailed.

The community continued to grow throughout the late 19th century, with the railroad reaching New Holstein in 1872, helping to stimulate further development. The town became a commercial and industrial center for the surrounding agricultural area, with businesses and industries such as flour mills, breweries, cheese factories, and creameries.

The early 20th century saw further growth and prosperity for New Holstein. The town boasted a diverse economy, including manufacturing, agriculture, and retail. In 1912, New Holstein became an incorporated village, and it later became a city in 1932.

Like many small towns across America, New Holstein experienced the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. However, the community managed to bounce back and adapt to the changing times. Today, New Holstein remains a vibrant, close-knit community with a strong agricultural heritage.

New Holstein holds onto its German heritage and celebrates it annually with the popular "German Fest" event. This festival showcases German traditions, music, food, and cultural activities.

Overall, New Holstein's history is characterized by its German immigrant roots, the growth of agriculture and industry, and its ability to thrive as a small, tight-knit community.

Attractions

Hickory Hills Country Club

Hickory Hills Country Club

A beautiful 18-hole golf course with scenic views and challenging fairways.

Kiwanis Park

A well-maintained park with walking paths, picnic areas, and a playground. It also hosts events and concerts during the summer months.

Kiel Marsh State Wildlife Area

Located just outside New Holstein, this wildlife area offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and hunting.

Badger Sports Park

A family-friendly entertainment center with go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, and an arcade.

Hamburge Fest

This annual festival celebrates New Holstein's German heritage with live music, food, beer, and fun activities for all ages.

Berean Baptist Church

A historic church in New Holstein known for its beautiful stained glass windows and unique architecture.

Lakeview Park

A small park situated near Crystal Lake, offering fishing docks, picnic areas, and a boat launch.

The Elms Supper Club

A popular restaurant and supper club that serves delicious food and offers a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Brewing Projekt

A craft brewery located in New Holstein, where visitors can sample a variety of unique, handcrafted beers.

The Historic Downtown

Take a stroll through the charming downtown area, which features a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Climate

New Holstein, Wisconsin experiences a humid continental climate. The region has four distinct seasons, characterized by warm summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation throughout the year.

Summer in New Holstein is typically warm and humid with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s°F (around 24°C) to the mid-80s°F (around 29°C). July and August are the warmest months, with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures above 90°F (32°C). Thunderstorms are also common during the summer months, providing some relief from the heat.

Autumn brings cooler temperatures, with highs in the 60s°F (around 15-20°C). September and October are the driest months, providing the perfect conditions to witness the beautiful fall foliage.

Winter in New Holstein is cold and snowy. Average temperatures range from the low 20s°F (-6°C) to the mid-30s°F (1-3°C), with occasional periods of bitter cold when temperatures drop below freezing. Snowfall is common, and the region receives around 40-50 inches (102-127 cm) of snowfall annually.

Spring is characterized by mild temperatures, with highs in the 50s°F (around 10-15°C) that gradually increase into the 60s°F (around 15-20°C) by late spring. Precipitation levels remain moderate throughout the year, with rain showers being more prevalent in spring.

It is worth noting that climate patterns can vary from year to year, and extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, or blizzards can occur. Monitoring local weather forecasts can provide more accurate and up-to-date information on the specific climate conditions in New Holstein, Wisconsin.

Neighborhoods

New Holstein, Wisconsin, is a small city located in Calumet County, in the eastern part of the state. While New Holstein itself does not have distinct neighborhoods, it is surrounded by rural areas and nearby communities that offer unique characteristics. Here is some information about the different neighborhoods and nearby areas around New Holstein:

New Holstein Downtown

The heart of the city, downtown New Holstein, features a quintessential small-town charm with historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and services. It serves as a hub for community events and gatherings.

Kiel

Located just five miles southeast of New Holstein, Kiel is a larger neighboring town with its own distinct identity. Kiel offers a mix of residential areas, businesses, schools, parks, and community amenities. It also hosts the annual county fair and is known for its strong German heritage.

Charlesburg

Situated to the northwest of New Holstein, Charlesburg is a small unincorporated community known for its predominantly German population. It has a rich agricultural heritage and features picturesque countryside views, as well as a few local businesses.

Rantoul

A rural area to the southwest of New Holstein, Rantoul is known for its rolling hills, farmland, and expansive views. It is a sparsely populated area with few amenities, focusing primarily on agricultural and residential purposes.

Marytown

Located southeast of New Holstein, Marytown is a small community primarily known for the National Shrine of Saint Joseph. The shrine attracts visitors from around the region and features a beautiful church, gardens, and facilities for retreats and events.

Chilton

About 11 miles south of New Holstein, Chilton is the county seat of Calumet County. It offers a variety of amenities, including schools, shops, restaurants, parks, and recreational facilities. Chilton hosts annual events like the county fair and has a rich history tied to agriculture and industry.

Together, these surrounding areas form the broader community that complements and contributes to the overall local culture and lifestyle of New Holstein, Wisconsin.

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