About Us

Ever stumbled upon a place that just feels right? That's Nekoosa. Tucked along the rushing Wisconsin River on State Highways 73 and 173, this small town of about 2,500 people has a big personality — and once you visit, you'll never forget it.

A Place with an Amazing Story

Long before the city existed, the Ho-Chunk and Chippewa peoples made this land their home. They named it "Nįįkuusra" — meaning "swift water" — because the river roars over five sets of rapids across three miles! Imagine standing on ancient Swallow Rock, where the Chippewa once camped and gazed out over those rushing waters. That same wild beauty is still here, waiting for you.

World-Class Companies, Real Opportunities

Domtar Nekoosa Paper Mill has been a cornerstone of this community for over 130 years, producing specialty papers used around the world — and contributing $350 million to the regional economy. Nekoosa Coated Products has spent 60 years innovating, including creating the world's first magnetic paper, and recently earned Wisconsin's prestigious Green Masters sustainability award. Together, they offer careers in manufacturing, engineering, and technology — making Nekoosa a great place to build a future, not just visit.

Market Street: Where the Fun Is

The heart of Nekoosa is Market Street, and you'll spot it immediately by the giant, colorful murals splashed across the buildings. But the real magic is inside the shops and restaurants:

• Goodfella's Pizza — Housed in the 1937 WPA-built library, they serve legendary homemade pizza, calzones, and Sundrop in a bottle. If you know, you know.
• Swiftwater Ice Cream — You can't leave without trying the deep-fried cheese curds or cooling off with hand-scooped Cedar Crest Ice Cream.
• "The Spot" — A pool hall run by Jacoby Custom Cues, world-famous cue-makers. Seven tables, all the gear, and a seriously cool vibe.
• Beaver's Variety Store — Nearly 50 years in business with the best selection of silk flowers, penny candy, model kits, and surprises you won't find anywhere else.
• PartiAnimal Cycle — Your one-stop shop for motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, and all the gear to go with them.
• Foley'z Nita Brew — The classic Wisconsin dive bar you didn't know you needed. Amazing bar burgers, cold drinks, and a legendary St. Patrick's Day party with homemade corned beef and cabbage. Kevin and crew will make you feel right at home.

Keeping the Community Safe

Nekoosa takes care of its own — and its visitors. The Nekoosa Police Department runs 24/7 with a Police Chief and 6 dedicated officers. The Fire Department's Chief and 30 firefighter/EMTs protect the city and surrounding areas across 60 square miles. Together, they keep our residents and visitors safe every single day.

A Library Worth the Stop

Don't let the small-town size fool you — the Charles & JoAnn Lester Library punches well above its weight. Free WiFi, a 3D printer, private meeting rooms, a children's play area, and access to over 3 million items through their library network. They even offer free family experience passes for local attractions. It's the kind of library that makes you wish you lived here.

Get Outside and Play

Nekoosa is an outdoor lover's paradise:

• Riverside Park hugs the Wisconsin River with a gazebo, picnic shelters, a playground, and a fishing pier — perfect for a lazy afternoon.
• Kautzer Plaza is brand new and loaded with fun — baseball diamonds, a splash pad, skate park, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a gorgeous pavilion.
• The NELL Trail and Lynn Creek Trail wind through nature and are perfect for walking or jogging at your own pace.
• Lake Petenwell — just south of town — is one of the largest lakes in Wisconsin. Bring the boat and make a day of it.

And here's something you don't see everywhere: ATV and UTV riders are welcome right in town! Ride your off-road vehicle on marked city streets, cross the Wisconsin River bridge, and pull up right to local businesses.

Historic Point Basse — A Living Piece of the Past!

Hidden away in the woods along the Wisconsin River, Historic Point Basse is a living history outdoor museum full of real buildings from the 1800s — and it was built and run entirely by local volunteers who love sharing this history with visitors like you.

The oldest building on the site, the Wakely House, was built around 1837. Over the years it served as a trading post, family home, a tavern, a hotel, and even a post office! Other historic buildings have been moved onto the property over time, including a real one-room schoolhouse, a working blacksmith shop with a real forge, a voyageur's cabin, barn, ice house, bunkhouse, and woodshed.

Throughout the year, volunteers dress in period costumes and bring the site to life. They play real and fictional characters from Point Basse's past — and they're always happy to show you how things were done back in the frontier days. Every month brings a new special event — everything from maple syrup making and ice harvesting to ghost walks and pioneer festivals. It's history you can actually touch, taste, and try yourself.

Search "Historic Point Basse" online to see the full event calendar before your visit!

A Place to Celebrate Together

When it's time to celebrate, Nekoosa has the perfect spot. The Nekoosa Community Center is built to handle the big moments in life — wedding receptions, graduation parties, celebrations of life, and everything in between. With a large conference room, two smaller meeting rooms, a bar area, and a full commercial kitchen, this place was designed with the community in mind. It's well-appointed and ready to make your event feel special. Whether you're planning a family get-together or a big community gathering, the Community Center has the space and the setup to make it happen right.

Don't Miss These Community Celebrations!

Nekoosa knows how to throw a party, and visitors are always welcome:

• Walleye Days (Mid-March – Mid April) — Fishing tournaments, prizes, and family fun at the Jim Freeman Memorial Boat Launch.
• Midwest Fest (3^rd Saturday in June) — Nekoosa's big summer civic picnic, and everyone's invited! Grab your lawn chairs, settle in, and relax to live music from local bands. Enjoy great food and drinks, take part in outdoor games, and jump around in the bounce houses. The fun runs from 3pm to 9pm — the perfect way to spend a summer evening with the whole family.
• Homecoming Parade (late September) — Floats, marching bands, and a downtown full of school spirit, capped off with the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen.
• Giant Pumpkin Fest (first weekend in October) — Carnival rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and the jaw-dropping giant pumpkin drop. You have to see it to believe it.
• Hometown Christmas (first Saturday in December) — A full day of holiday magic: story time, a craft show, a community luncheon, Heritage Holidays at Historic Point Basse, and Christmas Parade. Meet us after the parade at Riverside Park for hot cocoa, park lighting, and fireworks show.

Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't

Nekoosa has all the essentials — banks, churches, a locally owned Piggly Wiggly grocery store, a lumber store, auto repair, and more. The schools exceed state standards, serving kids from 4K through 12th grade. It's a complete community that somehow still feels like a best-kept secret.

Come See for Yourself

Nekoosa is the kind of town where neighbors wave from their porches, businesses have been around for generations, and strangers leave as friends. Whether you're rolling through on a road trip or searching for your next favorite place, Nekoosa welcomes you with open arms.

Come explore. You just might fall in love.