Grafton (town), Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Town of Grafton, Wisconsin
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Town hall
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Location of Town of Grafton in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Ozaukee |
| Settled | 1839 |
| Incorporated | 1846 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 21.4 sq mi (55.5 km2) |
| • Land | 19.8 sq mi (51.3 km2) |
| • Water | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km2) |
| Elevation | 755 ft (230 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,157 |
| • Estimate
(2021)
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4,391 |
| • Density | 208.5/sq mi (80.5/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 262 |
The Town of Grafton is a community in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the larger Milwaukee metropolitan area. This town was officially created in 1846. In 2020, about 4,157 people lived here.
Grafton is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan. The first settlers arrived in the 1840s. Many of these early residents were immigrants from Germany and Ireland. They helped establish small communities like Lakefield and Ulao. The Village of Grafton is also partly located within the town.
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History of Grafton
One important early settlement in the area was the community of Ulao. It was located at the eastern end of what is now Wisconsin Highway 60.
In the late 1930s, the Town of Grafton was home to Camp Hindenburg. This camp was run by the German American Bund. It was active until World War II began. In 1940, another camp called Camp Carl Schurz opened nearby. This camp was run by a group that was against the German American Bund.
Geography and Landmarks
The Town of Grafton covers about 21.4 square miles (55.5 km²). Most of this area is land, about 19.8 square miles (51.3 km²). The rest, about 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²), is water.
Important Landmarks
The Kevich Light is a notable landmark located within the town.
People of Grafton
In 2000, there were 4,132 people living in the town. The population density was about 208 people per square mile. Most residents were White (98.02%).
About 24.7% of the population was under 18 years old. About 10.2% were 65 years or older. The average age in the town was 41 years.
Schools and Learning
Most of the Town of Grafton is served by the Grafton School District. This district has two elementary schools for students from kindergarten to fifth grade: John F. Kennedy Elementary School and Woodview Elementary School.
John Long Middle School serves all students in grades six through eight. Grafton High School is for grades nine through twelve.
The school district is managed by a seven-member school board. They meet once a month. The current superintendent, Jeff Nelson, has been in charge since 2016.
Some parts of the town are served by other school districts. These include the Cedarburg School District and the Port Washington-Saukville School District.
Grafton also has three private schools. These are Our Savior Lutheran School, St. Joseph Catholic Parish School, and St. Paul Lutheran School. They serve students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
Getting Around Grafton
Interstate 43 runs through the town. You can get on or off at Exit 92 and Exit 93. Wisconsin Highway 60 also passes through Ulao and the Village of Grafton.
Grafton has some public transportation options. The Ozaukee County Express bus connects Grafton to Milwaukee. This bus runs on weekdays during busy commute times. It stops at two park-and-ride lots in the village.
The Shared Ride Taxi service is another option. It helps people travel to places not on the main bus route. These taxis operate seven days a week.
Trails and Trains
The Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a popular path for walking and biking. It goes through both the town and the Village of Grafton. This trail connects residents to nearby communities like Cedarburg and Port Washington. The trail also extends north into Sheboygan County and south into Milwaukee County.
A freight train line operated by Wisconsin Central Ltd. runs through the town. It goes north to Saukville and south to Cedarburg. The Union Pacific Railroad also has tracks parallel to Interstate 43. Currently, Grafton does not have a train station for passengers.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
Grafton offers several parks and natural areas for outdoor activities:
- Blue Wing Waterfowl Production Area: This 54-acre area is a wetland and prairie preserve. It is home to many bird species, like green herons.
- Bratt Woods: This 17-acre park is on the Milwaukee River. It has native plants and looks like the old forests of Ozaukee County.
- Kurtz Woods Natural Area: This 45-acre park is a state natural area. It has many plant species and unique landforms created by glaciers.
- Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve: This 73-acre park is on the shores of Lake Michigan. It has picnic areas, walking trails, a beach, and amazing views from 100-foot-high bluffs.
- Ulao Waterfowl Production Area: This 44-acre area is a bird sanctuary. It's great for hiking and watching different types of birds, including ducks.
The Ozaukee Interurban Trail also provides a great way to explore the town. It follows an old railway line.
There are also two private golf courses in the town. The privately owned Grafton Dells River Park covers 20 acres.
Notable People
- Charles Guiteau lived in Ulao from 1850 to 1855. He was involved in a major historical event.
