Somerset, Wisconsin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Somerset, Wisconsin
Village
Village hall
Location of Somerset in St. Croix County, Wisconsin
Somerset, Wisconsin Location in Wisconsin Show map of Wisconsin Somerset, Wisconsin Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Wisconsin
County	St. Croix
Area
• Total	3.33 sq mi (8.62 km2)
• Land	3.33 sq mi (8.62 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	961 ft (293 m)
Population  (2010)
• Total	2,635
• Estimate  (2019)	2,920
• Density	877.93/sq mi (338.94/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s)	715 & 534
FIPS code	55-74700
GNIS feature ID	1581724

Somerset is a small village in St. Croix County, Wisconsin. It is located along the Apple River. In 2010, about 2,635 people lived there. The village is part of the larger Town of Somerset.

History of Somerset

Somerset was named by General Samuel Harriman. He named it after his father's home in Somerset, England. The village has a long and interesting past.

Before the 1900s, Somerset had many cranberry bogs. These wet areas were perfect for growing cranberries. Later, during a time called Prohibition (when making and selling alcohol was illegal), these wet spots became useful for making homemade alcoholic drinks. Somerset was already known as a busy logging town. It became a place where illegal alcohol was made and sent to nearby cities like Saint Paul and Minneapolis. After Prohibition ended, people in Somerset went back to logging and farming.

Geography of Somerset

Somerset, Wisconsin

Somerset is located at 45°7′30″N 92°40′30″W / 45.12500°N 92.67500°W / 45.12500; -92.67500. The village covers about 2.75 square miles (7.12 square kilometers) of land. The Apple River flows right through Somerset.

Major roads in the area include Wisconsin Highways 35 and 64. Also, County Roads C, I, and VV help people get around the community.

People of Somerset

Population in 2010

In 2010, there were 2,635 people living in Somerset. These people lived in 990 households. About 654 of these were families. The village had about 958 people per square mile (370 people per square kilometer).

Most people in Somerset were White (93.1%). Other groups included African American (1.0%), Native American (0.6%), and Asian (0.8%). About 5.1% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

Many households (44.6%) had children under 18 living with them. The average household had 2.64 people. The average family had 3.15 people. The average age in the village was 29.6 years.

Education in Somerset

Somerset has a school campus that serves students of all ages.

• Somerset High School teaches students in grades nine through twelve.
• Somerset Middle School is for students in grades five through eight.
• Somerset Elementary School teaches students from junior kindergarten through fourth grade.

All these schools are located together on the Somerset School district campus.

Fun Things to Do in Somerset

Somerset is a great place for outdoor activities, especially along the Apple River.

• You can find places to go camping and tubing.
• Local businesses offer rentals and rides for tubing on the river.

Every summer, concerts are held at the Somerset Amphitheater. Many famous bands and artists have played there, like The Avett Brothers, Slipknot, Ozzy Osbourne, and Kenny Chesney. Somerset has also hosted events like the Tough Mudder race and The Border Battle Beer Fest.

In June, Somerset celebrates its annual Pea Soup Days. This event includes a carnival, a parade, and a late-night band playing music. It all happens in the Village Park.

Famous People from Somerset

• Jenny Hansen: A champion gymnast in college sports.
• Samuel Harriman: A general who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
• Sam Lofquist: An ice hockey player.
• Michael Schachtner: A basketball player.
• Patty Schachtner: A state senator.

See also

In Spanish: Somerset (Wisconsin) para niños