Whitewater is located in northwest Walworth County and southwest Jefferson County in southeastern Wisconsin. It is approximately 50 miles from Madison and Milwaukee and just 80 miles from Chicago, Illinois.
Whitewater is nestled within the lakes, forests and prairies of southeastern Wisconsin. Home of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, the city enjoys ample educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Within the city limits are two beautiful lakes which provide a variety of outdoor sporting and leisure experiences. Located near Whitewater is the Kettle Moraine State Forest, with its scenic skiing and biking trails, campgrounds, rustic drives and abundant wildlife.
"WAU-BE-GAN-NAW-PO-CAT" was the Pottawatomie Indians’ term meaning "white water," after the whitish sands in the creek bottoms, which evolved into the city's name, Whitewater.
Whitewater has many retail and specialty stores to visit for your shopping convenience and pleasure. Spend an afternoon strolling through the shops for that one of a kind piece that's sure to lend character to any decor. Spend the day selecting fresh fruits and vegetables at the Whitewater Farmer's Market, held in the Wal-Mart parking lot every Saturday, from 8 a.m. until sold out, from June through October.
Every year, in February, the Chamber sponsors the Whitewater Merchant's Armory Sale where local merchants sell their overstocked and liquidation merchandise at drastically reduced prices. Our annual July sidewalk sale, Maxwell Street Day, consists of sales by participating business members, area vendors, crafters, and specialty item suppliers. A variety of art and craft fairs and other special sales are hosted by a number of the local service groups during the year.
Whitewater's many recreational resources include two dozen tennis courts, softball and baseball fields, an exercise course at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and wooded areas for picnicking at many park locations. The Whitewater Park and Recreation Department organizes leisure-time opportunities for active people of all ages and inclinations. Whitewater has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA for our forestry efforts.
Popular fishing spots, campgrounds and accessible beaches dot the shorelines of the area's four major lakes-Whitewater Lake, Cravath Lake, Tripp Lake and Rice Lake. Located near Whitewater is the Kettle Moraine State Forest, offering many additional leisure and recreational opportunities.
The Whitewater Unified School district includes three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, serving more than 2400 students. In addition, the area supports one private elementary and secondary school. The community is committed to a comprehensive educational and co-curricular activity program.
Whitewater residents are served by a wide range of health care facilities and health professionals. The city has 19 physicians, eight dentists, four optometrists, three chiropractors and a number of mental health professionals. Mercy-Whitewater Medical Clinic, Whitewater Medical Arts of Fort Atkinson Memorial Health Services (FAMHS) and Whitewater Family Practice Clinic offers emergency, general and sports health care. Hospital services are provided by Fort Atkinson Memorial Health Services (FAMHS) and Mercy Janesville Medical Center.
Various elderly and disabled housing opportunities are also available. The facilities are unique communities offering the comforts and pleasures of home, while providing the appropriate levels of health care as needed.
In addition, Whitewater is home to 15 churches, congregations and ministries.
Whether you are interested in sporting and leisure activities, education, culture, history or shopping excursions, you'll find it here, in Whitewater.
Housing
Our community is enhanced by the visual charm of Whitewater's architectural diversity, reflected in a gracious blend of historic neighborhoods and contemporary homes. Single-family homes and multi-family dwellings mix with apartments and condominiums to accommodate any budget. Whitewater's low property taxes and comfortable cost of living make our community an unusually affordable place to live.
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $163,739
Demographics
Population in July 2007: 14,653. Whitewater covers 6.99 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 840 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 53190 - Area code: 262
Weather
Whitewater, WI climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and extremely cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 10's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 82.00 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 7.90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 17 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Whitewater is 33.34 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is August with an average rainfall of 4.64 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
ea vendors, crafters, and specialty item suppliers. A variety of art and craft fairs and other special sales are hosted by a number of the local service groups during the year.