Barron County, Wisconsin
Barron County sits in northwestern Wisconsin and is definitely dairy country. Rolling hills are dotted with farms, and cheese is a big part of the local identity. The county produces plenty of dairy products, including some seriously good cheddar, but there’s much more to discover beyond the farms.
The Blue Hills provide scenic hiking trails and beautiful views that might make you forget you’re in the Midwest. Rice Lake, the county’s largest community, serves as a center for shopping, events, and everyday life. Hunting is also a major tradition here, with deer season treated almost like a local holiday.
The Red Cedar River offers a perfect setting for canoeing, kayaking, or a relaxing day on the water. Winters can be harsh, but locals embrace the cold with ice fishing and snowmobiling. Barron County is the kind of place where small-town traditions still matter, and community remains at the heart of everyday life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Barron County |
| County Seat | Barron |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Barron, Rice Lake, Chetek, Cumberland, Turtle Lake |
| Interstates and Highways | US-53, US-8, WI-25, WI-48 |
| Etymology | Named after Henry D. Barron, state senator and circuit court judge |
| FIPS Code | 55-005 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 890 sq mi (Land: 863 sq mi; Water: 27 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45.4135° N, 91.8540° W |
| Major Landmarks | Blue Hills Felsenmeer, Barron County Pioneer Village Museum, Rice Lake |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Washburn County (North), Sawyer County (Northeast), Rusk County (East), Chippewa County (Southeast), Dunn County (South), St. Croix County (Southwest), Polk County (West), Burnett County (Northwest) |
| Population | Approximately 46,000 |
