Polk County, Wisconsin
Polk County sits in the northwestern corner of Wisconsin, where forests and lakes shape much of the landscape. Popular spots like Balsam Lake and Deer Lake attract anglers throughout the year, making fishing a big part of local life.
The county takes its name from James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States. Winters can be tough, but residents know how to enjoy them with activities like ice fishing and snowmobiling. St. Croix Falls, the county seat, is located along the Minnesota border and offers easy access to the scenic St. Croix River.
Parts of the Ice Age Trail pass through Polk County, giving hikers plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Small communities and rural farmland make up much of the area, with agriculture still playing an important role in the local economy. Quiet, outdoorsy, and close-knit, Polk County is a classic example of Wisconsin life.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Polk County |
| County Seat | Balsam Lake |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Amery, Osceola, St. Croix Falls, Balsam Lake, Luck |
| Interstates and Highways | WI-35, WI-46, WI-65, WI-87 |
| Etymology | Named after James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States |
| FIPS Code | 55-095 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 956 sq mi (Land: 914 sq mi; Water: 42 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 45.4667° N, 92.4218° W |
| Major Landmarks | Interstate State Park, Polk County Museum, Stower Seven Lakes State Trail |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Burnett County (North), Barron County (East), Dunn County (Southeast), St. Croix County (South), Washington County, Minnesota (Southwest), Chisago County, Minnesota (West) |
| Population | Approximately 45,000 |
