Pepin County, Wisconsin
Small but full of personality, that’s Pepin County. It’s the smallest county in Wisconsin by land area, but there’s plenty to see and experience. The county follows the Mississippi River along western Wisconsin, right next to Minnesota.
The village of Pepin has plenty of charming river-town character and an interesting claim to fame. Laura Ingalls Wilder was born here, and fans of “Little House on the Prairie” often visit the area to learn more about her early life and birthplace.
Pepin County is also known for its apple orchards, which spread across the rolling hillsides. When autumn arrives, the countryside bursts into beautiful colors. Lake Pepin, a broad section of the Mississippi River, is popular for fishing, boating, and sailing, making it a favorite destination for water lovers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Pepin County |
| County Seat | Durand |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Durand, Pepin, Stockholm, Arkansaw, Ella |
| Interstates and Highways | US-10, WI-35, WI-85 |
| Etymology | Named after Pierre and Jean Pepin du Chardonnets |
| FIPS Code | 55-091 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 249 sq mi (Land: 232 sq mi; Water: 17 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 44.5790° N, 92.0485° W |
| Major Landmarks | Lake Pepin, Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Maiden Rock Bluff |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Pierce County (Northwest), Dunn County (North), Eau Claire County (East), Buffalo County (South), Wabasha County, Minnesota (Southwest), Goodhue County, Minnesota (West) |
| Population | Approximately 7,000 |
