Build It and They Will Come

Chapters one and two in the series introduced us to how the area’s unique and magnificent terrain was created, who settled here, how Rome got its name, and what people were doing in pursuit of a better life as the town was just starting to find its true identity.

We saw how immigrants changed the area’s profile, and how farming and lumber production became paramount to not just survival, but as a genuine way of life. In this chapter we’ll take a look at Rome from the 1940s or so - just after the Great Depression so rudely interrupted life as we knew it and post-World War II did its best to reinvigorate it. 

Farming was still the common thread of life state-wide. In fact, Wisconsin, to this day, remains one of the most productive farming states in the country, Rome’s farmland, however, has dwindled to less than two percent of the total.

Instead, natural resources, recreation, tourism, and services that cater to a more leisurely way of life are now the area’s top providers - principally water and lake activities. 

And why wouldn’t they be? With the Wisconsin River, our awesome lakes, and our ponds and streams making up a whopping 13% of the total acreage. 

The most significant, by far, is Petenwell Lake. In fact, at 26 miles long and three miles wide, Petenwell is the second largest lake in Wisconsin after Lake Winnebago. It was created in 1948 by the Wisconsin River Power Company with the construction of a dam across the Wisconsin River.

The flowage offers some of the state's best fishing. Locally known fishing "hot spots" include Devil's Elbow, the mouth of Fourteen Mile Creek, and Barnum Bay. All throughout the year, fishers of all ages and skill levels, drop their lines with hopes of landing that prize walleye, northern pike, or muskie.

Whether by design or by happenstance, it was hard to keep such a glorious body of water, with such great fishing opportunities, a secret for very long. Sports enthusiasts came from counties near and far, ultimately aided by bridges and interstates that were constructed in the 1950s. 

Flowing westerly into Petenwell Lake is Fourteen Mile Creek, which was dammed in the 1960s to create Lake Sherwood, followed by Lake Camelot and Lake Arrowhead in the 1970s. Combined, the Tri-Lakes impoundments have a surface area of about 1,000 acres. 

Again, it’s no surprise that all this water would attract visitors and a new breed of settlers to the area. Life on the water is, afterall, one of the most sought after lifestyles anywhere, but especially in the upper-midwest.

So, yeah, “lake life” might be the original draw, bringing people to this “town for all seasons,” but it’s not the only draw. There’s another natural resource that plays a big part of the town’s character and culture - both recreationally and commercially. It’s the woodlands, which account for roughly 60 percent of Rome’s topography. 

The Rome area, and all of Wisconsin for that matter, derives much of its personality from its trees. Whether in the extensive forests that blanket the landscape, or in our communities, trees are profoundly influential in creating our sense of place. They provide our livelihoods, create countless recreational opportunities, and even influence spiritual renewal. Like our lakes, it’s no wonder that trees are woven into the fabric of Rome’s history and into our everyday lives. 

By the late 1900s, Rome’s transition was in full swing. No longer was the area defined by productivity from farming, logging, manufacturing, and the like, but rather by those seeking respite from those very things. Oh, don’t hear me wrong. Rome still has its strong midwest work ethic. We still work hard. We’re still driven by the satisfaction of success in our professional pursuits. It’s just that, as they say, we work hard and we play hard. 

And that’s why Rome continues to bring us new and wonderful things into the 21st century that make our lives better. And more enjoyable. By design, Rome has struck a beautiful balance of avid entrepreneurs with delighted consumers. 

Interestingly, though, unlike most towns that grew out of early settlements, Rome has no real “downtown.” Instead, the town planners have had the distinct luxury of first identifying needs, wants, and opportunities, and then thoughtfully developing a town center that delivers on a strategy, rather than whatever happenstance may bring. 

That’s right, with a clear vision, the Rome Town Center is methodically becoming a modern-day town center that ticks all the boxes. There’s something for everybody – commercial, residential, industrial, retail, entertainment, food and beverage, special events, walking paths and bike trails, and so much more. 

And there’s even more to see and do outside the Town Center. Rome has a heart-pounding off-roading park, for dirt bikes, ATVs and UTVs called Dyracuse Park. A world-class trap shooting facility called the Wisconsin Trapshooting Association (WTA) Shooting Complex, and maybe the biggest draw of all, second only to the lakes, is our world-class golf.

Joining the two Lake Arrowhead courses that have been enjoyed here for years - The Lakes course and The Pines course - are five more nationally ranked courses at the Sand Valley Resort. There’s the eponymous Sand Valley course, Mammoth Dunes, Sedge Valley, The Lido, and a “short course” called The Sandbox. And stay tuned, another is on the way.

With so many things to do, you’re bound to get hungry. And thirsty. Good thing Rome continues to be a destination for food and fun, with restaurants, bars, and pubs punctuating the area - from typical Wisconsin joints with the requisite Friday fish fry and Saturday Prime Rib - to an epicurean’s playground serving Wagyu steak and other blue-blooded delectables. 

So, come for the day and play. Or come for a while and stay – Rome has numerous overnight accommodations - from the rustic and cozy cottages so common to the area, to the plush and modern accommodations replete with all the spoils to satisfy even the most discriminating.

So, there you have it, Rome, then and now. Pretty good story, isn’t it? From where we began, one would never expect to see where we’ve gotten. 

But what about tomorrow? Well, not to worry. There are many more exciting things just over the horizon.

Written by: Lydell Capritta (with thanks to Mark Scarborough and his all-encompassing book, There’s No Place Like Rome, Celebrating the Journey).