Minocqua, Wisconsin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Minocqua is a town located in Oneida County, Wisconsin. According to the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 4,859. However, this number substantially increases during the summer.
Contents |
[edit] History
Minocqua was officially organized on March 13, 1889. There are differing explanations for Minocqua's Ojibwe name, one of which holds that Minocqua means "fair maiden."[1] Minocqua is also said to be derived from the Ojibwe word Ninocqua, meaning noon day rest.[2] The town might also be named after a tribal chief named Noc Wib or Minocquip. The town was probably first known as Maniwaki.[citation needed]
In 1891 the town consisted of 29 saloons, two hotels, two general stores, a small market and about 15 homes. In 1912, a fire destroyed most of the buildings along Front Street. The fire started across from where the post office sits today. Locals tried to stop the fire with dynamite.[3]
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 435.4 km² (168.1 mi²). 390.6 km² (150.8 mi²) of it is land and 44.8 km² (17.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 10.29% water.
Termed the "Island City," a portion of the town is situated on an actual island, which is accessible by bridge on Highway 51. Much of Minocqua has sandy soil, although areas of the far northwest and the northeast are clay. The majority of the ground soil is highly acidic and many areas are covered by marshes. The marshes between Minocqua and Wisconsin Rapids are cultivated for cranberry production.
The highest point in Minocqua is Winter Park (1627 ft/497 m). The second highest point is Mount Huber, located at Island Golf, its a artifical structure. The highest point in Minocqua is the Minocqua water tower located on Hwy 51 North. Its a steel tank tower put in place in the 60's to help the towns drinking supply water remain strong throughout the long cold winters.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 4,859 people, 2,189 households, and 1,488 families residing in the town. The population density is 12.4/km² (32.2/mi²). There are 4,284 housing units at an average density of 11.0/km² (28.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 97.65% White, 0.04% African American, 1.03% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. 0.95% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,189 households out of which 22.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.0% are married couples living together, 5.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.0% are non-families. 27.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.22 and the average family size is 2.68.
In the town the population is spread out with 19.6% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 24.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 47 years. For every 100 females there are 100.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.6 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $40,333, and the median income for a family is $50,466. Males have a median income of $41,272 versus $23,147 for females. The per capita income for the town is $24,461. 6.5% of the population and 4.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.5% of those under the age of 18 and 5.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
[edit] Tourism
Downtown Minocqua is situated on the island. Tourism plays a substantial role in the economy of Minocqua. As a forested lake community, tourists enjoy typical outdoor activities such as waterskiing, fishing, hiking, bike riding, berry collecting (not on private property), swimming, go-karting, miniature golf, river rafting, movie-going, and viewing the Minocqua-Bats water ski show in the summer. During the fall, rifle and bow hunting draw a large amount of avid and not-so-avid hunters, as does the annual downtown merchants' Beef-O-Rama held the last Saturday in September. Also in the fall, the annual HMMGG Festival, and alternative arts festival, has been held just outside of town since 1986. In the winter months, most tourists partake in Nordic (cross country) skiing, ice fishing, downhill skiing in nearby mountains, snow tubing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling and dining at area restaurants. Minocqua's nightlife includes many bars. It is very popular during hunting season to drive to Eagle River to attend the various gentleman's clubs.
[edit] Attractions
- The Minocqua Museum
- Bearskin Trail - The trail is made of 18.2 miles of crushed red granite. The Department of Natural Resources oversees the trail.
- Torpy Park - located in downtown Minocqua
- Wildwood - a large wild animal zoo west of town that started as a deer sanctuary
- Northwoods Wildlife Center - volunteer organization that cares for injured local fauna
- Minocqua Bats - local water ski team that puts on a show three times a week during the summer months
