The Town of Whitewater in Walworth County, Wisconsin, was officially established in the mid-1800s, shortly after Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, before white settlers began arriving in the 1830s and 1840s.

Early settlers were drawn by the region’s fertile soil, abundant water sources, and hardwood forests. Agriculture, especially dairy farming and crop cultivation, quickly became the economic backbone of the area. Whitewater Lake and surrounding wetlands also provided key natural resources. The town remained rural with an emphasis on farming, conservation, and lakeside recreation, but over time, the town became a blend of permanent rural residents and seasonal lake visitors, especially as Whitewater Lake grew in popularity in the 20th century. Conservation efforts later expanded with the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit, which borders the town, helping to preserve much of the region’s natural beauty, while limiting overdevelopment.

Today you can observe the beauty of this region by many recreational and non- recreational means. A popular activity enjoyed by many is hiking or backpacking on the Ice Age Trail.

Recognized as a National Scenic Trail, the 1200 miles of trails, of which 4.6 miles are within the Township of Whitewater. The ‘Whitewater Lake Segment’ as it is called, features beautiful, wooded moraines, kettles, and outstanding views of Whitewater and Rice Lakes along the path.

Situated in the bluffs of the Kettle Moraine, overlooking Whitewater Lake, proudly sits the Heart Prairie Lutheran Church. This church was built and completed between 1855 - 1857 by the Norwegian immigrants who had settled here. Located along Chapel Drive, it is still in its historical condition, with no electricity or plumbing and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If driving or walking by on a warm Saturday evening, or an early Sunday morning during the summer months, you will hear the old pump organ still carrying a tune of a gospel song, through the open windows.

The township is also known for its Artesian Flowing Well, located along Clover Valley Road. This well was hand dug in 1895 by Adam Channing to an original depth of 55’ and has been flowing steadily ever since. After hydrating yourself at the artesian water well, this stop also hosts a perfect place for a picnic, or it has a nice shady area to get some rest and relaxation before carrying on with your next adventure.

As our town started out being an agricultural area, there is still much pride in our rural farming community. As you pass by fields during the busy planting season, you will soon bear witness to the beauty and wonder, watching the changes of these crops throughout their growing season.

Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk to see if the corn is ‘knee high’ by the fourth of July, enjoying recreational time on the lakes, or hiking in the Kettle Moraine Forest, there is still so much more to discover!

(Thank you to Sherrie Benes for compiling this information.)