Almond

Almond | one of the best places to live in Wisconsin

Almond's history traces back to 1847, rooted in the stagecoach and freight route between Berlin and Stevens Point, Wisconsin. To accommodate this route, Jacob Meyers established a barn and inn at what is now Almond, providing a necessary stop for horses. In 1850, a post office was established at this stagecoach stop, with postmaster James Moore, a native of Almond, New York, giving the town its name. Interestingly, George Stevens, credited with founding Stevens Point, had been a postmaster in Almond, New York, before setting up a trading post on the Wisconsin River.

Almond is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage, nestled in the central sands region known for its prolific potato production. In addition to potatoes, local farmers cultivate green beans, peas, carrots, and sweet corn. The community enjoys dining at the beloved Two Lakes Supper Club, a favorite among both locals and tourists. Each late July, the Almond Lions Club hosts the Tater Toot, a lively music festival that features a car and tractor show, a local market stand, and various food stands offering hamburgers, potatoes, and cheese curds, ensuring a "Tootin' Good Time" for all attendees.

West of Almond lies Bancroft and the Buena Vista Wildlife Area which spans over 12,000 acres and is renowned for its bird and wildlife viewing opportunities. In April, it becomes particularly notable as Prairie Chickens gather at their mating grounds, known as "booming grounds," where males produce distinctive mating sounds. The area also offers cross-country skiing, hiking, and hunting opportunities. Originally a marsh, it was drained in the early 1900s to enhance farming land fertility and extend growing seasons. The resulting straight streams and ditches have since become some of the best Brook Trout fishing spots in the state, boasting both high numbers and large fish.

Bancroft is similar to Almond, a small, quiet town with fertile ground and farming. Besides farming, a popular local business is the Vista Royalle Campground, which features a small man-made lake, a large swimming beach with large inflatable water toys, a fishing pond, and much more.

On the East side of Almond towards Waupaca lies the Ice Age Trail, a 1,000-mile footpath perfect for family hiking and snowshoeing in the winter months. The trail passes through Hartman Creek State Park and multiple smaller lakes. The park provides a wide range of activities, including biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and swimming. In the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, fat tire bicycling, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Almond has one school, Almond-Bancroft, which offers education from kindergarten through high school. The elementary school is notable for its impressive 10:1 student/teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment for its students.