Waukesha WI Welcomes Her Sisters

Towns and cities across North America are paired up with other towns and cities around the globe. Waukesha WI is no different in this than thousands and thousands of other beautiful cities worldwide. Sister to the cities of Granada, Nicaragua Kokshetau, Kazakhstan, they each offer their own unique perspective, destinations, activities and culture.


What Is A Sister City

The State of Wisconsin, like other states throughout the nation, has found that naming sister cities helps not only the U.S. but the sisters throughout the world as well. Developed in order to offer benefits for education, business, media as well as sports and tourism, a sister city or twin town actually represents an agreement between towns and cities mostly, but even countries as well.

The earliest twin cities can be found in the records of Europe dating back to the early 1900's in France and England. During the wars, the practice became an important part of trying to bring people throughout Europe back together and was even seen in cities between the former East and West Germany's. The first city in the U.S. to begin joining in this activity was the city of Toledo who for obvious reasons, paired with the city of Toledo Spain in 1931. Promoting each other and offering a unique world perspective, sister cities are a unique and special way for residents of these cities learn more about cities and town around the globe.

Waukesha's Sister Cities

Kokshetau, Kazakhstan is listed as having a population of just over 120,000 people. Founded in 1824, the city was built on a hill, and is located nearby to the capital city of Astana. A mountainous region, it is home to a well known resort area and offers ample opportunities for recreational activities outdoors with many lakes, similar to the city of Waukesha.

Granada, Nicaragua – Located in Western Nicaragua, Granada is historically one of the most important cities in Nicaragua. Fourth most populous city in the Country it has a rich history and well known for tourism in the region. Founded in 1524, its history includes wars and battles with country's including not only the English but the French and Dutch as well. Located on the Coast of Lake Nicaragua, one of the largest lakes in the world, tourism to the area includes not only architectural tourism but also outdoor recreation as it is known for its natural beauty, museums, and beaches.

Grand Vacation Club explores Waukesha WI and wants to know, does your city have a sister city? Spend some time learning about the worlds beautiful cities when you travel. Experience the beauty and history associated with cities like Waukesha and here sister cities and get to know the world around you.

Three Great Waukesha Festivals

Small town America at its finest, the city of Waukesha is a small city located in the larger county of Waukesha and just a short distance from the city of Milwaukee. Known for its history and outdoor recreational opportunities including some of the best fishing in the Midwest, visitors come each and every year to the city of Waukesha to enjoy the atmosphere, beauty and convenience offered by the area.

For the many visitors who choose Waukesha for their vacation destination, an enjoyable way to spend their time is by taking advantage of the great festivals and events offered to residents and visitor alike. Beginning this Spring, festivals and activities celebrating the fun and the history of the are featured in a number of ways including the featured event known as the “Rituals of Spring”. Offered by Old World Wisconsin, this festival on the weekend of May 5^th and 6^th takes a look at rituals related to spring in Wisconsin. Including a look at historic breeds of sheep from the region and demonstrations on sheering, this pays homage to all things spring.

Wisconsin Highland Games – September 1 and 2 – Waukesha County Expo Center – Featuring all things Scottish, this event pays homage to the Scott's who call this area home and their heritage. Festival events and activities include:
Heavy Athletics
Pipe and Drum Competitions
Dancing competitions
Live Celtic music
Food and Spirits
Longbow tournaments
Battle axe and knife throwing
Living history
Culture/arts and crafts
Celtic canines and more

Apple Harvest Festival – Time TBA – This festival welcomes the harvest. Part of the life of many mid westerners, celebrate all things fall. Perfect for the whole family, events and activities include hayrides, games and activities, facepainting, hiking and other great events and of course, don't forget the cider! Celebrate the harvest in the Midwest.

Exploring The Waukesha Region

Many other opportunities can be had throughout the year in Waukesha and surrounding areas. Featuring the people, the animals, the outdoors and much more, take advantage of all this great city has to offer you on your vacation.

Pewaukee - Small Town Charm In The County Of Waukesha WI

Translated to mean “lake of shells” Pewaukee is a small town, near to the city of Waukesha and part of the larger county of Waukesha WI. Historically inhabited by the native Americans including the Sauk, Menomonie, Winnebago and Potawatomi, Pewaukee was not settled by Europeans until the early 1800's. The opening of the mill on Pewaukee Lake began the birth of the town and encourage expansion until the arrival of the railroad from Milwaukee, roughly 20 miles from Pewaukee Lake and the resort history of the area began.

Two hotels sprang up in order to cater to the “city folk” flooding to the area in summer and the area made a name for itself as a place of beauty and as a paradise for fishermen. These names still apply to this little town in Waukesha as Pewaukee Lake is well known as some of the best Muskie fishing in the state today. Thousands of travelers still choose Pewaukee as their vacation destination each summer and even in fall and winter, to enjoy the many events and activities associated with the lake such as boating and fishing, walking or taking in the fall colors, ice skating or just enjoying the country charm and a look at the past.

Great Activities

Though Pewaukee and Waukesha have much to offer the seasonal visitor in the way of shopping, dining, relaxing, boating, hiking and the like, one of the more popular and unique area activities are the Pewaukee Lake Tours. A historic Pontoon tour on Pewaukee Lake, the city of Pewaukee sponsors the tours through the Park and Recreation Department. Each 2 hour cruise allows visitors to experience not only the beauty of the area features but the history and stories of the past told by area residents. Learn about the history of the lake, the railroad, the historic buildings surrounding the lake and the stories that make the area what it is today. Typically offered on Wednesdays once a month through the summer months, call the Parks and Recreation dept to learn more about the availability of the tour.

Small town America is a great way to explore the United States and its unique beauty. If you are looking for a creative and enjoyable way to explore the U.S., give small towns a try. Each different from the other, many located near to Americas larger cities, it is a great way to get out and enjoy the countryside while still enjoying the benefits of the big city. Take advantage of all that the U.S. has to offer you. From the Midwest to the Southeast, the options are numerous and can keep you touring for years to come. Get to know more about what America has to offer you and visit cities like Pewaukee and Waukesha WI for a unique perspective and a fun vacation.

Nearby Cities

Chicago, IL – 90 miles
Green Bay, WI – 137 miles
Kenosha, WI – 48 miles
Madison, WI – 60 miles
Milwaukee, WI – 20 miles

Grand Vacation Club encourages you to get out and explore the many great small destinations such as Waukesha WI and other cities around the world on your vacation. Take advantage of all the world has to offer you while you travel.