McFarland, Wisconsin

McFarland, Wisconsin
Village
Downtown McFarland with its old railroad.
Location of McFarland in Dane County, Wisconsin.
Coordinates: 43°1′7″N89°17′28″W / 43.01861°N 89.29111°W / 43.01861; -89.29111
Country	United States
State	Wisconsin
County	Dane
Government [1]
• Village President	Carolyn Clow
Area [2]
• Total	4.77 sq mi (12.34 km2)
• Land	4.76 sq mi (12.33 km2)
• Water	0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation [3]	869 ft (265 m)
Population  (2021) [4]
• Total	9,325
• Density	1,897.67/sq mi (732.64/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code	608
FIPS code	55-46850 [5]
GNIS feature ID	1569214 [3]
Website	mcfarland.wi.us

McFarland is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, situated on the shores of Lake Waubesa to the southeast of Madison. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the village has a population of 9,325. ^[6] Spanning just under five square miles and encompassing roughly 43.50 miles of roads, it is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.

In McFarland, U.S. Route 51 serves as the primary artery linking the town to the cities of Madison and Stoughton. The postal code is 53558. It is the tenth most populous place in Dane County. ^[6]

History

The Village of McFarland has several burial mounds from the Woodland period, collectively known as the Lewis Mound Group, located within Indian Mound Park. ^[7]

Panorama along U.S. Route 51

Established in 1856 by William Hugh McFarland, the village's early industries included wheat and tobacco farming, ice and fish harvesting from the nearby Lake Waubesa for rail transportation to Chicago markets. A modest resort industry eventually emerged along the eastern shore of Lake Waubesa, featuring attractions such as Edwards Park and Larson's Beach. Following World War II, McFarland evolved into a residential community for Madison. In the late 1950s, the village annexed the newly-built petroleum tank farms to the north, bolstering its tax base and enabling the McFarland School District to finance a new high school. Commuting from McFarland became significantly more convenient in 1989 with the completion of a major highway project on the adjacent Madison Beltline, sparking rapid residential growth. ^[8]

Geography

McFarland is located at 43°1′7″N89°17′28″W / 43.01861°N 89.29111°W / 43.01861; -89.29111 (43.018480, -89.291116). ^[9]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.55 square miles (9.19 km²), all of its land. It is bordered by Lake Waubesa to the west and Mud Lake to the south. ^[10]

Time zone

As in the rest of the state of Wisconsin, McFarland is located in the Central Time Zone.

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1880	168		—
1890	166		−1.2%
1930	313		—
1940	463		47.9%
1950	593		28.1%
1960	1,272		114.5%
1970	2,386		87.6%
1980	3,783		58.5%
1990	5,232		38.3%
2000	6,416		22.6%
2010	7,808		21.7%
2020	8,991		15.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [11]

2010 census

As of the census ^[4] of 2010, there were 7,808 people, 3,079 households, and 2,201 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,199.4 inhabitants per square mile (849.2/km²). There were 3,200 housing units at an average density of 901.4 per square mile (348.0/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 94.4% White, 1.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.7% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.

There were 3,079 households, of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.9% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 28.5% were non-families. Of all households, 21.9% were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.96.

The median age in the village was 39.7 years. 26.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 31.2% were from 45 to 64; and 10.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

Education

The McFarland School District serves the village of McFarland. ^[12] It operates Conrad Elvehjem Early Learning Center (K), McFarland Primary School (grades 1–2), Waubesa Intermediate School (3–5), Indian Mound Middle School (6–8) and McFarland High School, which is accredited by the AdvancED commission.

The McFarland School District has consistently scored above the state average on standardized tests. ^[13] In addition, the district has received a number of accolades and awards for its educational programs and initiatives. ^[14]

Government

Village of McFarland Municipal Center

McFarland is governed by a village board consisting of a president and six trustees. ^[15] The president and trustees are elected to two-year terms during spring elections. The Village President of McFarland is Carolyn Clow. ^[16]

McFarland has a full-time village administrator, who is responsible for the administration of the village government in accordance with the policies established by the Village Board. Other city officers consist of Village Clerk, treasurer, municipal judge, police chief and fire chief.

Events

Summer Concert Series

The village hosts a summer concert series in McDaniel Park, featuring live music from local and regional bands. ^[17]

Farmers Market

The McFarland Farmers' Market is held on Saturday mornings from May through October at the McFarland Village Center. The market features fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and other items from local vendors. ^[18]

McFarland Community Festival

Since 1985 McFarland has held a festival on the fourth weekend every September. The festival has carnival rides, train rides, a parade, and many competitions. ^[19]

Winter Wonderland in the Village

In the first week of December, Winter Wonderland in the Village (formerly known as Christmas in the Village) takes place. Among the events are Open Houses, Scavenger Hunts, Carriage Rides, Santa visits, and a parade. ^[20]

Transportation

Located just south of US 12, Madison's "Beltline Highway," McFarland is four minutes from Interstate 90, 12 minutes from the Wisconsin State Capitol, and 12 minutes from the University of Wisconsin.

McFarland is served by the Dane County Regional Airport, which is located 12 miles north of the village. McFarland is served by two taxicab companies (Union Taxi and Madison Taxi), as well as several companies that provide specialized transportation for persons with disabilities. Additionally, Uber and Lyft are available in McFarland.

Railroad

The village is crossed by the Wisconsin and Southern railroad line.

Bicycle

McFarland offers several biking trails, including the Lower Yahara River Trail. The approximately 2.5 miles of this trail link Madison, WI to McFarland, WI via an off-road trail sysystem. Among its features is North America's longest inland boardwalk bridge.

Public Transit

The far northern end of the village is served by Metro Transit Route L along Meinders Road, which connects Madison's Owl Creek neighborhood to the rest of the East Side of Madison.

Municipal Services

Fire Department & Emergency Medical Services

McFarland Fire Rescue provides fire, rescue, and EMS services to the Village of McFarland and surrounding communities.

McFarland's community fire department, known as McFarland Fire Rescue, serves an extensive region of 14 square miles, encompassing both the village and nearby towns. The department offers comprehensive firefighting and Paramedic services. Established in 1908, McFarland Fire Rescue now comprises 68 paid-on-call personnel who maintain external employment and an additional nine full-time staff members.

Law Enforcement

The Village has a full-service Police Department, that provides law enforcement services 24 hours a day. The McFarland Police Department is staffed by a Chief, Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants, Detective, Investigator, and 10 Officers as well as 2 non-sworn administrative staff. ^[22] The McFarland Police Department has an extensive outreach program, School Resource Officer, Community Service Officer, and K-9 Officer.

Public Library

The E.D. Locke Public Library serves the village. It is part of the South Central Library System. Services include youth programming, adult programming, reference, database, technical services, and circulation.

Media

Further information: List of Wisconsin magazines and List of Wisconsin daily newspapers

McFarland enjoys comprehensive media coverage from various Madison-based television, radio, print, and digital outlets. The community is kept informed through its local weekly newspaper, the McFarland Thistle. Additionally, McFarland residents have access to a local public-access television channel, WMCF.

Economy

The McFarland School District and US Oil are two of the most significant employers in the village. Many residents commute to jobs in Madison.

Attractions

The Edwards-Larson House at 6003 Exchange Street in McFarland, Wisconsin. The Queen Anne style house is listed on the w:National Register of Historic Places.

McFarland Historical Museum

The McFarland Historical Museum is maintained by members of the McFarland Historical Society, which is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Village of McFarland. Each Sunday from Memorial Day to September, the Museum and Log Cabin are open to the public from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ^[8]

Larson House Museum

The Larson House is a restored Queen Anne style Victorian home built in 1898 by E.N. Edwards. The home is open for tours on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day. ^[23]

McFarland Community Ice Arena

The McFarland Community Ice Arena is operated by a private non-profit and hosts McFarland Youth Hockey, McFarland high school hockey, and a variety of other groups. ^[24]

Notable people

• Realf Ottesen Brandt, Lutheran minister
• Al Epperly, MLB player
• Conrad Elvehjem, biochemist
• Brad Fischer, adviser for the Pittsburgh Pirates
• Dominic Fumusa, actor
• Matt and Becca Hamilton, Olympic curlers
• Doris Hanson, Wisconsin politician ^[25]
• Robert L. Hunt, wildlife biologist and expert on trout
• Steve Lacy, 1980 and 1984 Olympic runner, University of Wisconsin Hall of Fame ^[26]
• Helmar Lewis, Wisconsin State Senator ^[27]
• Theodore G. Lewis, jurist ^[28]
• Nina Roth, Olympic curler
• Jana Schneider, actress and journalist
• Barbara Thompson, Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction ^[29]

References

1. (2022) League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Directory of Cities & Villages. Pg. 72 of 135.
2. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
3. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
4. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved November 18, 2012.
5. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
6. "DOA Population and Housing Unit Estimates". doa.wi.gov. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
7. "Policy for Preservation and Maintenance of McFarland's Indian Mounds". August 9, 2010.
8. "McFarland Historical Society". McFarland Historical Society. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
9. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
10. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 12, 2012. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
11. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
12. McFarland School District
13. "McFarland School District - School and District Report Cards". www.mcfarland.k12.wi.us. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
14. Ripp, Lucy. "McFarland School District awarded million-dollar grant for racial equity". Hometown News LP. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
15. "Village Board". www.mcfarland.wi.us. Retrieved December 21, 2019.
16. "Brad Czebotar". www.mcfarland.wi.us. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
17. "July 21 Upcoming Events Calendar". Hometown News LP. July 21, 2022. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
18. Atlas, Farm Fresh. "McFarland Farmers' Market". Farm Fresh Atlas. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
19. "More About". Mysite. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
20. "Winter Wonderland in the Village '22". mcfarlandchamber.com. Retrieved December 28, 2022.
21. "Fire & Rescue | McFarland, WI". www.mcfarland.wi.us. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
22. "Police Staff". www.mcfarland.wi.us. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
23. "Larson House Museum". McFarland Historical Society. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
24. {{Cite web |title=McFarland Ice|url=https://https://mcfarlandice.org/
25. Wisconsin Blue Book 1997-1998, Biographical Sketch of Doris Hanson, pg 53
26. UW-Hall of Fame - Steve Lacy ^{[ permanent dead link ]}
27. Wisconsin Blue Book 1942, Biographical Sketch of Helmar Lewis, pg. 30
28. Wisconsin Supreme Court-Theodore Lewis
29. Wisconsin Blue Book 1975, Biographical Sketch of Barbara Thompson, pg. 6

External links

• Official website
• McFarland School District
• McFarland Chamber of Commerce
• McFarland Historical Society
• Sanborn fire insurance map: 1894