Ellsworth History

"Fly Fishing" © Helmer Printing 2002

Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery

Pierce County Fair

Ellsworth has a population of 2909 and is located in the geographical center of Pierce County, with the intersection of four major highways, namely Highways 10, 63, 65 and 72. Ellsworth is proud to be the county seat for Pierce County, known as the hub of the county activity with the presence of the county courthouse modeled after the Wisconsin State Capital building. The former governor Anthony S. Earl proclaimed Ellsworth in 1984 the Cheese Curd Capitol of Wisconsin.

The Village of Ellsworth hosts a large range of events, including the home of the ever-popular Ellsworth Polka Fest, Old Car Club Show and the Pierce County Fair, along with other active service clubs. Ellsworth is near many recreational options, including the Mississippi & St. Croix Rivers, state and county parks, hiking trails and golf courses. Ellsworth is the hub of Pierce County’s 210 miles of snowmobile trails. Several nearby streams provide outstanding trout fishing. Ellsworth’s Summit Park Bob Young Field is the home of the popular Ellsworth Hubber Baseball Team.

One of the things that sets Ellsworth apart from other communities of like size is its zip codes. Ellsworth has two zip codes and two post offices. Ellsworth’s first settler, Anthony Huddleston, was joined by C.B. Bruce, E.M. Bruce, Wilson Kinney and their families. With others following in 1857, building homes and setting up businesses, the town of Perry was formed, which was later named Ellsworth. It was platted as a village in 1862 and incorporated under the laws of Wisconsin in 1887. In 1885 the Omaha Railroad established a depot one mile east of Ellsworth and the community of East Ellsworth was formed. Ellsworth and East Ellsworth operated independently from one another for some time; now they function as one village and the separate zip codes remain. Ellsworth was named after Civil War Colonel, Elmer E. Ellsworth; his likeness symbolizes the strength of our striving community.

Ellsworth is a thriving rural countryside community located within less than one hour of driving distance to the Twin Cities area. Healthy business activity, excellent schools, health care facilities, swimming pool facilities, parks (Summit Park and East End Park) and industry make Ellsworth an attractive, great place to live or visit.