Kendall, Wisconsin 54638
Your Guide to Kendall, the Elroy-Sparta Trail & Country Living | Liz Walker, REMAX RealPros
Updated November 2026
Kendall is a small farming village of 484 residents (2020 Census) on the Baraboo River in southeastern Monroe County, set among the rolling hills and family farms of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region. It’s home to the headquarters of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail and to Kendall Fest, one of the area’s biggest Labor Day weekend celebrations. The 54638 ZIP code covers about 1,500 residents, most of them on farms and country properties, with Elroy 10 minutes away and Tomah, Fort McCoy, and Volk Field within about 25 minutes.
History of Kendall, Wisconsin
Kendall was named for L.G. Kendall, a local farmer and landowner, and grew as a farm-service village along the Baraboo River. Its turning point came with the railroad. In 1900, the Chicago and North Western Railway built a depot in Kendall on its line between Elroy and Sparta, which carried passengers and farm goods for decades.
When rail service ended, that same rail line became the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, America’s first rail-to-trail conversion. The Wisconsin DNR restored the Kendall depot in 1964 to serve as the trail’s headquarters, and the depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. Today it welcomes cyclists from across the country with a railroad history museum, trail passes, and bike rentals.
🎉 Kendall Fest: Labor Day Weekend
Kendall Fest is a three-day celebration every Labor Day weekend, hosted by the Kendall Community Club and drawing families from across the area. The 2026 festival ran September 4–6, and the Sunday parade celebrated America’s 250th birthday.
Big tractors, mini pullers, a kids’ pedal pull, and a demolition derby.
Great bands all weekend and a fireworks show.
A gigantic Sunday parade, carnival rides, crafts, and bingo.
Sweet corn, charcoaled chicken, breakfasts, a cornhole tournament, and a 5K run/walk.
Kendall Fest Schedule & Info → | Kendall Community Club: (608) 343-8111
Market Statistics for Kendall 54638
Population
(ZIP 54638)
Median Home Value
Median Household Income
Effective Property Tax Rate
(median $2,550/yr)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates for ZIP 54638 (population, home value, and income: 2020–2024; property tax: 2019–2023).
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
Buyers: Most of the Kendall area is farmland and countryside, so many properties come with acreage, barns, and outbuildings. That’s why the ZIP code’s median home value is higher than in-town markets like Tomah. In-village homes are typically the more affordable option. Kendall’s effective property tax rate of about 0.98% is one of the lowest in the region.
Sellers: Farm and acreage properties attract buyers looking for space, hobby farms, and hunting land, including military families from Fort McCoy and Volk Field. Pricing land, outbuildings, and wells and septic systems correctly takes local farm knowledge.
Location & Map
🚴 Recreation & Outdoor Activities
The 32.5-mile trail runs right through Kendall. Ride 6.4 miles east to Elroy along the Baraboo River, or head west toward Wilton through the first of the trail’s three historic tunnels.
The restored 1900 depot, with a railroad history museum, trail passes, bike rentals, snacks, and parking. The trail is open year-round.
The river winds through the village and alongside the trail, crossing it several times between Kendall and Elroy.
Deer and turkey hunting on Driftless farmland and woods, plus trout streams in the surrounding valleys.
Country routes and winter trails connect Kendall with neighboring towns.
About 30 minutes northwest, with public camping, Whitetail Ridge Ski Area, and trout fishing on the La Crosse River.
Local Businesses
Bowling alley and bar and grill, a local favorite for leagues, food, and get-togethers.
Local bar and grill.
Custom laser-engraved gifts and keepsakes.
Local gunsmithing services.
Groceries, dining, and services are about 10 minutes away in Elroy and about 25 minutes away in Tomah.
🎓 Schools
Kendall is served by the Royall School District, based in Elroy about 10 minutes away. The district serves about 455 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with roughly 10 students per teacher and all three schools on one campus.
Royall Elementary (Pre-K–3), Royall Intermediate (4–6), and Royall High School (7–12)
Why Choose Kendall (54638)?
Country Living: Family farms, rolling Driftless hills, and room to spread out.
On the Trail: Home of the Elroy-Sparta State Trail headquarters, right in the village.
Small-Town Tradition: Kendall Fest brings the whole community together every Labor Day weekend.
Low Property Taxes: An effective rate of about 0.98%, among the lowest in the region.
Small Schools: Royall School District, with about 10 students per teacher.
Close to the Bases: About 25 minutes to Tomah and Volk Field and 30 minutes to Fort McCoy.
Your Kendall Real Estate Agent
Liz Walker, Broker Associate, REALTOR®, REMAX RealPros
512 Gateway Ave, Mauston, WI 53948 · 608-547-5301
- Raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm, with deep experience in farm, acreage, and rural property
- 2025 Top Agent in Mauston, RealTrends and FastExpert, and 2025 REMAX 100% Club
- 235 career transactions and 31 five-star reviews
- ABR®, SFR®, and C2EX designations
Kendall Real Estate FAQ
When is Kendall Fest?
Kendall Fest is held every Labor Day weekend. The three-day celebration includes a tractor pull, demolition derby, Sunday parade, carnival, live music, fireworks, sweet corn, and charcoaled chicken.
What is the median home value in Kendall, WI?
The Census median home value in the 54638 ZIP code is $283,300 (2020–2024), reflecting the area’s many farms and acreage properties. In-village homes typically sell for less.
What school district serves Kendall?
Kendall is served by the Royall School District in Elroy, which includes Royall Elementary, Royall Intermediate, and Royall High School.
Where does the Elroy-Sparta Trail start in Kendall?
The trail headquarters is at the historic Kendall Depot, 113 White St, with parking, trail passes, bike rentals, and a railroad history museum.
Who is a real estate agent for farms and acreage near Kendall?
Liz Walker of REMAX RealPros grew up on a dairy farm and specializes in farm, acreage, and rural property in Monroe and Juneau Counties. She was named a 2025 Top Agent in Mauston and has 235 career transactions.
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Ready to Buy or Sell in Kendall?
Contact Liz Walker, REMAX RealPros, to see available farms, acreage, and village homes around Kendall, or find out what your property is worth.
View Available Homes Call or Text 608-547-5301