Town of Rome, Wisconsin
Your Guide to the Tri-Lakes, Lake Arrowhead, Sand Valley & Real Estate | Liz Walker, REMAX RealPros
Updated November 2026
The Town of Rome, “A Town for All Seasons,” sits in the northwest corner of Adams County, about 20 minutes south of Wisconsin Rapids. It’s home to the Tri-Lakes (Lake Arrowhead, Lake Camelot, and Lake Sherwood), two championship golf courses at Lake Arrowhead, and nationally ranked Sand Valley Golf Resort, with Lake Petenwell forming its western border. With about 3,200 residents and one of the highest median home values in the region, Rome is Adams County’s premier lake and golf community. Most homes use a Nekoosa (54457) mailing address.
History of the Town of Rome
The Town of Rome was established on November 18, 1857, as a quiet farming and forest community near the Wisconsin River. In 1931, three local skiers, including Gunner Reben and Ingvar “Ole” Arneson, formed what became the Tri-Norse Ski Club, and the first ski jumping competition was held in 1932. The club still operates today.
Rome’s landscape changed dramatically in the mid-1900s. In the 1940s, the Wisconsin River Power Company created Lake Petenwell along the town’s western edge. In the 1960s, developer N.E. Isaacson created the first of Rome’s man-made lakes, Lake Sherwood, followed by Lake Camelot in 1975. Together with Lake Arrowhead, these impoundments on Fourteen Mile Creek became known as the Tri-Lakes. The first nine holes of The Pines course at Lake Arrowhead were built in 1975, and the town formed its own police and fire departments in the 1970s.
Rome has grown steadily ever since, from 2,720 residents in 2010 to 3,025 in 2020, as retirees, families, and second-home buyers discover its lakes, golf, and four-season recreation. The opening of Sand Valley Golf Resort brought national attention and new visitors to the area.
Town of Rome Market Statistics
Population
(Town of Rome)
Median Home Value
Homeownership Rate
Population Growth
(2010 to 2024)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census and American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates, Town of Rome, Adams County.
| Area | Median Home Value (Census 2020–2024) |
|---|---|
| Town of Rome | $293,500 |
| Adams County | $200,800 |
| Wisconsin | $266,500 |
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
Buyers: Rome’s median home value is about 46% higher than the Adams County median, reflecting its lakefront, golf, and newer homes. You’ll find everything from lake cabins and golf-course homes to new construction and wooded lots, so define your must-haves and budget early.
Sellers: Rome attracts buyers from across Wisconsin, the Chicago area, and the Twin Cities, including golfers drawn by Sand Valley. Marketing that reaches second-home and out-of-state buyers is key to top dollar.
Investors: The Town of Rome requires short-term rental permits. Review the town’s rules before buying a vacation rental.
Location & Map
The Tri-Lakes & Lake Petenwell
Lake Camelot
(largest of the Tri-Lakes)
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Sherwood
Lake Petenwell
(2nd largest in Wisconsin)
The Tri-Lakes offer boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing for walleye, bass, northern pike, and panfish, while Lake Petenwell to the west offers big-water boating and fishing. The Tri-Lakes Management District works with the town and county to care for the lakes.
- County parks: Lake Arrowhead County Park, Lake Camelot County Park, and Lake Sherwood County Park offer public beaches and boat launches
- Twin Lakes Nature Preserve: Walk-in boat launch and beach on the Petenwell side
- Shermalot Water Ski Shows: Free summer shows on Lake Arrowhead every Wednesday and Saturday evening
Golf & Four-Season Recreation
A nationally ranked golf destination built on the sand dunes of ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin, with multiple courses, lodging, and restaurants.
Two 18-hole championship courses, The Pines and The Lakes, plus the Greenside Grille.
Ski jumping since 1931, plus cross-country ski and snowshoe trails nearby.
Off-road recreation park in the Town of Rome.
Town dog park and a splash pad and playground for families.
ATV and snowmobile routes, plus the Wisconsin Trapshooting Association grounds in Rome.
Local Restaurants & Taverns
Clubhouse dining at Lake Arrowhead Golf Club.
Aldo’s Farm & Table, Bill’s BBQ, Craig’s Porch, The Gallery, and Mammoth Bar, open to resort guests and visitors.
Local craft brewery.
Bar, grill, and marina right on Lake Petenwell. Come by car or boat.
Local gathering spot near the Tri-Lakes.
Mexican restaurant.
Local stop for food and drinks.
Local bakery.
Shopping, Lodging & Services
Friday mornings May through September at the Rome Town Center, and monthly indoors at the Town Hall in winter.
Local boutique.
Home decor and gift shop.
Salon and spa services.
Outdoor recreation supplies.
Family mini golf.
Marina and boat services.
The Lodge on Lake Camelot, Lake Sherwood Lodge, The Lakes Inn, and Sand Valley’s resort lodging.
Groceries in Nekoosa and Wisconsin Rapids, and hospitals and clinics in Wisconsin Rapids, about 20 minutes north.
Education: School District of Nekoosa
Unlike most of Adams County, the Town of Rome is served by the School District of Nekoosa. Students start at Humke Elementary School (K–3), continue to Alexander Middle School, and finish at Nekoosa High School, which offers dual-credit courses through Mid-State Technical College. Confirm the district for any specific property by address.
Government & Community Resources
Town board, zoning and building, water utility, short-term rental permits, police, and fire. Office hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm.
Town permit requirements for vacation rentals.
The town’s public library.
Located at the Rome Municipal Complex at State Highway 13 and Alpine Drive.
Tourism information and local events.
Property records, county zoning, and county parks
Community Events
- Shermalot Water Ski Shows: Wednesday and Saturday evenings all summer on Lake Arrowhead.
- Rome Farmers Market: Outdoor season May through September, plus a winter market at the Town Hall.
- Christmas in Rome: Hayrides through the Rome Town Center, Santa, a tree lighting, and caroling.
- Rome Indoor Maker’s Market: Local makers and lunch at the Town Hall.
Why Choose the Town of Rome?
Three Lakes Plus Petenwell: Lake Arrowhead, Lake Camelot, and Lake Sherwood, with Lake Petenwell next door.
Championship Golf: Two courses at Lake Arrowhead and nationally ranked Sand Valley Golf Resort.
Strong Values: A median home value of $293,500, the highest of the Adams County communities on this site.
Full Town Services: Its own police, fire, water utility, library, and town center.
Four-Season Fun: Water ski shows, ski jumping, ATV and snowmobile trails, and farmers markets.
Close to Wisconsin Rapids: About 20 minutes to shopping, jobs, and healthcare in Wisconsin Rapids, and about 30 minutes to Adams.
Your Town of Rome Real Estate Agent
Liz Walker, Broker Associate, REALTOR®, REMAX RealPros
512 Gateway Ave, Mauston, WI 53948 · 608-547-5301
- 2025 Top Agent in Mauston, RealTrends and FastExpert
- 2025 REMAX 100% Club Member
- 235 career transactions and 31 five-star reviews
- ABR®, SFR®, and C2EX designations
- Lake, golf, and second-home specialist in Adams County
Town of Rome Real Estate FAQ
What is the median home value in the Town of Rome, WI?
The Census median home value in the Town of Rome is $293,500 (2020–2024), well above the Adams County median of $200,800 and the Wisconsin median of $266,500.
What are the Tri-Lakes?
The Tri-Lakes are Lake Arrowhead, Lake Camelot, and Lake Sherwood, three man-made lakes on Fourteen Mile Creek in the Town of Rome. Lake Camelot is the largest at about 445 acres.
What school district serves the Town of Rome?
The Town of Rome is served by the School District of Nekoosa, including Humke Elementary, Alexander Middle School, and Nekoosa High School.
Why do Town of Rome homes have a Nekoosa address?
The Town of Rome is in Adams County, but most of it is served by the Nekoosa post office (ZIP 54457), so many homes have a Nekoosa mailing address.
Who is a top real estate agent for the Town of Rome, WI?
Liz Walker of REMAX RealPros serves the Town of Rome, the Tri-Lakes, and all of Adams County. She was named a 2025 Top Agent in Mauston by RealTrends and FastExpert, is a 2025 REMAX 100% Club member, and has 235 career transactions.
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Ready to Buy or Sell in the Town of Rome?
Contact Liz Walker, REMAX RealPros, to see available Tri-Lakes, golf, and Petenwell homes, or find out what your property is worth in today’s market.
View Available Homes Call or Text 608-547-5301