Community
- About Janesville
- Schools
- Recreation
- Sports & Spectator Events
- Local Culture & Attractions
- Business & Commerce
- Community Links
About Janesville
DISCOVER JANESVILLE & ROCK COUNTY
The city of Janesville has a population of over 64,000 and is the Rock County seat. It features over 60 public parks with over 30 miles of paved walking and biking trails. Some of the parks offer Frisbee, exercise equipment, and athletic courts to encourage an active outdoor lifestyle.
Founded in 1835 and named for one of its very early settlers, Henry Janes, Janesville sits along the scenic Rock River. It is conveniently located near several major cities, including: Madison, Milwaukee, Beloit, and Chicago.
An active and engaged city government and related services, such as police and fire departments, keep Janesville safe and public bus transportation provides access to many points of interest. Several community organizations work together to keep the city clean and enjoyable to visit.
Schools
The School District of Janesville is comprised of twelve elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, and five charter schools, employing over 1300 teachers and staff. Both high schools offer competitive Advanced Placement and career focused classes as well as fine arts, music and technical classes. Distinguished alumni include: Tucker Fredericks, Paul Ryan, Tim Cullen, Mistie Bass and many more.
The University of Wisconsin–Rock County, located on the southwest side of Janesville, recently merged with the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater and provides a competitive, nationally ranked four-year degree programs in accounting and business along with a variety of other majors.
Blackhawk Technical College, is located midway between Janesville and Beloit and offers a variety of two-year degrees and professional certification programs. The District’s Rock University Charter School is also housed on the Blackhawk Campus.
The Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been located in Janesville since 1850.
Recreation
Janesville experiences all four seasons. Fall activities feature a Farmers Market, pumpkin patch tours, apple orchard visits and a variety of other seasonal festivities.
Winter features cross country skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, and a very popular Holiday Light Show which draws visitors from all over the area. A fun downhill skiing destination is just over an hour away.
Spring begins with the return of the Farmers Market; bike and walking trails come back alive and remain active in the summer.
Summer festivals, outdoor concerts, the Rock County Fair are all popular summer events. Also, the international champion Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski team performs for free every week right in Janesville.
Sports & Spectator Events
Janesville has many fields, tennis courts and athletic areas. Both Craig and Parker high schools have competitive seasonal sports teams.
In addition, Janesville is home to the Janesville Jets Hockey team and nearby in Beloit, fans can catch a Beloit Snappers baseball game.
Local Culture & Attractions
One of Janesville’s early settlers, William Tallman, moved to Wisconsin from New York. As his family prospered, he built what was considered in the day a magnificent home on the northwest side of Janesville just a block or two outside of what is now downtown. The house still stands and was host to Abraham Lincoln—hence it is now the Lincoln-Tallman House. Tours are available from April through December. The grounds host an annual Art Show which features fine art from around the state.
The Janesville Performing Arts Center offers a variety of matinee and evening performances, as well as theater and improv workshops. Movie nights are a popular choice as well as comedy, short plays, and music performances. Tickets are available online or at the box office.
Business & Commerce
Janesville and Rock County are home to nationally and internationally known businesses including: SHINE, ABC Supply, Blain’s Farm and Fleet, Mercy Health System, Prent, McFarlane Pheasant Farm, Frito-Lay, and Hormel, just to name a few.
Janesville offers a variety of local eateries and popular restaurants. There are several coffee houses spread throughout the city. Popular food offerings include Thai, Mexican, Italian, American, and Chinese. Weather permitting, it is common to find several food trucks which offer homemade food and snacks.
Additionally, there are several antique, craft, and thrift stores, an art gallery with featured local artists, as well as clothing boutiques and salons.
