Sauk City and Prairie du Sac-combined population of 6,300-are sister villages located on the Wisconsin River. A ridge of gentle hills lies to the east and marks the stopping point of the last glacial advance in Wisconsin some 10,000 years ago. Sandstone bluffs line the broad, shallow Wisconsin River that flows from its headwaters 470 miles to the north. Rushing waters below the Prairie du Sac dam provide year-round fishing for anglers and bald eagles during winter months. Lake Wisconsin, an impoundment formed by the dam, provides lake and ice fishing, water skiing, and leisurely pontoon excursions.

Historically, this area is known as Sauk Prairie, and was named after the Sauk Indians that once lived and farmed the fertile prairie here. Today, the rich prairie loam supports numerous farms, many still operated by pioneer families.

Sauk Prairie is situated between the state capital of Madison, just 25 miles to the southeast, and the Baraboo Range, 20 miles to the north. The Baraboo Range is a National Historic Landmark and is home to Devil’s Lake State Park, the state’s most popular, and arguably the most scenic of Wisconsin’s parks. Devil’s Lake State Park and the Baraboo Range are notable worldwide for their glacial as well as pre-cambrian geology. Devil’s Lake is part of the National Scientific Ice Age Reserve. The park offers miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails through pristine forest including a segment of Ice Age Trail, a 1,000-mile foot trail that follows the snakelike ridge of soil and gravel deposited by the last glacial advance in Wisconsin.

The combination of sandstone bluffs, Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin, and the Baraboo Range make Sauk Prairie a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy scenic beauty in a peaceful setting. We are a small community, large enough to support ample businesses and services, yet small enough that neighbors know one another. Neighborhoods are safe, well-maintained and offer a variety of housing from newer single-family developments and historic homes, to townhouses and apartments. Family oriented community events, recreation opportunities, and school programs provide year-round activities. A wide network of civic organizations raise money for local causes and provide countless volunteer opportunities.

Both communities support the expansion and relocation of businesses to their downtowns and industrial parks. The Sauk City Industrial and Business Park and the Prairie du Sac Industrial Park are expanding and support hundreds of local jobs. The villages are conveniently located on highway 12, just a short drive from Interstate 90/94 and major air, freight and shipping facilities. All together, Sauk Prairie is a scenic, safe and vibrant place with a strong sense of community.

August Derleth
August Derleth was Wisconsin’s most prolific author writing over 150 books in every genre. He wrote about the people, places and nature he saw around his beloved Sac Prairie. No one has written more about the Wisconsin River than Derleth. He was an environmentalist before it was a popular subject. He was also an editor, publisher, and teacher.

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