Janesville WI

Janesville – The City of Parks, where small-town charm meets natural beauty in the heart of southern Wisconsin. With more than 60 parks, scenic trails along the Rock River, and a warm community spirit, Janesville offers a peaceful lifestyle full of outdoor adventure and Midwest hospitality. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, enjoying a local festival, or simply relaxing in a cozy cafe, Janesville is a welcoming place for visitors and locals alike.

• Population: ~65,000
• Weather: Cold winters with snow, warm summers (15-85°F); colorful spring and fall seasons.
• Places To Visit: Rotary Botanical Gardens, CAMDEN Playground, Lincoln-Tallman House, Riverside Park, Janesville Performing Arts Center.
• Top Activities: Biking the Ice Age Trail, kayaking on the Rock River, attending the Rock County 4-H Fair, exploring downtown shops, and visiting farmers markets.
• Famous Food: Wisconsin cheese curds, Friday fish fry, supper club prime rib, homemade pies, and local brews from Rock County Brewing Company.

Janesville, WI, is a growing city in southern Wisconsin with a strong economy based in manufacturing, healthcare, and education. As the largest city in Rock County, Janesville offers a mix of traditional jobs and emerging careers fueled by local industry and innovation. Below are some of the top jobs gaining popularity and demand in the area.

Top 5 Jobs in Janesville, WI

Janesville, Wisconsin, may be a small city, but it offers plenty of spots where students can unwind, relax, and have a good time. Whether you are into nature, history, or local eats, Janesville has something for everyone to enjoy.

Riverside Park – Nestled along the Rock River, this park is perfect for picnics, frisbee games, or just lounging by the water. The bike trails are great for an active afternoon, and the views are simply refreshing.

Rotary Botanical Gardens – A peaceful place with beautiful gardens and walking paths. It’s ideal for those looking to escape into nature and find some serenity between study sessions.

Janesville Ice Arena – If you're looking for a fun way to spend some time during the colder months, or just love ice skating, the arena offers public skating times where you can glide around with friends.

Rock County Historical Society – This spot is perfect for history buffs keen to explore the local heritage and learn something new about Janesville's past. Interactive exhibits make for an engaging visit.

Hello Gorgeous! Cafe – A cozy spot downtown where you can grab a delightful cup of coffee and a pastry. It's perfect for a casual meet-up or even some solo time with a good book.

Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory Tour – For something unique, check out this charming local factory. It's a quirky and fun experience witnessing how their famous wagons are crafted.

Traxler Park – Known for its large events and festivals, Traxler offers open spaces and plenty of activities when events are in full swing. When it's quiet, it's a great place to just relax by the river's edge.

Janesville, Wisconsin offers a welcoming educational environment with access to quality public and private colleges within and around the city. While Janesville itself is home to primarily two-year institutions, several highly regarded colleges and universities can be found nearby, making it an ideal location for students seeking quality education in the Midwest.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Janesville and Nearby

Blackhawk Technical College – Located in Janesville, Blackhawk is a respected two-year technical college known for its hands-on training and career-focused programs in nursing, automotive technology, welding, and business.

University of Wisconsin–Whitewater – Just a short drive from Janesville, UW–Whitewater is a comprehensive public university known for its top-ranked business school, education programs, and commitment to student success.

University of Wisconsin–Rock County (now UW-Whitewater at Rock County) – Located right in Janesville, this two-year campus offers affordable general education credits that seamlessly transfer into four-year programs, especially at UW–Whitewater.

Madison Area Technical College (MATC) – With a regional center in nearby Fort Atkinson, MATC offers a wide range of associate degrees and certificates in healthcare, IT, and liberal arts that prepare students for direct entry into the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution.

University of Wisconsin–Madison – Although about 40 miles from Janesville, UW–Madison is the flagship public university in Wisconsin. Known for its excellence in research, business, law, and engineering, it attracts students from across the state including Janesville.

Top Private Colleges & Universities Near Janesville

Beloit College – Only 15 miles from Janesville, this nationally ranked liberal arts college in Beloit is known for its small class sizes, global learning programs, and emphasis on creative thinking and innovation.

Carthage College – Located in Kenosha, Carthage offers strong programs in business, nursing, and education. It is known for personalized teaching and a scenic campus on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Edgewood College – Situated in Madison, Edgewood combines liberal arts with professional preparation. It is known for its nursing, education, and business programs, and maintains a strong focus on ethics and community engagement.

Marian University – Located in Fond du Lac, Marian is a private Catholic university recognized for its healthcare programs, especially nursing and radiologic technology, as well as its supportive learning environment.

Cardinal Stritch University – Based in Milwaukee, this private university offers programs in education, business, and health sciences. Its flexible class formats and strong emphasis on leadership development make it a great choice for adult learners and professionals.

Janesville, WI offers quality education through a mix of public and private high schools that prepare students for college, careers, and beyond. Whether it's academic rigor, strong athletic programs, or community involvement, students in Janesville benefit from schools committed to excellence in education.

Top Public High Schools in Janesville, WI

• Joseph A. Craig High School – A comprehensive public high school known for its strong Advanced Placement (AP) programs, athletic offerings, and community partnerships.
• George S. Parker High School – Offers a wide range of academic and career preparation programs, including Project Lead the Way and a variety of student-led organizations.
• Rock University High School – A public charter high school located on the UW–Whitewater at Rock County campus, offering early college credit and a small school environment focused on academic achievement.
• TAGOS Leadership Academy – A project-based charter school emphasizing self-directed learning, leadership development, and individualized education plans.
• Arise Virtual Academy – A public online high school for students seeking flexible, personalized learning, ideal for independent learners or those with unique scheduling needs.

Top Private High Schools in Janesville, WI

• Rock County Christian School – A faith-based school offering a Christ-centered education with small class sizes, focused academics, and values-driven learning.
• St. Paul’s Lutheran School – While primarily a PreK-8 school, it supports transitions to private high school education within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod network.
• Wisconsin Academy (nearby in Columbus, WI) – A Seventh-day Adventist boarding school offering rigorous academics and spiritual guidance; popular among families in southern Wisconsin including Janesville.
• Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart (Madison, WI) – Though located a short drive from Janesville, this private Catholic school is a top choice for Janesville families seeking a strong college-prep education with a religious foundation.
• Abundant Life Christian School (Madison, WI) – Offers Christ-centered education with a commitment to academic excellence and leadership development; serves students from Janesville and beyond.

Janesville, Wisconsin, is a charming mid-sized city known for its rich history, beautiful parks, and strong community spirit. While it does not currently host any major professional sports teams like those in larger cities, the area boasts a passionate sports culture and supports several nearby teams representing Wisconsin in national leagues.

🏀 Basketball – Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)

• Milwaukee Bucks – While not based in Janesville, the Bucks are the nearest NBA team and a favorite among local basketball fans. The team has won two NBA championships (1971 and 2021). Their recent title was led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has become one of the most dominant players in the league.

⚾ Baseball – Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)

• Milwaukee Brewers – A short drive from Janesville, the Brewers are Wisconsin’s Major League Baseball team. Though they have yet to win a World Series, they reached the World Series in 1982 and have made several playoff appearances in recent years, providing excitement for fans across the region.

🏈 Football – Green Bay Packers (NFL)

• Green Bay Packers – The Packers are one of the most storied teams in NFL history. Based in Green Bay, they are beloved across Wisconsin, including in Janesville. The team has won an impressive 13 league championships, including four Super Bowl titles (1966, 1967, 1996, and 2010). Their legendary lineage includes names like Bart Starr, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers.

⚽ Soccer – Forward Madison FC (USL League One)

• Forward Madison FC – Based in nearby Madison, this team competes in the third tier of U.S. professional soccer. Known for their creative branding and loyal fan base, Forward Madison FC brings a fun and vibrant soccer experience to southern Wisconsin and draws strong support from Janesville residents.

🏒 Hockey – Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

• Milwaukee Admirals – Playing in the American Hockey League, the Admirals serve as a top affiliate for the Nashville Predators (NHL). Though not in Janesville, the team is followed by hockey fans throughout the state and provides a glimpse of future NHL stars.

While Janesville may not host major league teams directly, its residents are enthusiastic supporters of Wisconsin’s professional sports teams. Local sports bars and community gatherings often come alive on game days, showing the city’s pride in its state’s athletic achievements.

Janesville, Wisconsin, is a charming city filled with rich history, scenic beauty, and unique Midwest culture. Nestled along the Rock River, it has more to offer than meets the eye. Check out these fun facts about this delightful city:

1. Birthplace of Parker Pens – Janesville is where the famous Parker Pen Company was founded in 1888, helping put the city on the map.
2. Wisconsin's City of Parks – With over 2,500 acres of parkland, Janesville is nicknamed the “City of Parks.” That’s more park space per person than most cities in the country!
3. Lincoln Slept Here – Abraham Lincoln visited Janesville in 1859 and even gave a speech downtown just before becoming president.
4. Rotary Botanical Gardens – This award-winning garden features more than 20 themed gardens across 20 acres — a hidden gem for nature lovers.
5. Land of Murals – Janesville has a growing collection of public art and murals, bringing color and creativity to the city’s streets and buildings.
6. Historic Tallman House – The Tallman House, where Lincoln is believed to have stayed, is one of Wisconsin’s best-preserved 19th-century homes.
7. GM Used to Be Big Here – The city was once home to a massive General Motors plant that operated for nearly a century and employed thousands.
8. Ice Age Trail Runs Through – The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a thousand-mile hiking path, cuts right through Janesville, offering beautiful glacial landscapes.
9. Annual Freedom Fest – Janesville throws a huge Independence Day celebration each year, with fireworks, parades, and live entertainment that locals love.
10. Home to Paul Ryan – Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan grew up in Janesville and still has strong ties to the community.