West Bend and Kewaskum West Bend, the county seat and largest city in Washington County, is nestled in picturesque farm country that was carved out by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. The tiny Milwaukee River winds its way through the downtown, en route from the hills of the Kettle Moraine to downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. The surrounding countryside is filled with lakes, hills and majestic panoramas. Just north of West Bend is Lizard Mound County Park , which features unusual earthen effigy mounds built hundreds of years ago. Just an hour s drive from downtown Milwaukee, West Bend is home to many Milwaukee business people who find the commute well worth the trouble.
Shoppers can browse through an indoor mall and seek out bargains at a factory outlet center.
Given its location, amenities and small city charm, it s not surprising that West Bend and the surrounding communities are one of the more rapidly developing areas in metropolitan Milwaukee. Kewaskum is named after a famous Potawatomi Indian chief. With more than 27,000 acres of beautiful hills, winding trails and sparkling lakes, the northern unit of the state forest attracts thousands of people who are interested in swimming, camping, hiking, horseback riding, skiing, hunting, fishing and studying nature. Just outside Kewaskum is the newly developed Ice Age Trail , a hiking path that winds through the forest. The Ice Age Visitor Center in Dundee features displays on the glacial movements that formed Washington County.