Polk County is the westernmost county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the population was 44,977. The county was created in 1853 and named for United States President James K. Polk.
History
After the Wisconsin Territory was established in 1836, much of the land was covered in vast pine forests, and logging activates began soon after. In 1837, large amounts of American Indian territories were ceded to the United States via the White Pine Treaty, formally known as the Treaty of St. Peters, the St. Croix Chippewa Indians would become a federally recognized tribe and granted reservation lands.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of , of which is land and (4.4%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Burnett County - north
- Barron County - east
- Dunn County - southeast
- St. Croix County - south
- Washington County, Minnesota - southwest
- Chisago County, Minnesota - west
Major highways
- 20px U.S. Highway 8
- 20px U.S. Highway 63
- 20px Highway 35 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 46 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 48 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 65 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 87 (Wisconsin)
- 20px Highway 243 (Wisconsin)
Railroads
- Canadian National
- Minnesota Transportation Museum
Buses
Airports
- Amery Municipal Airport (KAHH) serves the county and surrounding communities.
- L.O. Simenstad Municipal Airport (KOEO).
National protected area
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (part)
Interstate Park (Wisconsin)
Established in 1900, the Interstate park is part of the Saint Croix National Scenic riverway, the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and is the westernmost point of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. <gallery>
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File:St Croix Dalles.jpg
File:Fall Colors, Interstate State Park (1502556726).jpg
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