City of Colby

Colby, a small city in northern Clark County, was named for the Colby family who was instrumental in bringing the Wisconsin Central Railroad to the area in the 1870's. A historical marker notes the development of "Colby Cheese" by Joseph Steinwand in the 1880's. Steinwand's development stood apart from the others because it was the only natural cheese native to the United States of America.

The Clark County Historical Society has established the Rural Arts Museum in Colby. The museum is a collection of buildings that hold the stories, artifacts and memories of middle Wisconsin. The history of the railroad is complemented by the historical memorabilia of the dairy industry as well as modes of transportation, machines of the written word and education. A one-room County School has been added to the Rural Arts Museum, which is not open at this time. The jewel of the museum is a Log Home that was used for almost a century before it was dismantled and moved to Colby. The Log Home is completely furnished with the furniture from the original site.

The Colby Chamber of Commerce and the Colby Future Farmers of America Alumni sponsor the annual Dairy Breakfast on a Colby area farm each June. Another annual event is Colby Cheese Days which is held the third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of July. Calendered events include: Main Street Parade, street dances, amusement midway and plenty of free Colby Cheese.

Colby has an ideal central location and features a large industrial park. Colby provides recreational activities with outlets for golfing, tennis, softball, basketball and numerous outdoor winter sports. Colby is only minutes away from great fishing and camping and is located near skiing and snowmobile trails.

Come and visit Colby, "Home of the Famous Colby Cheese!" 

Community Related Topics

City of Colby Profile
Colby Schools
Industrial Park
Colby Business Directory
Colby City Map
Clark County's Calendar of Events
Return to Communities Page

Updated 3/21/2006