La Crosse is located on the western side of Wisconsin right along the Mississippi River. It is Wisconsin’s largest city along the western border thanks to multiple colleges in the area. It is at the core of the La Crosse-Onalaska Metropolitan Area which also consists of cities such as Onalaska, Holmen, and La Crescent to name a few.

Recreation

La Crosse is home to three rivers with bluffs surrounding them. The Mississippi River offers ample opportunity for kayaking, fishing, or just cruising down the river. The Hixon Forest nearby offers multiple trails for hiking and biking as well. If golf is more of your game La Crosse has many golf courses for your choice in the area. Don’t worry when the winter comes because La Crosse has some of the region’s best downhill and cross-country skiing available.

Shopping

La Crosse plays host to the largest shopping district in nine counties with something for everyone. From commercial retailers to independent, locally owned, historic businesses you’re sure to find something you enjoy. It also has one of the largest antique malls in Wisconsin!

Dining

La Crosse might be known for its beer but they are no slouch when it comes to the culinary arts. From fine dining to classics such as family restaurants, supper clubs, and a wide variety of ethnic restaurants you can’t go wrong. Don’t forget to try some of the Wisconsin famous cheese curds!

Green/Environmental

La Crosse seeks to protect all of its plentiful natural resources and prepare for a brighter future. Because of this, the city provides residents with extensive programs and resources concerning recycling and environmentally-friendly practices, helping the community as a whole take steps toward increasing sustainability and overall quality of life.

Schools

La Crosse has many options when choosing where to send your kids to school. With over 10 elementary schools and over 5 middle and high schools, there are plenty of different ways to go. It is also home to three different colleges including the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

Transportation

La Crosse provides a local bus line for residents to utilize when traveling around town. They also have multiple bike racks stations throughout town to accommodate bikers.

Local Government

The city government employs a weak mayor form of the mayor-council system. The mayor is elected at large, while the 13 members of the Common Council are elected per aldermanic districts. The City of La Crosse has over 40 standing committees. Committees are created to assist City staff, Council Members, and the Mayor in making important decisions that affect the citizens.

City History

In 1805 Loutenient Zebulon Pike mounted an expedition up the Mississippi River and recorded this location as Prairie La Crosse. The first settlement was in 1841 as a temporary trading post. By 1855 La Crosse had grown to almost 2,000 residents. After the completion of the La Crosse and Milwaukee Railroad, the city quickly grew to one of the largest in Wisconsin. Around the 20th century, the city established three universities only increasing its blueprint on Wisconsin.