La Crosse County, nestled in the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin, is home to 120,784 residents (2020 Census). This vibrant community is situated at the confluence of the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers and lies within the ancestral land of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Known as the Coulee Region, the county’s unique landscape—untouched by Holocene glaciation—features stunning valleys, towering bluffs, and diverse recreational opportunities. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy 236 miles of trout streams, kayaking and canoeing on pristine waterways, hiking and biking across 963 acres of parks and forests, and camping at one of more than 400 sites in the county’s two campgrounds.
La Crosse County is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, live music, community festivals, and an engaged population that fosters a strong sense of community. For details about local events, visit Explore La Crosse.
Education and Industry
The county is home to three post-secondary educational institutions and two major medical centers. Its top industries include educational services, healthcare, social assistance, retail trade, arts/entertainment/recreation, and manufacturing.
Transportation
La Crosse County is a hub of connectivity. Riverboats frequently dock at the Port of La Crosse, while the La Crosse Regional Airport offers flights to Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit. The Amtrak Borealis service connects the county to Chicago and Minneapolis, and Interstate 90 provides easy access to Madison and the Twin Cities.
History and Settlement
The Ho-Chunk Nation first inhabited the region, and despite forced relocation in the 19th century, many returned in the 1870s. Their descendants continue to enrich the area’s cultural heritage today.
European settlement began with French fur traders, followed by Nathan Myrick’s establishment in Prairie La Crosse (now La Crosse) in 1841. Waves of immigrants from Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands followed, along with African American families after the Civil War. Notable figures include George Coleman Poage, an Olympic medalist, and George Edwin Taylor, the first African American U.S. presidential candidate. Hmong refugees arrived in the late 1970s and 1980s, adding to the county’s cultural diversity.
Government
Established in 1851, La Crosse County is governed by 29 board supervisors overseeing seven standing committees. Tina Tryggestad has served as Board Chair since 2024, and Jane Klekamp was appointed County Administrator in 2023. The county employs nearly 1,200 staff members across various roles, from public health workers to administrative professionals.
Highlights
- Ranked in the top 10 Wisconsin counties for tourism-related business activity.
- Neighborhood revitalization grants have leveraged private investments to support the development of 40 single-family and over 800 multi-family units.
- First publicly owned solid waste system to achieve Green Tier status.
- Waste-to-energy programs generate energy for 10,000 homes and divert 47 tons of refuse annually.
- Biogas from the county landfill powers Gundersen Health System’s Onalaska campus.
- Aa1 credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service.
- Fourth-lowest tax levy per capita among Wisconsin’s 72 counties.
Services
In 2024, La Crosse County received over $200 million in funding for public services, including human services, public safety, and infrastructure. Highlights include:
- Nine assisted living facilities and two long-term care centers.
- Maintenance of 280 miles of roads and 72 bridges.
- Goose Island Campground, Wisconsin’s largest county campground.
- Over 106,000 meals served through the Senior Nutrition Program.
- Mobile Crisis Team provided 7,000+ emergency mental health responses.
- More than 3,000 restaurant and health inspections conducted annually.
- Veterans Service Office secured $49 million in federal benefits.
Vision Statement
“La Crosse County’s vibrant local economy and strong public services create the foundation for a healthy, safe and inclusive community.”
Logo and Identity
La Crosse County’s logo reflects its innovative and collaborative culture. The design combines elements of the historic county seal with modern features symbolizing progress, strength, and the region’s natural beauty.