La Crosse

La Crosse is a county seat on the Mississippi in Wisconsin, nestled between steep limestone bluffs that line the riverbanks. Several bridges connect the neighborhoods on both sides of the river, while forested slopes rise behind them.

A trading post appeared here in 1842 and quickly grew into a lumber processing center that benefited from river traffic. The city expanded after the Civil War and transformed from an industrial settlement into a regional education and healthcare center.

The name comes from a traditional ball game played by North American peoples that early settlers observed here. Today this origin appears in street names and local events that recall the original inhabitants.

The downtown area sits close to the river and is easy to explore on foot, while residential districts on the bluffs are accessible by bus. Most points of interest concentrate downtown and along the riverfront, which features bike paths and walking trails.

A viewpoint on Grandad Bluff sits about 590 feet (180 meters) above the river level and offers views reaching into Minnesota and Iowa on clear days. Access comes from a winding road leading to the platform, where visitors can look down on the river valley below.

Location: La Crosse County

Inception: 1842

Elevation above the sea: 204 m

Website: https://cityoflacrosse.org

GPS coordinates: 43.81333,-91.23306

Latest update: December 13, 2025 23:03