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Detailed pages on related topics: La Crosse colleges • La Crosse travel • La Crosse mortgage and property.
La Crosse is situated along the Mississippi River in the western portion of Wisconsin in La Crosse County. The city consists of the north and south sections which are divided by a prominent marshland. Picturesque bluffs surround the city's prairie landscape. It's recognized as a college town and is also a prominent commercial center.
Due to the three colleges the municipality is recognized as a technology and medical center. In 2005 Forbes placed the town at the 25th position on its "Best Places" list. In 2007 Country Home magazine ranked La Crosse 12th on its 25 Best Green Cities in America list.
In 1765 Lt. Zebulon Pike lead an expedition along the Mississippi for the United States. He gave the name "Prairie La Crosse" after watching Indians involved in a contest utilizing sticks which were similar to a bishop's crozier or la crosse in the French language. The first non-native settlement was established in 1841 as a fur trading post by Nathan Myrick. La Crosse was incorporated in 1856.
In the second half of the 19th century the municipality became one of the largest cities in the state. The lumber and the brewing industries were thriving. Various manufacturing businesses were established due to the nearby transportation provided by the Mississippi River and the railroad. La Crosse became a prominent education center with the establishment of three colleges between 1890 and 1912.
La Crosse serves as the cultural base for the Three Rivers area and includes a large number of art organizations. The Pump House Regional Arts Center features a variety of art exhibits as well as jazz, blues and folk music. The La Crosse Community Theater has received national acclaim. Residents and visitors enjoy the music performed by the local symphony and chamber chorale. The downtown has numerous restaurants, shops, upscale hotels and a very active nightlife which features a large number of bars and nightclubs. The La Crosse Center hosts a variety of events.
Skiing enthusiasts enjoy the Mount La Crosse ski area. Riverside Park provides an extensive walkway which offers scenic views. Numerous trails traverse through the bluffs and provide excellent views. Pettibone Park includes a beach and is situated on an island in the Mississippi River. Taking a riverboat ride is popular with visitors.
The nearby Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a very popular site for bird watching and boating. The notable Goose Island Park and Campground is situated on a wooded island in the Mississippi River and provides excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, waterfowl hunting, hiking and camping. Great River & La Crosse River Bike Trails passes through prairie and forest areas. Archeological sites as well as an abundance of wildlife can be seen along the trails.
The city is served by the La Crosse Municipal Airport.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the Western Technical College and the Roman Catholic Viterbo University are located in the city.
La Crosse strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Wisconsin):
| Category | Trophy | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transportation Use (vs. State) | Top 3% |  |
| Short Commute Times (vs. Peers) | Top 5% | |
| Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers) | Top 5% | |
| Racial Diversity (vs. State) | Top 8% | |
| Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers) | Top 9% | |
| College Educated Adults (vs. State) | Top 19% | |
Comparing La Crosse to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Wisconsin (State):
Ratings range from 
(lowest) to 
(highest).
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Female Share of the Population |  | |
| Senior Citizens |  |  |
| Well-Paid Single Women |  | |
| Well-Paid Single Men |  |  |
| Male Share of the Population |  | |
| Age of the Population | | |
| Racial Diversity | | |
| Children Under 5 Years Old | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Average Household Size | | |
| Portion of People Married | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| College Educated Adults | | |
| Median Family Income | | |
| People in Middle Class or Better | | |
| People Above Poverty | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Short Commute Times | | |
| Walking and Biking to Work | | |
| Public Transportation Use | | |
| Working at Home | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| People Living Alone | | |
| Affordability of Rents | | |
| Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals | | |
| Seasonal and Vacation Housing | | |
| Affordability of Property Taxes | | |
| Housing Recently Built | | |
| Characteristic | Compared to Peers | Compared to State |
|---|---|---|
| Low Violent Crime |  | |
| Low Property Crime | | |
Detailed pages on related topics: La Crosse colleges • La Crosse travel • La Crosse mortgage and property.
 | La Crosse Careers La Crosse career and employment information. |
 | La Crosse Colleges La Crosse colleges and trade schools. |
 | La Crosse Hotels & Travel La Crosse hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation. |
 | La Crosse Mortgage La Crosse property, mortgage, and real estate. |
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