Elements come alive in the La Crosse Region! Discover unique Midwest topography unlike any while venturing through the area. This blog focuses on the element Earth, known for it’s stability, strength and natural resources. The La Crosse Region has no shortage of Driftless Region natural resources, providing countless recreational activities, supporting wildlife, providing agricultural opportunities, and more.
The Driftless Region!
The La Crosse Region is nestled in the Driftless Region – a unique part of the world with unparalleled views and ancient, distinct topography. “Drift” refers to glacial drift: the rock and sediment deposited by a glacier as it moves over an area of land. A small piece of the Upper Mississippi Region was left untouched during the last Ice Age, leaving no glacial erosion or deposits. While surrounding landscapes were flattened by glaciers, the Driftless Region remains with the original, rugged terrain of the Upper Midwest. The natural topography reaches into parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois.


Natural Resources and Hiking Trails
There might not be a better place in the world to explore on foot than the La Crosse Region. The area is home to wooded bluffs topped by craggy sandstone outcroppings, vast marshes teeming with wildlife, pristine prairies and meadows, and rivers, lakes, and streams everywhere you turn. There’s a whole world to explore in this quiet little corner of the Upper Midwest! Let’s not forget the hundreds of miles of designated, well-maintained trails that follow waterways and traverse up the bluffs! Whether you prefer leisurely strolls along wide, level paths, or heart-pounding climbs up steep, rocky trails, you’ll find your hike in the La Crosse Region.