Our Brief History

The La Crosse Region sits at the heart of the Driftless Area — one of the most geologically unique landscapes in the Upper Midwest. Unlike surrounding regions flattened by ancient glaciers, this corner of Wisconsin was untouched during the last Ice Age. The term “driftless” refers to the absence of glacial drift — those layers of rock and sediment typically left behind by moving ice. Because glaciers never reached this area, the terrain remains strikingly rugged, with dramatic bluffs, deep valleys, limestone ridges, and winding waterways shaped over millions of years. Today, the Driftless Region offers a rare glimpse into what much of the Upper Mississippi Valley once looked like, making La Crosse a one-of-a-kind destination for outdoor lovers, geology buffs, and curious travelers alike.

Straddling the Mississippi River, the Driftless Region of today spans for more than 24,000 miles across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. La Crosse County is one of the 18 Wisconsin counties within the realm of the Driftless and is filled with trails for hiking, rivers to fish and paddle, challenging cycling routes and much more.

The Mississippi River has influenced many lives: the Dakota, Chippewa and Hopewell cultures, and early French voyagers and European settlers’ heritage. The bluffs provide a heavily wooded habitat, leading to the Region’s initial logging industry. The La Crosse Region is filled many with historic locations that contribute to the rich culture of today. For a listing of these historic locations, check out our Visitors Guide and or visit the La Crosse County Historical Society, dedicated to the collection, preservation, display, and publication of county heritage.