La Crosse, is a major point of interest on the Great River Road that winds north and south through 10 states along the Mississippi River. Densely-wooded coulees (gorges between bluffs), three rivers, and lush march provide prime locales for all kinds of outdoor pursuits. A regional center for shopping, business and industry, La Crosse combines big city excitement with small-town warmth and neighborliness. Getting around town is easy. The bus or your bike will take you anywhere. The U-pass allows students to use the city bus by showing their student ID. Parking on campus is available to sophomores, juniors and seniors on a limited basis.
La Crosse is a city in and the county seat of La Crosse County.
French traders in the late 1700's observed Native Americans playing a game with a ball and long handled racquet which reminded them of a cross, hence La Crosse. Steamboats, barges, and waterfront trade transported goods up and down the river and helped La Crosse become known as the "Gateway City". This same water traffic exists today in addition to many smaller boats, both fishing and recreational. Hunting is also a popular attraction due to the abundance of wild game and areas of undeveloped land..
La Crosse's downtown historic district is comprised of more than 100 buildings completed between 1860 and 1940 in styles ranging from the Romanesque Revival (Tillman Brothers Block on South Fourth) to the Art Deco (Hoeschler Building on Fifth). In fact, so well-preserved is the district that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has earned the "Great American Main Street Award."
Excellent educational resources exist in the La Crosse area at all levels including 2 universities and a technical college. Wisconsin as a whole boasts of SAT scores which rank as some of the highest in the nation on a consistent basis.
The city is home to three institutions of higher learning: Western Wisconsin Technical College, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, and Viterbo University. It is also a regional medical center with Gundersen/Lutheran Medical Center & Franciscan Skemp Healthcare.
Industry continues to thrive due to a city government that promotes growth yet protects family neighborhoods. The fine arts and culture have always remained a strong attraction to the area featuring The La Crosse Symphony, The Bright Star Season, The La Crosse Theatre, and the La Crosse Historical Society.
Housing Cost
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $130,264
Demographics
Population in July 2007: 50,719. La Crosse covers 20.1 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 669 feet above sea level.
Zip codes: 54601, 54602, 54603 - Area code: 608
Weather
La Crosse, WI climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and extremely cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 10's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 85.20 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 6.30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 19 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at La Crosse is 32.36 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is August with an average rainfall of 4.28 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
