City of Onalaska, Wisconsin

Coming Events @ Onalaska

- City of Onalaska -
County of La Crosse
Wisconsin

Onalaska City Hall

415 Main Street
Onalaska, WI 54650

*Phone:*	(608) 781-9530
*Fax:*	(608) 781-9534

2006 Estimated Population:

16,150

Square miles:

Approximately 12.5

Elevation:

Approximately 700 ft. above sea level

View state map showing location

A brief history

Great glaciers of the Ice Age bypassed Onalaska, forming the "driftless region" which left the majestic scenery and topography of Onalaska. The steep rocky bluffs, winding valleys, fertile river bottom and great Mississippi River Basin made the Onalaska area appealing for habitation. As early as 8,000 BC, Native Americans lived in small mobile family groups in the Onalaska area. Later, the Oneota culture was noted for their farming methods, as well as using the area for fishing, and hunting.

Onalaska was originally founded by Thomas G. Rowe from New York, who came here in 1851. It soon became a flourishing lumber town. The name "Onalaska" came from the poem, "The Pleasures of Hope," by Thomas Campbell, published in 1799. Rowe liked the line, "The wolf's long howl from Oonalaska's shore," and decided to use the name, only with one "o". Onalaska is built on a ridge overlooking Lake Onalaska and the Black River, the Mississippi River and the Minnesota bluffs three miles away.

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Mayor's Welcome

Mayor Mike Giese

Dear Onalaska Citizens and Visitors,

Onalaska, Wisconsin is a city with wonderful people who care for children and willingly fund the schools they need. Onalaska residents value and protect the beauty and recreational opportunities of our rivers and coulees. Our citizens work hard to support their families. They expect that their city government provide for public health/safety and economic welfare at reasonable cost. They make Onalaska a great place to live or visit.

Our commitment is to keep improving Onalaska. To meet this challenge we will adopt technological advances that improve productivity, promote business that provide good jobs and increase the value of city services and reduce the cost of those services. Onalaska City Hall will strive to be a welcoming place that takes pride in friendly customer service.

Onalaska is a city of opportunities:

l four seasons of unsurpassed recreational activities,

l expansive retail shopping options,

l the availability of commercial and office park development sites unequaled in small towns through out the mid west,

l world class healthcare clinics with both Gundersen Lutheran and Franciscan Skemp/Mayo Health System,

l education excellence in our local K-12 school district, Western Technical College, Viterbo University and the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse,

l Well planned growth results in spectacular housing opportunities close to parks, great school and majestic scenery.

l Extraordinary access to natural areas and trails including our new waterfront; Great River State Trail, La Crosse River State Trail, Upper Mississippi Federal Wildlife Refuge, Lake Onalaska, La Crosse River Conservancy Area, the Onalaska Central Greenway and much more.

If you are a visitor to our city or a resident please stop by city hall to say hi and make a friend. Our city hall phone number is 608 781-9530.

Mike & Kathy Giese

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