Onalaska, Wisconsin
Onalaska is a city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Onalaska, a 7,700-acre expansion of the Mississippi River in the scenic Driftless Region. As of 2023, the city has an estimated population of 19,280, reflecting a 30% increase since 2000 and making it a key suburb in the La Crosse–Onalaska metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses over 170,000 residents as of 2024.[1][2] Known as the "Sunfish Capital of the World" due to the iconic 25-foot fiberglass statue Sunny the Sunfish and its fishing heritage, Onalaska emphasizes its outdoor recreation alongside modern amenities like the Omni Center community facility and extensive park system.[3] Founded in 1851 by Thomas G. Rowe from New York and John C. Laird, Onalaska was platted that August and quickly developed as a lumber town, leveraging the Black River and Mississippi River for logging and milling operations.[4] By 1856, the community supported three steam sawmills, a brewery, and multiple stores, with its population reaching 680 by 1875 amid booming white pine harvests.[4] The city's name derives from the mythical Irish locale "Onalaska" in Thomas Campbell's 1799 poem Pleasures of Hope, marking it as the first U.S. town with this moniker; later settlements in Texas, Washington, and Arkansas adopted it in homage.[1] Indigenous history in the region traces back over 8,000 years, with Ho-Chunk and other tribes utilizing the area's resources before European settlement.[1] In 1901, a canning factory diversified the economy by processing local crops, transitioning from lumber dominance.[1] Today, Onalaska operates under a mayor-common council government, led by Mayor Kim Smith, and sustains a diverse economy with approximately 795 businesses, including major employers in healthcare (20% of jobs, anchored by Gundersen Health System), retail trade (14%, featuring big-box stores along Highway 16), and manufacturing (10%).[5][1] The median household income stands at $86,167 as of 2023, above state and national averages, supporting a high quality of life with 26 parks spanning over 400 acres, the 24-mile Great River State Trail, and recognition as a Tree City USA since 2000 for maintaining more than 7,000 public trees.[1][6][7] The city's 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Live Ona 2040, guides future growth through five pillars—community, commerce, nature, connectivity, and services—projecting a population of 23,570 by 2040 while preserving its natural bluffs, wetlands, and riverfront.[1]History
Founding and early settlement
Onalaska was founded in 1851 by Thomas G. Rowe from New York and John C. Laird from Pennsylvania, who platted the original village as a logging camp along the Black River to capitalize on the region's abundant timber resources.[4][8] The site's strategic location near the confluence of the Black and Mississippi Rivers facilitated the transportation of logs, positioning Onalaska as an early hub for the lumber industry in west-central Wisconsin.[9][10] Early settlement patterns were shaped by an influx of European immigrants, primarily from Germany and Norway, drawn by opportunities in logging and related trades during the mid-19th century.[11] German settlers like Gabriel Knecht arrived as early as 1846 and contributed to local enterprises, while Norwegians such as Thomas Thompson settled in the 1860s and took on roles in business and community services.[8] These immigrants helped form the initial community, with the first post office established in 1857 to support growing correspondence and commerce.[8] Initial infrastructure centered on the lumber trade, with the first sawmill constructed between 1852 and 1853, followed by three operational mills by 1856 and two more under development.[8] The Black River served as the primary route for floating logs downstream to these sawmills, while the adjacent Mississippi River enabled the shipment of processed lumber to broader markets, underscoring the waterways' critical role in early economic connectivity.[9][12] As timber resources began to wane by the early 20th century, the community gradually transitioned toward agriculture and food processing industries.[11]Economic evolution and name origin
The name "Onalaska" was selected in 1851 by settler Thomas G. Rowe, inspired by a reference in Scottish poet Thomas Campbell's 1799 work The Pleasures of Hope, where "Oonalaska" evokes a idyllic, natural landscape amid the "crescent car of the sky."[11] Rowe, drawn to the area's scenic river valley along the Black River and Mississippi River, chose the name to reflect its picturesque beauty and potential for settlement.[13] While local legend firmly ties the name to Campbell's poem, some historical research suggests possible influences from Native American or Alaskan place names, though the poetic origin remains the most widely accepted account.[13] Onalaska's early economy centered on the logging industry, which boomed from the 1850s through the 1870s as white pine forests in west-central Wisconsin were harvested extensively. Sawmills proliferated along the Black River, with operations like the Bateman mill (established ca. 1852) and Nichols and Tompkins (1852) processing millions of board feet annually, facilitated by the river's natural flow for log transport.[9] The Black River Improvement Company, formed in 1864, enhanced navigation by clearing obstacles, dramatically increasing log traffic and supporting mills that could output up to 50,000 feet per day by the mid-1860s.[9] This era attracted immigrants from New England, Germany, and Norway, transforming Onalaska into a bustling lumber hub.[11] By the late 19th century, as timber resources dwindled and logging peaked around 1892, Onalaska transitioned to agriculture and related industries, including the establishment in 1901 of the J.S. Gedney Pickle Factory to process local crops.[11] This shift aligned with broader Wisconsin trends toward dairy farming, driven by soil exhaustion from wheat and innovations like the Babcock butterfat test, with farmers raising dairy cows and establishing local creameries for butter and cheese production.[14] The arrival of railroads in the 1880s, including lines from the Chicago and North Western Railway, further aided this evolution by enabling efficient transport of grain and dairy products to markets beyond the river system, reducing reliance on seasonal log drives.[9]Geography
Location and physical boundaries
Onalaska is situated in western La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States, approximately 3 miles north of the city of La Crosse.[15] As a key suburb within the region, it forms part of the broader urban area along the Mississippi River corridor.[16] The city's central geographic coordinates are 43°53′04″N 91°14′07″W.[17] According to the United States Census Bureau, Onalaska encompasses a total area of 10.97 square miles (28.41 km²).[18] Of this, approximately 10.38 square miles (26.88 km²) consists of land, while 0.59 square miles (1.53 km²) is water, primarily influenced by adjacent river systems.[18] The city's boundaries are defined by natural features, including the Black River to the east and the Mississippi River to the west, which marks the state line with Minnesota just across the waterway.[15] This positioning places Onalaska in close proximity to the Minnesota border, facilitating cross-state connectivity.[19] Furthermore, Onalaska is a principal component of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area, a designation by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget that encompasses La Crosse County and Vernon County in Wisconsin and Houston County in Minnesota.[20]Natural features and climate
Onalaska is situated in the Driftless Region, characterized by rugged terrain featuring prominent bluffs, extensive wetlands, and forested areas along the Mississippi and Black Rivers.[21] The city's landscape includes oak woodlands and bluff prairies that provide habitats for diverse wildlife, though these areas face pressures from development and agriculture.[21] Floodplain forests and wetlands adjacent to the rivers enhance biodiversity but also contribute to the area's vulnerability to periodic inundation from the Mississippi River.[22] A key natural feature is Lake Onalaska, an 8,391-acre backwater lake formed in 1937 by the construction of Lock and Dam No. 7 on the Upper Mississippi River, which inundated former riverine areas to create Pool 7.[23][24] The lake supports abundant fish populations, particularly bluegill sunfish, earning Onalaska the nickname "Sunfish Capital of the World" due to its renowned fishing opportunities. This shallow body of water, with a mean depth of 6 feet and maximum depth of 40 feet, lies within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, fostering waterfowl and aquatic ecosystems.[23] However, the region's low-lying terrain exposes it to flooding risks, as evidenced by major events in 1965—when the Mississippi River crested at a record 17.90 feet near La Crosse, displacing residents and damaging infrastructure—and in 2008, when heavy rains caused record river rises across southwest Wisconsin, leading to widespread evacuations and road closures.[25][26] Onalaska experiences a humid continental climate classified as Dfa under the Köppen system, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.[27] Average annual precipitation totals approximately 34 inches, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, supporting the lush vegetation of the surrounding bluffs and wetlands.[28] Temperatures typically range from winter lows around 10°F in January to summer highs near 85°F in July, with snowfall averaging 43 inches annually.[27][28]Government and politics
Municipal structure and administration
Onalaska, Wisconsin, operates under a mayor/common council form of government, as established by state statutes for cities in the state. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer, presiding over the common council, heading the police and fire departments, and possessing veto power over legislation while voting only in case of ties. The position is full-time, with current mayor Kim Smith elected in April 2020 after an interim appointment and re-elected in April 2024.[29][30][31] The common council functions as the legislative body, responsible for setting policy, approving budgets, taxes, claims, licenses, and contracts. It consists of six aldermen, with two elected from each of three aldermanic districts—District 1 covering Wards 1-5, District 2 covering Wards 6-10, and District 3 covering Wards 11-15—serving staggered three-year terms. Aldermen represent their districts in council deliberations and contribute to various standing committees that oversee city operations. A city administrator, appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the council, acts as the chief operating officer, managing day-to-day administration under the direction of the common council.[32][5][33] Key administrative departments support municipal operations. The Public Works Department handles the installation and maintenance of water and sanitary sewer infrastructure, street maintenance, urban forestry, fleet services, and cemetery operations to ensure public safety and welfare. The Planning & Inspections Department focuses on long-range planning through the city's comprehensive plan, enforces the Unified Development Code and building codes, and promotes citizen participation in development projects. The Community Development Authority facilitates redevelopment by linking the city with developers, identifying resources, and providing targeted plans, property information, and financial incentives for commercial and residential projects.[34][35][36] Recent administrative initiatives include the 2025 capital improvement budget of approximately $12 million, recommended by the Board of Public Works and approved by the common council, which funds infrastructure enhancements such as road improvements—including a $500,000 roundabout on Theater Road to improve traffic safety—and completion of the Dash Center Community Center renovation. The Dash Center, a $6 million multi-purpose facility replacing a 50-year-old structure, officially opened in June 2025 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, enhancing community event spaces and accessibility.[37][38]State and federal representation
Onalaska is located within Wisconsin's 94th State Assembly District, represented by Democrat Steve Doyle, who has held the seat since 2011 and was reelected in the 2024 general election by a narrow margin of 217 votes against Republican challenger Ryan Huebsch.[39][40] The district encompasses portions of La Crosse County, including the city of Onalaska, as defined by the 2023 redistricting under Wisconsin Act 94. In the Wisconsin State Senate, Onalaska falls within the 32nd District, represented by Democrat Brad Pfaff, who assumed office in 2021 following a special election and was reelected in 2024 against Republican Stacey Klein.[41][42] This district covers all of La Crosse County and parts of surrounding areas in western Wisconsin.[43] At the federal level, Onalaska is part of Wisconsin's 3rd Congressional District, which includes much of the western and southwestern portions of the state along the Mississippi River. The district is currently represented by Republican Derrick Van Orden, who has served since 2023 and won reelection in 2024 against Democrat Rebecca Cooke in a competitive race.[44] In the 2024 presidential election, Onalaska voters supported Democrat Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz with 6,224 votes (52.5%), compared to 5,375 votes (45.3%) for Republican Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, reflecting a slight Democratic lean in line with La Crosse County's overall results where Harris received 53.98% of the vote.[45][46] Wisconsin's election processes structure Onalaska's participation in state and federal races through general elections held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, as mandated by state law for partisan offices including assembly, senate, congressional, and presidential contests. Municipal offices in Onalaska, such as mayor and common council members, are filled via nonpartisan spring elections, with primaries on the third Tuesday in February if needed and the general election on the first Tuesday in April.[47]Demographics
Population growth and trends
Onalaska's population has experienced steady growth since its early settlement, transforming it from a small village to a thriving suburb. According to historical census records, the population stood at 826 in 1880. By the 2000 census, it had increased significantly to 14,839 residents. The 2010 census recorded 17,736 people, reflecting a 19.5% rise over the decade.[48] The most recent decennial count in 2020 showed 18,803 inhabitants, a 6.0% increase from 2010. Recent estimates indicate continued expansion, with projections placing the population above 19,500 for the 2022-2025 period. The Wisconsin Department of Administration estimates 19,280 residents in 2023 and 20,475 by January 2025, driven by ongoing residential development.[49] This growth outpaces the state average, with Onalaska contributing substantially to La Crosse County's overall increase.[50]| Year | Population | Change from Previous Census |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 826 | - |
| 2000 | 14,839 | +1,696% (from 1880) |
| 2010 | 17,736 | +19.5% |
| 2020 | 18,803 | +6.0% |