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Onalaska, WI

Frequently asked questions

Onalaska, WI

Onalaska is a city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 18,803 at the 2020 census. It borders the larger La Crosse, Wisconsin, and is a part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Metropolitan Area. Onalaska is built on a slightly elevated ridge above the Black River. Natural areas include both river bottom land and high, heavily wooded, scenic bluffs. A man-made reservoir at the city's western edge is known as Lake Onalaska. Onalaska is known as "The Sunfish Capital of the World."

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.97 square miles (28.41 km²), of which 10.38 square miles (26.88 km²) is land and 0.60 square miles (1.55 km²) is water. Onalaska lies immediately north of La Crosse, on the Black River. It is the second-largest city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin.

Named streams within the current corporate limits of the city include the Black River, the La Crosse River, and Sand Lake Coulee Creek. In the 1930s, the construction of Lake Onalaska resulted in the flooding and eventual disappearance of a shallow, natural body of water, Rice Lake, and several smaller ponds in the Black River bottoms area. Brice Prairie is an urban reserve area within the City of Onalaska, located below the ridge on which most of the city is situated. It lies to the northwest of the city's current northern border and is directly on Lake Onalaska.

The original village (now city) was platted by Thomas G. Rowe (New York) and John C. Laird (Pennsylvania) in 1851. In its early days, lumbering and related industries served as a basis for its economy.

The name for the city comes from the poem "The Pleasures of Hope", by the Scottish poet Thomas Campbell. The original spelling of the name in Campbell's poem was "Oonalaska" (an Aleutian island and fishing village). Other places named Onalaska are Arkansas (now defunct), Texas, and Washington; they are historically linked to one another through the lumber industry. In Alaska, the modern-day cities of Unalaska and Unalaska Island are linked to the Onalaskas through Thomas Campbell's poem. Unalaska is the original Oonalaska or Onalaska or "Ounalashka" (Russian spelling) immortalized by Campbell.

Health and wellness are paramount in Onalaska, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. Onalaska serves as a regional hub for healthcare services, with facilities such as the Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System providing quality medical care to residents and visitors alike. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Onalaska Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness, Be Fit-Holmen Gym, and NorthStar Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Onalaska, such as the Cross Loop and Greens Coulee Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and the enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Onalaska, WI, are Great River Landing, Rowe Park, and Great River State Trail.

Population: 18,975 (2022). ZIP code: 54650. Area code: 608. Elevation: 700 ft (200 m). Area: 10.97 sq mi (28.43 km²). 

FAQs

What is Onalaska, WI known for?

The city was named in tribute to a line in the poem "The Pleasures of Hope" by Scottish poet Thomas Campbell. Lumber soon made Onalaska a center of sawmills and a booming industry. Lumber also brought many immigrants from New England, Germany, and Norway.

Is Onalaska, WI a good place to live?

Onalaska is in La Crosse County and is one of the best places to live in Wisconsin. Living in Onalaska offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Onalaska, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Onalaska and residents tend to lean conservative. 

What are the demographics of Onalaska, WI?

Onalaska, WI is home to a population of 18.8k people, of which 99.3% are citizens. As of 2022, 4.09% of Onalaska, WI residents were born outside of the country (770 people). In 2022, there were 13.6 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (16k people) in Onalaska, WI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.18k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 579 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Onalaska

Gundersen Health System 

Mayo Clinic Health System

Onalaska Parks and Recreation Department 

Anytime Fitness

Be Fit-Holmen Gym 

NorthStar Fitness

The Cross Loop 

Greens Coulee Trail

Great River Landing

Rowe Park 

Great River State Trail

Wisconsin Historical Society

Niche

Data USA

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