Crawford County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It has a population of 16,788 people according to the 2019 census, making it one of the least populous counties in the state. The county seat is Prairie du Chien, and other cities and towns include Eastman, Gays Mills, Seneca, Wauzeka, and Ferryville.
According to psyknowhow.com, the area that is now Crawford County was first inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Menominee. The county was officially established in 1818 by the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature and named after William H. Crawford who was Secretary of War at the time.
Crawford County is known for its picturesque landscape featuring rolling hills and wooded valleys along with rivers like the Mississippi and Wisconsin which offer plenty of opportunities for fishing or boating activities. The area also has several parks including Wyalusing State Park which offers spectacular views from atop its 500-foot bluffs overlooking three states.
In addition to outdoor recreation opportunities, Crawford County also has many attractions such as historical sites like Fort Crawford which served as an important outpost during the War of 1812 or Villa Louis which was once home to fur trader Hercules Dousman. Visitors can also enjoy local festivals such as Prairie du Chien’s annual Mardi Gras celebration or take in a performance at Stoney Acres Winery’s outdoor amphitheater.
Famous people from Crawford County include writer Zona Gale who won a Pulitzer Prize for her novel “Miss Lulu Bett”; country musician Burleigh Grimes; former U.S Senator Gaylord Nelson; actor Michael Gross; and NFL player John Crockett Jr..
In conclusion, Crawford County is an ideal destination for those looking for outdoor adventure or an interesting history lesson. With its natural beauty, historical landmarks, festivals, and famous people there’s something here for everyone.
Climate and weather in Crawford County, Wisconsin
According to andyeducation.com, Crawford County, Wisconsin has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are generally warm and humid with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s, while winters can be cold and snowy with temperatures often dipping below zero. The average annual precipitation is 33.4 inches, much of which falls during the spring and summer months when thunderstorms are common.
Spring typically brings mild weather with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to mid-50s, though snowfall is still possible until late April or early May. April showers bring May flowers and the county experiences its wettest month in May when thunderstorms become more frequent.
Summer brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine with highs often reaching into the mid-80s. This season also brings numerous thunderstorms that can produce heavy rainfall as well as hail and strong winds.
Autumn is milder than summer but still quite pleasant with average temperatures in the 50s and 60s during September and October before cooling off in November as winter approaches. The county sees its driest month of the year in October when rainfall averages just 1 inch for the entire month.
Winter in Crawford County can be cold but it also brings plenty of snow for outdoor activities like skiing or snowshoeing. Temperatures range from the single digits to low 20s on average, though extreme cold snaps have been known to bring subzero temperatures for days at a time. Snowfall usually begins around late November or early December and continues through March or April depending on how mild or cold winter ends up being that year.
Transportation in Crawford County, Wisconsin
Crawford County, Wisconsin has an extensive transportation network that includes roads, airports, and public transportation. The county is home to over 1,400 miles of roadway with multiple highways and interstates running through it. The major highways include Interstate 94 which runs east-west across the state, US Highway 61 which runs north-south through Prairie du Chien, and US Highway 18 which connects with other state routes in the area.
Public transportation is also available in the form of bus routes operated by Crawford County Transit. This system offers routes throughout the county to destinations such as Viroqua, Prairie du Chien, and Boscobel. Additionally, there are several taxi companies operating in the area that provide services to both local travelers and visitors alike.
The county also has two airports for air travel – La Crosse Municipal Airport (LSE) located just outside of La Crosse and Tri-State Airport (TRI) located near Gays Mills. Both airports offer domestic flights to cities around the country as well as charter flights for private or business travelers.
For those looking for a more scenic mode of transport, Crawford County offers several options including riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River from Prairie du Chien or Winona to St Louis or Minneapolis; scenic train rides on Amtrak’s Empire Builder from La Crosse to Seattle; or biking along one of the many trails in the area such as Great River Road National Scenic Byway or Elroy Sparta State Trail. No matter what your destination may be within Crawford County you are sure to find a convenient way to get there.
Cities and towns in Crawford County, Wisconsin
Crawford County, Wisconsin is home to numerous cities, towns and villages. The largest city in the county is Prairie du Chien, located on the banks of the Mississippi River. This city has a population of over 5,000 people and is known for its rich Native American history and culture. It is also home to several historical sites such as Fort Crawford Museum and Villa Louis Historic Site.
According to Countryaah, the county seat of Crawford County is Prairie du Chien, but other notable cities in the area include Boscobel, Gays Mills, Wauzeka, Steuben and Seneca. Boscobel is a small town with a population of approximately 1,800 people and is home to some of the best trout fishing spots in the state. Gays Mills has a population of just over 600 people and offers some great outdoor recreation activities such as camping or hiking along Kickapoo River. Wauzeka has a population of around 500 people and hosts an annual festival known as Wauzeka Days each year. Steuben has a population of about 200 people and offers an array of outdoor activities from kayaking to horseback riding. Lastly, Seneca has a population of under 200 people but it still offers plenty of attractions like its annual harvest celebration or live music at its local bar & grill.
In addition to these cities, there are also many smaller towns scattered throughout Crawford County such as Ferryville, Mount Sterling, Eastman and Bloomington. Each one offers something unique from their local restaurants to their small town charm that makes them so special. No matter where you go in Crawford County you are sure to find something that will make your stay memorable.