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Cities and Towns in Crawford County, Wisconsin

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Founded in 1818, Crawford County is one of 72 counties in the state of Wisconsin. Historically, Crawford County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Prairie du Chien is the county seat. With FIPS code of 23, Crawford County has a population of 16,075 and area of 570.66 square miles (1,478 km²).

 

List of all cities in Crawford County, WI alphabetically

  • Eastman, WI
  • Ferryville, WI
  • Gays Mills, WI
  • Lynxville, WI
  • Mount Sterling, WI
  • Prairie Du Chien, WI
  • Seneca, WI
  • Soldiers Grove, WI
  • Steuben, WI
  • Wauzeka, WI

Major Cities and Towns in Crawford County, Wisconsin

City of Prairie du Chien

Overview

  • Area: 6.3 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 5,800
  • ZIP Codes: 53821
  • Latitude: 43.0514° N
  • Longitude: 91.1357° W

Prairie du Chien, the county seat of Crawford County, is located along the Mississippi River, near the border with Iowa. Established as a French fur trading post in the late 17th century, Prairie du Chien is one of Wisconsin’s oldest cities. The city’s name, meaning “Dog’s Prairie” in French, was derived from a local Native American chief. Prairie du Chien became a vital hub for fur trade, military presence, and river transport throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Its rich history includes Fort Crawford, which played a key role during the Black Hawk War. Today, Prairie du Chien is known for its historical landmarks, riverfront beauty, and vibrant community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Prairie du Chien is served by the Prairie du Chien Area School District, which includes Prairie du Chien High School, Bluff View Intermediate School, and B.A. Kennedy Elementary School. Significant landmarks include Villa Louis, a restored Victorian estate along the Mississippi River, and Fort Crawford Museum, which showcases the city’s military history. The city also features St. Feriole Island, which hosts events such as the annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous and serves as a recreational hub with parks and historical sites. The Effigy Mounds National Monument, located nearby, offers insights into the area’s Native American heritage.

City of Gays Mills

Overview

  • Area: 1.26 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 500
  • ZIP Codes: 54631
  • Latitude: 43.3194° N
  • Longitude: 90.8479° W

Gays Mills is a small city located along the Kickapoo River in northern Crawford County. Established in the mid-19th century by James B. Gay, who built a sawmill and gristmill in the area, the city became a center for lumbering and agriculture. Gays Mills is famous for its apple orchards, which thrive in the surrounding hills. The city hosts the annual Gays Mills Apple Festival, drawing visitors from across the state to celebrate the apple harvest with parades, food, and entertainment. Despite being prone to flooding, Gays Mills has remained a resilient and close-knit community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gays Mills is served by the North Crawford School District, with students attending North Crawford High School, Middle School, and Elementary School in nearby Soldiers Grove. Notable landmarks include the Kickapoo River, which offers canoeing and fishing opportunities, and the Gays Mills Orchards, a key attraction for visitors during apple season. The Apple Festival and the Gays Mills Folk Festival of Music and Dance are two popular events that celebrate the city’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. The surrounding hills provide scenic views and outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and birdwatching.

Village of Soldiers Grove

Overview

  • Area: 1.33 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 540
  • ZIP Codes: 54655
  • Latitude: 43.3894° N
  • Longitude: 90.7663° W

Soldiers Grove is a small village located along the Kickapoo River in northern Crawford County. Founded in the mid-19th century, the village was originally established as a military outpost, hence its name. Over time, Soldiers Grove developed into an agricultural and commercial center. In the late 20th century, after severe flooding, the village became the nation’s first “solar village” by relocating to higher ground and integrating solar energy into its new buildings. Today, Soldiers Grove is known for its environmental consciousness, historic charm, and strong sense of community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Soldiers Grove is part of the North Crawford School District, with students attending schools in nearby Gays Mills. Key landmarks in the village include the Soldiers Grove Solar Memorial Park, which commemorates the village’s innovative use of solar energy, and the Kickapoo River, offering opportunities for canoeing and fishing. The Driftless Area Art Festival, held annually in Soldiers Grove, celebrates the region’s artists and craftspeople with exhibits, performances, and local food. The village’s historic downtown features several well-preserved buildings, reflecting its rich history and community pride.

Village of Wauzeka

Overview

  • Area: 1.54 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 700
  • ZIP Codes: 53826
  • Latitude: 43.0881° N
  • Longitude: 90.8838° W

Wauzeka is a small village located in southern Crawford County, near the confluence of the Kickapoo and Wisconsin Rivers. The village was established in the late 19th century as an agricultural and trade center, with its economy primarily based on farming and river transportation. Wauzeka’s rural charm and proximity to the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway have made it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering access to fishing, canoeing, and birdwatching. The village is known for its quiet, small-town atmosphere and strong community bonds.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wauzeka is served by the Wauzeka-Steuben School District, which includes Wauzeka-Steuben High School, Middle School, and Elementary School. Notable landmarks in the village include the Wauzeka Ridge, offering scenic views of the surrounding countryside, and the nearby Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, which provides recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The village’s annual Riverfest celebration brings the community together with parades, music, and family-friendly activities. Wauzeka’s proximity to the Wisconsin River makes it an ideal location for exploring the natural beauty of southwestern Wisconsin.

Village of Eastman

Overview

  • Area: 1.1 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 430
  • ZIP Codes: 54626
  • Latitude: 43.1469° N
  • Longitude: 90.9687° W

Eastman is a small village located in western Crawford County, near the Mississippi River. Founded in the late 19th century, Eastman developed as an agricultural community, with farming being the primary industry. The village is named after General David Eastman, an early settler and local leader. Eastman has maintained its rural character over the years, with a focus on agriculture and community life. The village’s location near the Mississippi River and its proximity to several state parks make it an attractive destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and birdwatching.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Eastman is served by the Seneca School District, with students attending Seneca High School and Elementary School. Key landmarks in the village include the Eastman Village Park, which provides recreational facilities for residents and visitors, and the nearby Wyalusing State Park, offering stunning views of the Mississippi River Valley and opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Eastman’s annual community events, such as the Eastman Lions Club Carnival, bring together residents for celebrations and festivities, reinforcing the village’s strong sense of community and tradition.

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