Lafayette County, Wisconsin

Lafayette County lies in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland stretching in every direction. This is true cheese country, with dairy farms and local cheesemakers scattered throughout the countryside.

The Pecatonica River winds its way through the county, giving paddlers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Towns like Darlington and Shullsburg bring plenty of old-fashioned Midwest charm. There are no big cities here, and honestly, that’s exactly how many locals like it.

Fall is a popular time for hunting, while winters can drag on with plenty of cold and snow. Still, folks here know how to make the best of it. It’s a friendly place where neighbors look out for one another and lending a helping hand is simply part of life.

Category Details
County Name Lafayette County
County Seat Lafayette County
Cities, Towns, and Communities Darlington, Shullsburg, Belmont, Benton, Argyle
Interstates and Highways WI-11, WI-23, WI-78, WI-81
Etymology Named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French general who fought in the American Revolutionary War
FIPS Code 55-065
Total Area (Land and Water) 635 sq mi (Land: 634 sq mi; Water: 1 sq mi)
Time Zone Central Time Zone (CT)
State Wisconsin
Coordinates 42.6633° N, 90.1329° W
Major Landmarks Yellowstone Lake State Park, Belmont Mound State Park, Darlington Canoe Landing
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Grant County (West), Iowa County (North), Green County (East), Stephenson County, Illinois (Southeast), Jo Daviess County, Illinois (South)
Population Approximately 17,000
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