Vernon County, Wisconsin
Vernon County sits in Wisconsin’s famous Driftless Area, a region that escaped the glaciers and was left with steep hills, deep valleys, and winding waterways. The rugged landscape gives the county some truly beautiful scenery.
Organic farming has become an important part of the local economy, especially around Viroqua, the county seat, which is also known for its lively arts and creative community. Fall is a spectacular time to visit, when the hillsides fill with brilliant autumn colors. Winters can be challenging, but the snowy landscape creates excellent conditions for cross-country skiing.
The Kickapoo River winds through the county and is a favorite for canoeists and kayakers. Vernon County is also famous for its cold-water trout streams, drawing anglers from across the region. Hidden gems such as Wildcat Mountain State Park add even more outdoor appeal to this peaceful corner of Wisconsin.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Vernon County |
| County Seat | Viroqua |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Viroqua, Westby, Stoddard, La Farge, Coon Valley |
| Interstates and Highways | US-14, WI-27, WI-56, WI-82 |
| Etymology | Named after Mount Vernon, the estate of George Washington |
| FIPS Code | 55-123 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 816 sq mi (Land: 792 sq mi; Water: 24 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Coordinates | 43.5564° N, 90.9208° W |
| Major Landmarks | Kickapoo Valley Reserve, Wildcat Mountain State Park, Driftless Angler Fly Shop |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | La Crosse County (Northwest), Monroe County (North), Juneau County (Northeast), Sauk County (East), Richland County (Southeast), Crawford County (South), Allamakee County, Iowa (Southwest), Houston County, Minnesota (West) |
| Population | Approximately 30,000 |
