Viroqua is known for its ties to the organic food movement
Viroqua, the county seat of Vernon County, is a small town known for its longstanding connection to the organic food movement. Set within the Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin, its surrounding landscape is defined by rugged hills and narrow valleys — terrain that escaped glaciation during the last Ice Age. That topography has shaped the area’s farming practices and, more recently, its identity as a center for organic agriculture and small-scale food production. While farming has been the bedrock of the local economy since Viroqua’s founding in the mid-19th century, the opening of Organic Valley dairy company in nearby La Farge signaled a regional transition to organic farming practices. “I think to a lot of people, the organic food movement is Viroqua’s defining feature,” says broker Dan Kiedinger of United Country-Oakwood Realty, who has lived in the area for over 20 years. “The natural beauty of the Driftless landscape is also a big part of life here, and we have some of the best trout fishing streams in the country.”
Historical and midcentury homes
Housing in Viroqua ranges from older homes close to downtown to newer subdivisions at the city’s edge. The central neighborhoods include 19th- and early-20th century frame houses and brick foursquares, while midcentury ranch-style homes can be found a little farther out. A few more modern builds can be found around the outskirts of town, but recently, demand for housing has been outstripping supply. Houses near the center of town sit on straight, city block-style streets with sidewalks and garages, whereas homes farther out might sit in subdivisions on cul-de-sacs. Prices range from $155,000 to $550,000.
A vibrant and historic downtown area
Historic downtown Viroqua centers around Main Street and is home to an outsized shopping and dining scene. The Viroqua Food Co+op, established in 1995, helped kick off the organic movement in town. A number of restaurants in the area, including the longstanding Driftless Café, emphasize ingredients sourced from surrounding farms and have garnered attention from major media outlets and chef Luke Zahm was nominated for a James Beard Award. Downtown Viroqua is also home to a variety of local businesses, including the beloved Driftless Books and Music. The popular Viroqua Farmers Market is held downtown on Saturdays from May through October. Chain retailers like Walmart are on the outskirts of town.
Scenic Driftless Area outdoor spaces
It's easy to get outside in Viroqua. Eckhart Park, located in the center of town, has athletic fields, a swimming pool and a playground. A number of regional parks and preserves around the area, including Duck Egg County Forest and Kickapoo Valley Reserve, offer opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing and boating. Kayaking or canoeing the Kickapoo River is a particularly popular pastime in the summer. “People around here love boating and fishing,” Kiedinger says. “Everyone has their own little fishing spot. We’re also close enough to the Mississippi to get out there without too much trouble. It’s maybe twenty minutes by car.” Locals looking for a more manicured outdoor experience can visit Viroqua Hills Golf Course, an 18-hole public course located just south of town.
Viroqua public schools
The Viroqua Area Schools district oversees the local public schools. Viroqua Elementary School has a B-minus rating on Niche, while both Viroqua Middle School and Viroqua High School get a B. Viroqua High School offers dual credit courses through a partnership with Western Technical College, which has a branch campus in downtown Viroqua.
Home to the Vernon County Fair
The Vernon County Fair, held each September at the county fairgrounds on the north side of town, has been running since 1856 and features livestock shows, carnival rides and 4-H competitions. The Driftless Music Festival in Eckhart Park brings in regional performers each July. The historic Temple Theatre in downtown Viroqua regularly hosts shows by big names in music and entertainment, including Duane Betts and David Sedaris.
A bit of a drive to the nearest airport
State route 56 and U.S. Route 14 connect Viroqua to the rest of the region. There’s no regular public transportation in town, so most locals rely on cars to get around — though cycling is becoming increasingly popular in warmer months. The nearest regional airport is 45 miles away in La Crosse, but locals often choose to catch flights out of Madison — roughly 100 miles from town — which offers more routes.
