Westby's a small town with roots in Norway and dairy
Westby is a small town in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The town is known for its Norwegian heritage, which is visible at local stores, and during the annual Syttende Mai festival. Like the rest of the region, Westby was founded around the dairy industry, and like many nearby towns, it has developed ties to the organic food movement — over 60% of the dairies that contribute to Westby Cooperative Creamery, one of the largest local employers, are certified organic. Its scenic surroundings and welcoming community have also made it increasingly popular with La Crosse workers who don’t mind a 30-minute commute. “When people think of Westby, I think a lot of people associate it with Norwegian Heritage, but that doesn’t really impact the day-to-day lives of residents,” says Broker Dan Kiedinger of United Country-Oakwood Realty, who has lived in the area for over 20 years. “I’d say what actually draws people to Westby is that it’s a nice small town, it’s been kept up pretty well, and its downtown area and restaurant scene feel much more vibrant and even sophisticated than you’d expect.”
A wide variety of home styles with spacious lots on outskirts
Westby’s housing inventory is made up of a mix of early-20th-century traditional homes, midcentury ranch-style homes, and a growing selection of modern builds. Homes near the center of town are mostly on uniform mid-sized lots, while properties farther out often offer a bit more space and may butt up against local farms. Homes in the area can sell for anywhere from $140,000 to $440,000.
Downtown Westby's businesses offer local flavor
Most retail is found along Main Street, Westby’s main thoroughfare, including Hansen’s IGA Supermarket. Downtown Westby embraces the town’s Norwegian heritage, anchored by Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts, which has been flying its Norwegian flags in the center of town for 50 years. The local dining scene features a mix of old-school spots like Borgens Cafe and newer eateries like Kos—A Gastropub. Locals can always find fresh dairy at Westby Cheese and Gift Shop, run by the town's longstanding organic dairy, Westby Cooperative Creamery. Those looking for a broader range of amenities typically head to either La Crosse or the Walmart in nearby Viroqua.
Davidson Park and the local ski jump
Davidson Park, also known as Rock Park, features sandstone outcrops, short trails and a playground just west of downtown. Various county parks, rivers and natural areas outside of town provide opportunities for horseback riding, fishing, canoeing and hunting — all popular pastimes among residents. On the north side of town, Snowflake Ski and Golf Club offers a public 9-hole golf course in warmer months, and in winter grooms five ski jumping hills, including a massive 118-meter Olympic hill.
Westby public schools and college credit optio
Public schools in Westby are part of the Westby Area School District. Westby Middle School has a B rating on Niche, while both Westby Elementary and Westby High School have B-minus ratings. The high school offers dual enrollment courses through partnerships with nearby colleges, including UW-La Crosse.
Syttende Mai celebrates the town's Norwegian heritage
Westby’s Syttende Mai festival is held every May and centers on Norwegian food, craft booths, parades and a longstanding “troll hunt,” drawing regional visitors and many local families. “It’s definitely one of the more popular festivals in the region,” Kiedinger says. “People come from all over the place.” In winter, the Snowflake Ski Club’s big jump competition weekend attracts jumpers and spectators from across the country.
Highways connect Westby to nearby cities like LaCrosse and Madison
U.S. Route 14 and state Route 27 run through the town and carry the bulk of freight and commuter traffic. Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit runs a route through Westby connecting it to La Crosse. However, most residents rely on cars to get around. It’s a 27-mile drive to La Crosse, which is home to the nearest commercial airport, while Madison is just over 100 miles away by car.
