The Driftless Region: What It Is and Why It Matters

If you’ve spent any time in the La Crosse area, you’ve likely heard the phrase “Driftless Region.” Locals use it with pride — but many newcomers, homebuyers, and even long-time residents don’t know what the term truly means. The Driftless Region is one of the most geologically unique places in the entire Midwest, and it shapes nearly every aspect of life here: the landscapes, the neighborhoods, the recreation, and even the real estate market.

To understand why this region is so special, we need to take a step back — about 10,000 to 200,000 years — to the last Ice Age.

Why Is It Called the Driftless Region?

During the Ice Age, enormous glaciers advanced across North America, reshaping nearly everything in their path. They carved valleys, flattened landscapes, and deposited vast amounts of sediment called “glacial drift.” This drift — a mixture of rocks, gravel, soil, and sand — is what gave many Midwestern landscapes their rolling hills and uniform, smoothed-out appearance.

But something remarkable happened in southwestern Wisconsin.

The glaciers never reached here.

While ice covered most of Wisconsin, the La Crosse area and its surrounding counties remained untouched. Because no glaciers passed through, they deposited no glacial drift.
No drift = driftless.

The absence of glacial erosion left behind:

• Steep bluffs

• Deep river valleys

• Winding coulees

• Spring-fed streams

• Dramatic elevation changes

• A landscape more reminiscent of Appalachia than the Upper Midwest

This untouched geography is why so many buyers fall in love with La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, La Crescent, and the surrounding communities — it simply feels different.

A Landscape Full of Character

The Driftless Region’s topography gives the area an unmistakable identity.

1. Bluffs That Define the Skyline

The Mississippi River Valley is framed by towering sandstone bluffs that create breathtaking views in every season. From Grandad Bluff to the bluffs along Hwy 16, the terrain is an ever-changing natural mural.

2. Winding Valleys and Coulees

Instead of flat farmland, our landscape is carved with narrow valleys (“coulees”) that create picturesque neighborhoods, secluded properties, and dramatic natural beauty.

3. Spring-Fed Streams and Lush Forests

The Driftless has some of the cleanest cold-water trout streams in the country, along with heavily wooded ridges and oak savannas — rare ecosystems not found elsewhere in Wisconsin.

4. Four Seasons That Make the Views Unstoppable

Autumn colors blaze across the ridges. Winters create postcard scenes. Spring and summer bring rolling green hills and crystal-clear waterways.

This combination gives the region a one-of-a-kind charm that keeps people visiting — and often leads them to stay.

Why Homebuyers Love Living in the Driftless Region

Geology alone doesn’t sell homes — but the lifestyle it creates absolutely does. Buyers moving into La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem, and nearby communities consistently mention the same reasons they love it here.

1. Endless Outdoor Recreation

The Driftless is a dream for anyone who loves fresh air and outdoor adventure:

• Hiking bluffs and wooded trails

• Kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing the Mississippi and Black Rivers

• Biking the Great River State Trail, Three Rivers Trail, and areas around Onalaska

• Skiing, snowshoeing, and tubing

• Exploring wildlife preserves and county parks

Buyers often choose homes specifically for proximity to trails, water access, or bluff views — features unique to this region.

2. Charming Small Communities with a Big-City Feel Nearby

The Driftless Region offers the best of both worlds:

• La Crosse: Vibrant, historic, full of local restaurants, festivals, university life, and riverfront activities

• Onalaska: Shopping, Lake Onalaska recreation, suburban conveniences

• Holmen: Rapid growth, new developments, parks, and great schools

• West Salem: Small-town charm, Lake Neshonoc, family-friendly neighborhoods

Buyers love that they can enjoy peaceful living and have all the benefits of a larger city within minutes.

3. Unique Homes and Neighborhoods

Because the land is not flat, Driftless real estate is full of properties you won’t find in other parts of Wisconsin:

• Bluffside homes

• Wooded, private lots

• Valley estates

• Farmettes tucked into coulees

• Waterfront homes

• Scenic rural acreage

Even suburban neighborhoods are more visually interesting thanks to the natural terrain.

4. Strong Sense of Community

Every Driftless community has its own identity — and its own traditions. Buyers often remark on how welcoming the region feels, with events like:

• Applefest in La Crescent

• Kornfest in Holmen

• West Salem’s June Dairy Days

• Riverfest and Oktoberfest in La Crosse

New residents quickly feel like part of something meaningful.

5. A Lifestyle That Encourages Slowing Down

The Driftless Region allows people to breathe a little deeper. Whether it’s scenic drives along Hwy 33, walking Riverside Park, or enjoying sunset over Lake Onalaska, buyers often say living here “feels like living in a painting.”

This emotional connection is one of the reasons the area continues to see strong real estate demand.

What Buyers Can Expect When Shopping for a Home in the Driftless Region

Topography Matters

Homes on bluffs may offer unmatched views but can also come with unique considerations:

• Steeper driveways

• Multi-level layouts

• Retaining walls

• Septic systems on slopes

A knowledgeable local Realtor (like Julie Delap!) helps buyers understand these nuances.

Demand Is High in Scenic Areas

Waterfront homes, bluff-view properties, and wooded lots tend to sell quickly due to limited inventory.

Variety in Price Points

You’ll find:

• Affordable starter homes

• Mid-range suburban neighborhoods

• Custom homes with panoramic views

• Acreage and luxury estates

Seasonal Beauty

Homes show differently depending on season — lush woods in summer, expansive bluff views in winter. Buyers benefit from an agent who understands these factors.