Genoa, WI

Set along the bluffs of the Upper Mississippi River, Genoa is a quiet village in southwestern Wisconsin's scenic Driftless Region. Originally known as Bad Axe before Italian immigrants renamed it in the 1860s, the community of around 230 residents offers an authentic river-town feel. Everyday life naturally revolves around the water, with Highway 35 running right through town and prime access to boating, eagle watching, and great fishing near Lock and Dam No. 8.

ATTRRoyalbroil / CC BY-SA 3.0

Genoa offers a peaceful, small-town rhythm where neighbors know one another and scenic views are part of the daily routine. Local kids attend the nearby De Soto Area School District, and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate having the Genoa National Fish Hatchery and its surrounding wetland trails right in their backyard. When you need major shopping, dining, or healthcare, the city of La Crosse is a straightforward twenty-minute drive north, making it easy to enjoy quiet river living without giving up modern conveniences.