Discover a Hidden Gem in the Heart of Wisconsin

Investing in the future against a stunning natural backdrop

Known for its rolling hills, vibrant waterways and undeniable sense of community, Trempealeau County is a county that cherishes its natural beauty while investing in its future. As a region poised for growth, the county is seeking additional development and quality of life opportunities, while embracing all that it already has to offer.

A Charming Destination

“We’re a county of 30,000 people, so we’re not big,” describes Dave Carlson, Economic Development and Tourism Manager. “We’ve got 10 municipalities, cities, and villages, and then a lot of rural areas with small communities of  500 to 3,500. We’ve got a lot of hills and valleys and rivers and parks and welcoming towns and unique shops and restaurants.”

Carlson highlights a recent destination and marketing survey of 400 visitors to the region. “One of the big findings was a top 10 list of words that really describe Trempealeau County from an outsider’s point of view: beautiful, peaceful, friendly, rural, natural trails, water, recreation, welcoming and safe,” he conveys. “Those same things that the locals take for granted are things that people don’t find elsewhere, and they kind of have a hunger for.”

Scenic Drives, Bike Trails, and Recreational Amenities

Tourism in Trempealeau County is more than just picturesque landscapes. It’s also about engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, such as the extensive network of trails, sure to bring a sense of adventure and tranquility. The county’s cycling infrastructure is top notch, as Carlson describes, “We have 487 miles of paved and back roads in the county, going all over the place.” Biking enthusiasts can experience a variety of options ranging from gentle scenic rides to challenging routes that Carlson says are comparable to the “Tour de France, except in Trempealeau County.”

In addition to biking, Trempealeau County’s rural roads offer numerous opportunities for leisurely drives that showcase the breathtaking views. County Administrator, Rebecca Glewen recalls, “When I initially moved here, I had to take some opportunities just to pull over and to really take it all in, because it is so beautiful and some of the scenic overlooks that we have here are just incredible.”

The county is also home to an array of parks and recreation areas, including the renowned Perrot State Park, overlooking the majestic Mississippi River. “It’s a great opportunity to get outside and hike,” Glewen notes, “And then when you mix in the really unique shops, the quaint downtowns and then the apple orchards and wineries, and little marketplaces,  it makes Trempealeau County a really great place to visit and stay.”

 The Impact of Ashley Furniture

Trempealeau County’s economic landscape is equally remarkable, largely due to a long-standing partnership with Ashley Furniture, a company whose influence extends far beyond manufacturing. “We are blessed on so many levels to have Ashley Furniture as an anchor in our community,” Carlson stresses. “First and foremost, you can’t discount the fact that it employs 4,000 people in a community that’s smaller than that. Arcadia’s population is around  3,500 people. So obviously they’re drawing employees  from throughout Trempealeau County and adjacent areas. That’s a lot of jobs, a lot of money coming into the economy, and a lot of companies would just stop there and not invest anything additional.”

Instead, Ashley Furniture has invested hundreds of thousands in grant money into the county through their foundation over the years. One example is the community recreation center and library in Arcadia, named the Wanek Center, after the company founder. Ashley Furniture has also contributed to education initiatives in the community. “Even though they’re a global industry now, they really still appreciate their beginnings, and they have been great stewards in working with all of these small communities. They are incredible partners,” Glewen underscores.

The success of Ashley Furniture is also reflected in community events like “Ashley for the Arts”. Over the years, this popular music and arts festival has grown from a modest community gathering to a major event, attracting visitors from neighboring states. Carlson recounts, “The level of bands that they’ve been able to bring in has risen, and now instead of maybe 2000 people watching a headliner, it’s like 45 to 50,000 on a festival grounds. But they’ve kept it affordable.”

 Healthcare and Housing

A crucial part of Trempealeau County’s forward-thinking strategy is its commitment to strong infrastructure. In a region where rural healthcare often faces challenges, the recent completion of the Gunderson Tri-County Hospital and Clinics represents a major milestone. “They built a new hospital and clinic and then demolished the old, outdated hospital. That was a $50 million project,” Carlson details. “It’s proven that businesses want to locate, and people want to live in a place where you can get the care you need without having to travel. And that’s what we have. We’ve got  a solid hospital and clinic providing many things people will need right here, centrally located in the county.”

Reporting that Trempealeau County is projected to be the second fastest growing county in the state, with population growth of nearly 33% over the next 30 years, Glewen acknowledges the ongoing need to address affordable housing. “It’s not unlike every other place, but those are conversations that are continual and there’s a couple of projects that are moving through the stages to bring that forward,” she asserts. To address the issue, the county is exploring innovative solutions, such as leveraging Tax Incremental Financing districts to support affordable housing projects and incentivizing the renovation of existing commercial spaces for mixed use. Attracting developers is also top of mind. “This population projection might be the ‘aha’ moment for some developers to really say, ‘maybe we can go to Trempealeau County and build spec homes because they’ll get bought’,” Carlson suggests.

Quality affordable childcare is another priority for the county as it embraces growth. “We’re also working with some groups on that, partnering with the school district, partnering with the hospital and businesses and government as well,” explains Glewen. In a small rural area, you have to look towards partnership and how you can work together in order to tackle issues and solve problems”

 Small Business and Community Development

Exemplifying their collaborative spirit, Trempealeau County is launching a park project that utilizes natural hills for outdoor play, with donated land and county funding already integrated into the planning. “It’s a big collaborative effort,” says Glewen. “We’re working right now to put together all of the information and the design, and we will take it to a committee for approval, and then seek out  grant sources for funding.” The goal is to involve local businesses, giving them opportunities to get involved in the project. “Our Parks Manager has also gotten the school districts involved, with students coming out to do tree plantings. We’re all working towards the development of the park, to create buy-in and pride in the  finalized project,” she adds.

In support of small business, plans are underway for the introduction of a business start up grant fund provided by the county. “Because we’re a small rural county, the communities that we have, their staff is really limited, and none of our communities have somebody, even on a part time or contracted basis, to do economic development,” Carlson said. “When I started working for Trempealeau County, I made a point of letting all of  our villages and the cities and towns, and letting them know that I was there to assist them with any economic development needs they might have.”

Looking Ahead

As Trempealeau County prepares for inevitable growth, the focus is on housing development, quality childcare and continued economic and quality of life initiatives. “You can’t do everything on day one, but we have laid a solid foundation for growth and opportunity,” Carlson imparts. “There’s this phenomenon that has occurred where people are picking where they want to live and then finding a job if they don’t have a job that they can do remotely. And Trempealeau County, if you enjoy and value the small-town feel, outdoor recreational opportunities, nature, this is an ideal place. And the schools here, they’re small, but they’re phenomenal. And our communities, they really rally around each other.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Trempealeau County
What: A county on the brink of major growth
Where: West Central Wisconsin
Website: www.co.trempealeau.wi.us