Welcome to Crawford County!
As the host committee for the 78th Alice in Dairyland Finals, we are thrilled to invite you to discover the beauty, history, and rich agricultural traditions of Crawford County. Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, our county boasts rolling hills, scenic bluffs, and a vibrant farming community that has been the backbone of our local economy for generations.
Join us as we celebrate Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural heritage and select the next Alice in Dairyland, an ambassador who will help share the story of Wisconsin’s farmers and food producers. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, we invite you to explore all that Crawford County has to offer.
We can’t wait to welcome you for this prestigious event. Let’s make this a celebration to remember!
Formed in 1818, Crawford County is one of Wisconsin’s original counties. Home to 899 farms and 194,544 acres of farmland, the county is surrounded by the Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Kickapoo Rivers. This confluence provides rich, fertile soil in the river valleys, making the area ideal for agriculture. The Mississippi River also offers important transportation for agricultural products like grains, fertilizers, animal feed, and more.
Part of Wisconsin's Driftless Area, Crawford County is a region that escaped the flattening effects of glaciation during the last Ice Age. As a result, the county is characterized by rugged, steep hills, deep river valleys, and limestone bluffs. This unglaciated terrain offers stunning natural scenery and dramatic landscapes that are rare in the Midwest.
Farmers in the area are known for conservation efforts where sustainable practices are encouraged to protect the region’s natural resources. These efforts ensure that agriculture in Crawford County is both productive and environmentally responsible.
Crawford County has a unique history of tobacco farming, once a major crop in the region. While tobacco production has declined, it remains part of the county's agricultural legacy and reflects the adaptability of local farmers. This driftless region is known for its diverse crop production thanks to its unique topography and rich soils. The area also supports a vibrant local foods movement that provides residents with access to fresh foods while supporting small farms and community engagement.