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La Crosse Solidifies Position as Midwest Transportation Hub

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. fies-position-as-midwest-transportation-hub.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 10:02 GMT by News 8000
      Locale: Wisconsin, UNITED STATES

LA CROSSE, WI - January 28th, 2026 - La Crosse is rapidly solidifying its position as a vital transportation hub for the upper Midwest, attracting significant investment and experiencing consistent growth in passenger traffic. City leaders showcased the progress being made at both La Crosse Regional Airport (LCR) and the city's Amtrak station during a special event held Tuesday evening, signaling a long-term commitment to expanding regional connectivity.

Mayor Brad Pfaff articulated the city's vision, stating, "We're seeing consistent growth in passenger numbers, both at the airport and at the train station. We're committed to continuing to work with our partners to make La Crosse a regional gateway." This isn't simply about increasing travel numbers; it's about fostering economic development and enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Recent data suggests the strategy is paying off. Airport officials are projecting nearly 200,000 passengers will pass through LCR in 2024 - a figure that represents substantial growth compared to pre-pandemic levels. While 2025 numbers are still being tallied, preliminary reports indicate a continuation of this upward trend. This growth is fuelled, in part, by increased leisure travel, but also by a growing number of businesses recognizing La Crosse as a convenient location for meetings and events.

The improvements at LCR aren't limited to passenger volume. Significant investments have been made in modernizing the terminal, enhancing security protocols, and expanding parking facilities. A key focus has been on streamlining the passenger experience, making it easier and more efficient to navigate the airport. Airport Director Nathan Wolters emphasized the underlying philosophy driving these changes: "We've really been focused on creating a place that is easy to get to and easy to get from." This includes not only physical infrastructure but also improved signage, digital information displays, and customer service initiatives.

Amtrak's La Crosse station is also benefitting from increased attention and investment. The Hiawatha Service, connecting Chicago to the Twin Cities, has seen consistent ridership gains, making La Crosse a crucial stop for both commuters and long-distance travelers. City officials are exploring potential upgrades to the station itself, including improvements to accessibility, passenger waiting areas, and baggage handling. There's ongoing discussion about increasing the frequency of Amtrak service through La Crosse, potentially adding an additional daily round trip to accommodate growing demand. Preliminary studies are also being conducted to assess the feasibility of extending rail lines further into the surrounding rural areas, connecting more communities to the national rail network.

The economic impact of these transportation improvements is already being felt throughout the La Crosse region. Increased tourism translates directly into revenue for hotels, restaurants, and local attractions. Improved connectivity also attracts businesses, creating jobs and fostering economic diversification. The presence of a well-functioning transportation hub makes La Crosse a more attractive location for companies looking to expand or relocate.

The city is also exploring partnerships with regional transportation providers to create a more seamless and integrated transportation network. This includes improved bus connections, ride-sharing options, and bike-sharing programs. The goal is to provide residents and visitors with a variety of transportation choices, catering to different needs and preferences. Looking ahead, city leaders are committed to sustainable transportation practices, including the adoption of electric vehicles and the promotion of public transit.

The success of La Crosse as a transportation hub depends on continued collaboration between city officials, airport and Amtrak management, local businesses, and the community as a whole. By prioritizing investment, innovation, and customer service, La Crosse is poised to become an even more important regional gateway in the years to come.