Resident Life
Learn more about life for residents outside the hospital and clinic, and in the La Crosse community.
Resident activities
Outside the clinic/hospital, we provide opportunities for activities that include all residents, spouses/significant others, and families, including intern night out and resident wellness mornings. Residents also enjoy participating in activities through their own organization including volleyball leagues, trivia nights, and "wing Wednesdays."
Residents share their experiences in the Family Medicine Residency in La Crosse, Wisconsin
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Learn more about the La Crosse community
You will receive an excellent education here while enjoying life in one of the best small cities in the country. La Crosse is nestled among the bluffs of the mighty Mississippi and offers a small-town feel with most of the attractions of a bigger city. Come visit us, and you will see why many refer to this area as "God’s Country."
- Check out the views of the Mississippi River, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin from Grandad Bluff in La Crosse. Wisconsin Trails readers voted it “the most scenic view in the state.” The bluff is 600 feet tall, is a destination point for thousands, and is a symbol of the Coulee Region.
- The La Crosse area falls within the Driftless Region along the Upper Mississippi River; narrowly escaping the glaciers’ flattening effects of the last Ice Age. This region has no gravel deposits so it maintains an ancient landscape where you can enjoy scenic views, waterfalls, and deep caves.
- The La Crosse Region is home to some of the best bird-watching destinations in the upper Midwest. You can see anything from bald eagles, tundra swans, and great egrets to bluebirds, warblers, and sparrows. Popular bird-watching spots include Myrick Park, Hixon Forest, and Riverside Park.
- La Crosse is home to an estimated 52,000 residents in the Southwestern Region of Wisconsin. Housing options abound within walking distance of the clinic and hospital. Living "out in the country" often yields only a 10- to 15-minute commute.
- Livability has La Crosse, ranked as No. 89 of the Best City to Live in the U.S. in 2022.
- La Crosse and the surrounding Coulee Region combine the best of arts, entertainment, and nightlife, with an emerging emphasis on “silent sports” (hiking, biking, canoeing, etc.).
- On and in the water – boating on the Mississippi; quiet canoeing on the Black, Root, and La Crosse rivers; trout fishing in dozens of area streams.
- On wheels – Try out our nationally recognized bike trails that crisscross the region.
- In the stands – Join 3,000 of your closest friends for a La Crosse Loggers baseball game, part of the Northwood League.
- In the audience – Take in performances by the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra or the La Community Theater; local venues also attract national touring performances of Broadway shows, headline performers, and specialty events.
- With your new friends – Pick a word, add “fest” to it and you will probably find people having a good time nearby (October-, River-, Irish-, Korn-, Butter-, and more).
- For those times when your interests are a bit more urban, you can easily fit in a day or one-night trip to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, or Chicago.
- Explore downtown's vibrant district of specialty shops
- Find the ideal destination for Family Activities
- Expand your child's horizons with the School District of La Crosse
- Dine with over 100 culinary eateries to choose from
- Explore La Crosse
- La Crosse Wisconsin City
Prior to rotating at Mayo Clinic La Crosse I spent months at multiple other family medicine residency programs. Within the first few days here it was obvious that the residents were capable of caring for patients independently and confidently - especially on the inpatient service. The work ethic, strength, and independence of the residents are ultimately what drew me to the program. They supported me kindly while also providing opportunities to see patients and formulate plans on my own.
Dylan Livingston, D.O.
Family Medicine Resident
Life as a resident gallery photo gallery
See pictures of our residents in wellness activities and hobbies outside the program.