De Soto, Wisconsin is a small village nestled along the Mississippi River in Vernon and Crawford counties. Known for its scenic bluffs and river views, De Soto offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with rich opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. It's a popular stop for travelers exploring the Great River Road. The village is located about 25 miles south of La Crosse, WI and approximately 25 miles north of Prairie du Chien, WI, making it a central point between two larger river towns. De Soto also serves as the hub for the De Soto Area School District, which supports surrounding communities with K-12 education.

"Naturally Scenic, Quietly Charming."

WELCOME TO DE SOTO

WHAT YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH

🌄 Scenic River Views: Nestled between bluffs and the Mississippi River, De Soto offers breathtaking sunsets and peaceful water vistas perfect for relaxing or exploring.
🎣 Outdoor Recreation: Whether it’s fishing, boating, hiking, or birdwatching, De Soto is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.
🏡 Small-Town Charm: Friendly neighbors, quiet streets, and a tight-knit community make De Soto feel like home the moment you arrive.
🐦 Wildlife & Birding: Located along a major migratory route, the area is ideal for spotting eagles, herons, and other native species year-round.
🚗 Easy Access to Nearby Towns: Conveniently located about 25 miles from both La Crosse and Prairie du Chien, you get the tranquility of rural life with access to city amenities.

LIFESTYLE

The lifestyle in De Soto, Wisconsin is relaxed, outdoorsy, and deeply connected to the natural world. Nestled between the Mississippi River and the scenic Driftless bluffs, residents enjoy a peaceful pace of life with plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. The close-knit community values tradition, local events, and neighborly support, making it a welcoming place for families, retirees, and anyone seeking a quieter, nature-focused way of living. With stunning views and small-town charm, De Soto offers a lifestyle that’s both simple and deeply fulfilling.

SHOPPING, ENTERTAINMENT, & DINING

De Soto, Wisconsin, offers a cozy dining scene with establishments that reflect the village’s friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Just across the Mississippi River, Lansing, Iowa, provides additional dining and entertainment options, enhancing the area's appeal.

🍽️ Dining & Entertainment in De Soto, WI

Great River Roadhouse
Located at 9660 WI-35, this restaurant is renowned for its homemade pizzas, broasted chicken, and ribs. Patrons can enjoy their meals while taking in views of the Mississippi River. The establishment also hosts live music events, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Bright Spot Tavern Restaurant
Situated at 120 S Mill Park Dr, this local favorite offers classic pub fare, including fish fries and burgers. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors, providing a casual dining experience with friendly service.
Pike's Den formerly Pork's Bar
Found at 315 Main St, this establishment is known for its pizza, wings and much more! Yummy!

🍴 Dining & Entertainment in Lansing, IA

Shep's Riverside Bar and Grill is a popular riverside eatery located at 10 S Front St in Lansing, Iowa. The establishment offers a variety of classic American dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and seafood, in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in scenic views of the Mississippi River, either from the indoor seating area or the outdoor patio. The bar serves a selection of cold beers and cocktails, making it a great spot to relax and unwind. Shep's is known for its friendly service and is a favored spot among locals and visitors alike. The establishment is open daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM, offering ample time to enjoy a meal or drink by the river.
the Other Place is located at 229 Main Street in beautiful downtown Lansing, Iowa. We feature live music at least once a month for which there's never a cover charge, good drinks, cold beer, a great jukebox, pool, foosball, and video gambling.
Coffee on the River

Coffee (all kinds), Homemade Muffins, scones, cookies, marshmallows, cheesecakes. sandwiches and wine!

Lansing Fitness Center has something to offer everyone who is looking to get healthier, stronger, and more fit! We have a large selection of cardio equipment, weight machines, dumbbells and some group fitness classes!

Whether you're in De Soto or Lansing, both communities offer delightful dining and entertainment options that showcase the charm of the Mississippi River region.

THINGS TO DO

🌳 Parks & Recreational Areas

Blackhawk Park – Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this popular riverside park features riverfront campsites, a fishing dock, boat launch, picnic areas, and a sandy swimming beach. It's ideal for camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and soaking up Mississippi River views.
Rush Creek Natural Area – Just north of De Soto, this bluffland preserve offers hiking, birdwatching, and a chance to explore rugged terrain with panoramic river overlooks.
De Soto Public Boat Landing & Park – A convenient local access point to the Mississippi River, this area includes green space for relaxing, launching boats, or enjoying a peaceful picnic by the water.

🎣 Outdoor Activities

Fishing & Boating – The Mississippi River is a hotspot for anglers, with abundant walleye, bass, catfish, and panfish. Boating and kayaking are also popular, especially in the warm months.
Hiking & Birdwatching – De Soto lies along a major migratory bird path, making it a birding paradise, especially during spring and fall. The bluffs and prairies nearby offer scenic trails and wildlife encounters.

SCHOOLS/CHURCHES

⛪ Churches in De Soto, WI

New Hope United Methodist Church

Address: E2286 State Highway 82, De Soto, WI 54624
Worship Service: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School: During worship (Sept.–May)
Wednesday Warriors: Wednesdays after school (Sept.–May)
Phone: (608) 648-2528
Description: A family-oriented congregation that blends traditional and country-style hymns, offering various community programs and missions.

De Soto Lutheran Church

Address: 815 Main St, De Soto, WI 54624
Phone: (608) 648-3569
Description: A welcoming Lutheran congregation that invites all to worship and engage in community activities.

St. John Lutheran Church

Address: S5872 Willenberg Rd, De Soto, WI 54624
Phone: (608) 779-1370
Description: A Christian congregation serving the De Soto community, encouraging others through a life-changing Christian journey.

🏫 Schools in De Soto, WI

De Soto Area Schools

Address: 615 Main St, De Soto, WI 54624
Phone: (608) 648-3311
Website: desoto.k12.wi.us
Description: The district encompasses approximately 100 square miles and includes one early childhood center, one preschool, two elementary schools (K-6), a junior high school (7-8), and a senior high school (9-12).

De Soto Middle School

Address: 615 Main St, De Soto, WI 54624
Phone: (608) 648-0100
Description: A public middle school serving grades 6–8 with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1.

These institutions contribute to the rich community life in De Soto, offering spiritual guidance and educational opportunities to residents and visitors alike.