Holmen ( ) is a city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 10,661 as of the census of 2020. It is part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Holmen was settled by Norwegian immigrants in 1862. It was incorporated as a city on May 7, 1946. The community was previously known as Frederickstown, to honor Holmen's blacksmith Frederick Anderson. The name was changed when Charles A. Sjölander opened the post office in September 1875. The name Holmen is a Norwegian word and translates to islet (a small island).

thumb|215x215px|center|Historic Holmen Bank Building at the intersection of Main and State streets in Holmen, Wisconsin

Geography

Holmen contains wooded areas, hills, and bluffs, typical of the Driftless Area, or Coulee Region. The Mississippi River passes just to the southwest of the city.

Holmen is located at (43.955330, −91.259132). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land. Star Hill is a prominent bluff adjacent to downtown Holmen and is one of the tallest areas of the city. The hill gets its name from a light up star on top of the hill.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the census of 2020, there were 10,661 people, 4,382 households, and 2,431 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 4,382 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 86.3% White, 1.1% African American, 7.8% Asian, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

2010 census

As of the census

  • Taylor Kohlwey, professional baseball outfielder for the San Diego Padres, attended Holmen High School and graduated in 2012.
  • Craig Newsome, professional football player

References

  • Holmen, Wisconsin
  • Holmen Kornfest (Annual festival)
  • Holmen Area Historical Society