Life In Black River Falls, Wisconsin
Set amidst the towering pines of the Black River State Forest, Black River Falls is a place defined by its raw natural landscape and resilient local culture. As the seat of Jackson County and the headquarters of the Ho-Chunk Nation, the town merges a deep historical legacy with an active outdoor lifestyle. Residents spend their weekends scuba diving in the crystal clear depths of Wazee Lake, riding hundreds of miles of premier ATV trails, or kayaking the meandering Black...
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Awards & Press
Outstanding Park Design Award
The Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association (WPRA)
Explore careers in Black River Falls, WI
Nelson Global
Nelson Global operates a major facility in Black River Falls, specializing in emissions and fluid transfer solutions for on-highway and off-highway markets. They are a "must-know" for engineers and technical managers, known for their global reach and focus on industrial innovation.
Lunda Construction Company
Headquartered in Black River Falls, Lunda is one of the premier heavy civil and industrial contractors in the United States, specifically known for large-scale bridge and highway construction.
#employers
Black River Memorial Hospital
BRMH is an award-winning, independent community hospital known for its state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered care. They are consistently recognized as a "Top 100 Critical Access Hospital" and offer a high-belonging culture for clinical and administrative staff.
D&S Manufacturing
Located just a short drive away, D&S is a premier custom steel fabricator that serves global OEMs. They are highly regarded for their technical precision and "employee-first" manufacturing culture, offering high-tenure career paths.
School District of Black River Falls
The local school district is one of the top three employers in Jackson County. Serving over 1,600 students across five schools, it is a primary destination for professional educators and administrative staff.
Ho-Chunk Health Care Center
Part of the Ho-Chunk Nation's Department of Health, this center provides specialized primary care, dental, and community health services. It is a top destination for mission-driven healthcare professionals interested in public health.
Nelson Global
Nelson Global operates a major facility in Black River Falls, specializing in emissions and fluid transfer solutions for on-highway and off-highway markets. They are a "must-know" for engineers and technical managers, known for their global reach and focus on industrial innovation.
Lunda Construction Company
Headquartered in Black River Falls, Lunda is one of the premier heavy civil and industrial contractors in the United States, specifically known for large-scale bridge and highway construction.
#employers
Black River Memorial Hospital
BRMH is an award-winning, independent community hospital known for its state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered care. They are consistently recognized as a "Top 100 Critical Access Hospital" and offer a high-belonging culture for clinical and administrative staff.
D&S Manufacturing
Located just a short drive away, D&S is a premier custom steel fabricator that serves global OEMs. They are highly regarded for their technical precision and "employee-first" manufacturing culture, offering high-tenure career paths.
School District of Black River Falls
The local school district is one of the top three employers in Jackson County. Serving over 1,600 students across five schools, it is a primary destination for professional educators and administrative staff.
Ho-Chunk Health Care Center
Part of the Ho-Chunk Nation's Department of Health, this center provides specialized primary care, dental, and community health services. It is a top destination for mission-driven healthcare professionals interested in public health.
Nelson Global
Nelson Global operates a major facility in Black River Falls, specializing in emissions and fluid transfer solutions for on-highway and off-highway markets. They are a "must-know" for engineers and technical managers, known for their global reach and focus on industrial innovation.
Lunda Construction Company
Headquartered in Black River Falls, Lunda is one of the premier heavy civil and industrial contractors in the United States, specifically known for large-scale bridge and highway construction.
#employers
Black River Memorial Hospital
BRMH is an award-winning, independent community hospital known for its state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered care. They are consistently recognized as a "Top 100 Critical Access Hospital" and offer a high-belonging culture for clinical and administrative staff.
D&S Manufacturing
Located just a short drive away, D&S is a premier custom steel fabricator that serves global OEMs. They are highly regarded for their technical precision and "employee-first" manufacturing culture, offering high-tenure career paths.
School District of Black River Falls
The local school district is one of the top three employers in Jackson County. Serving over 1,600 students across five schools, it is a primary destination for professional educators and administrative staff.
Ho-Chunk Health Care Center
Part of the Ho-Chunk Nation's Department of Health, this center provides specialized primary care, dental, and community health services. It is a top destination for mission-driven healthcare professionals interested in public health.
Cost of Living Comparison
See how your current cost of living compares to life in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Sign up to save your details and auto-load results next time.
MakeMyMove sources all Cost of Living Data from COLI, published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), without any modification or bias.
COLI data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and CNN Money. The data and methodology are described in detail and completely transparent to users, found in the COLI Manual. Both data and methodology are reviewed by an Advisory Board composed of academic researchers and government officials. The Cost of Living Index is referenced in the Census Bureau's Statistical Abstract of the U.S.
According to the COLI Manual, composite differences of <4% and categorical differences of <5% are not statistically significant and should not be treated as necessarily accurate.
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Common Questions from Newcomers
What it looks like to live in Black River Falls
What does a typical weekend in Black River Falls look like?
Weekends here revolve around the seasons and the outdoors. A Saturday might start with breakfast at a downtown diner before heading out to ride the Jackson County ATV trails or kayaking down the Black River. In the fall, locals can be found at the high school football game or checking out the cranberry harvest, while winter weekends are packed with cross country skiing in the state forest and ice fishing on Lake Arbutus.
Explore local recreation ->
What are the local schools like?
The School District of Black River Falls serves as a central hub of community pride. The district offers comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs from elementary through high school, focusing heavily on hands on learning, technical education, and agriculture. The community turns out heavily to support the students, making high school athletic events and arts performances major social gatherings for the town.
How do I get connected and meet people in Black River Falls?
Getting involved is straightforward thanks to active local institutions. Volunteering for the Jackson County Fair, joining a recreational league at the Lunda Community Center, or attending the summer block parties downtown are the quickest ways to build a network. The community is heavily driven by local organizations, and showing up to a neighborhood fish fry guarantees you will strike up a conversation with someone new.
What is the healthcare situation like in town?
One of Black River Falls' greatest strengths is its access to exceptional healthcare. For a community of its size, the local healthcare system is remarkably robust.
Today, Black River Memorial Hospital and Krohn Clinic operate together under the Black River Health umbrella, combining their long-standing strengths while continuing to serve patients from their trusted locations. This partnership ensures residents have access to comprehensive, high-quality care close to home—from 24/7 emergency services and specialized surgical care to physical therapy and advanced outpatient services.
Krohn Clinic, now part of Black River Health, also offers comprehensive family medicine for every stage of life. From preventive care and same-day appointments to pediatric care, pregnancy care, geriatrics, and chronic disease management, families can build lasting relationships with providers who know their community and are committed to keeping care local.
Living in Black River Falls means peace of mind, knowing outstanding healthcare is right around the corner.
How harsh are the winters and what is there to do?
Wisconsin winters are fully embraced here rather than avoided. While the temperatures drop and snow accumulates, the landscape transforms into a hub for winter sports. Residents hit the sprawling network of groomed snowmobile trails, strap on snowshoes to explore the Black River State Forest, or take the kids sledding. The Lunda Community Center also provides a massive indoor escape with its waterpark and fieldhouse when you need to warm up.
What does a typical weekend in Black River Falls look like?
Weekends here revolve around the seasons and the outdoors. A Saturday might start with breakfast at a downtown diner before heading out to ride the Jackson County ATV trails or kayaking down the Black River. In the fall, locals can be found at the high school football game or checking out the cranberry harvest, while winter weekends are packed with cross country skiing in the state forest and ice fishing on Lake Arbutus.
Explore local recreation ->
What are the local schools like?
The School District of Black River Falls serves as a central hub of community pride. The district offers comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs from elementary through high school, focusing heavily on hands on learning, technical education, and agriculture. The community turns out heavily to support the students, making high school athletic events and arts performances major social gatherings for the town.
How do I get connected and meet people in Black River Falls?
Getting involved is straightforward thanks to active local institutions. Volunteering for the Jackson County Fair, joining a recreational league at the Lunda Community Center, or attending the summer block parties downtown are the quickest ways to build a network. The community is heavily driven by local organizations, and showing up to a neighborhood fish fry guarantees you will strike up a conversation with someone new.
What is the healthcare situation like in town?
One of Black River Falls' greatest strengths is its access to exceptional healthcare. For a community of its size, the local healthcare system is remarkably robust.
Today, Black River Memorial Hospital and Krohn Clinic operate together under the Black River Health umbrella, combining their long-standing strengths while continuing to serve patients from their trusted locations. This partnership ensures residents have access to comprehensive, high-quality care close to home—from 24/7 emergency services and specialized surgical care to physical therapy and advanced outpatient services.
Krohn Clinic, now part of Black River Health, also offers comprehensive family medicine for every stage of life. From preventive care and same-day appointments to pediatric care, pregnancy care, geriatrics, and chronic disease management, families can build lasting relationships with providers who know their community and are committed to keeping care local.
Living in Black River Falls means peace of mind, knowing outstanding healthcare is right around the corner.
How harsh are the winters and what is there to do?
Wisconsin winters are fully embraced here rather than avoided. While the temperatures drop and snow accumulates, the landscape transforms into a hub for winter sports. Residents hit the sprawling network of groomed snowmobile trails, strap on snowshoes to explore the Black River State Forest, or take the kids sledding. The Lunda Community Center also provides a massive indoor escape with its waterpark and fieldhouse when you need to warm up.
What does a typical weekend in Black River Falls look like?
Weekends here revolve around the seasons and the outdoors. A Saturday might start with breakfast at a downtown diner before heading out to ride the Jackson County ATV trails or kayaking down the Black River. In the fall, locals can be found at the high school football game or checking out the cranberry harvest, while winter weekends are packed with cross country skiing in the state forest and ice fishing on Lake Arbutus.
Explore local recreation ->
What are the local schools like?
The School District of Black River Falls serves as a central hub of community pride. The district offers comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs from elementary through high school, focusing heavily on hands on learning, technical education, and agriculture. The community turns out heavily to support the students, making high school athletic events and arts performances major social gatherings for the town.
How do I get connected and meet people in Black River Falls?
Getting involved is straightforward thanks to active local institutions. Volunteering for the Jackson County Fair, joining a recreational league at the Lunda Community Center, or attending the summer block parties downtown are the quickest ways to build a network. The community is heavily driven by local organizations, and showing up to a neighborhood fish fry guarantees you will strike up a conversation with someone new.
What is the healthcare situation like in town?
One of Black River Falls' greatest strengths is its access to exceptional healthcare. For a community of its size, the local healthcare system is remarkably robust.
Today, Black River Memorial Hospital and Krohn Clinic operate together under the Black River Health umbrella, combining their long-standing strengths while continuing to serve patients from their trusted locations. This partnership ensures residents have access to comprehensive, high-quality care close to home—from 24/7 emergency services and specialized surgical care to physical therapy and advanced outpatient services.
Krohn Clinic, now part of Black River Health, also offers comprehensive family medicine for every stage of life. From preventive care and same-day appointments to pediatric care, pregnancy care, geriatrics, and chronic disease management, families can build lasting relationships with providers who know their community and are committed to keeping care local.
Living in Black River Falls means peace of mind, knowing outstanding healthcare is right around the corner.
How harsh are the winters and what is there to do?
Wisconsin winters are fully embraced here rather than avoided. While the temperatures drop and snow accumulates, the landscape transforms into a hub for winter sports. Residents hit the sprawling network of groomed snowmobile trails, strap on snowshoes to explore the Black River State Forest, or take the kids sledding. The Lunda Community Center also provides a massive indoor escape with its waterpark and fieldhouse when you need to warm up.
