Where We Live

The Driftless Region
Rolling hills, contour farming, bubbling springs, and clear brooks at the bottom of every coulee: The Driftless Region, so named because of the lack of glacial activity during the last Ice Age, is made up of southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and our home, southwestern Wisconsin. Along with its natural beauty and extensive recreational opportunities, the Driftless Region is known for its vibrant rural culture, its wealth of organic agriculture, and its social activism.

The City of Viroqua
Youth Initiative High School, founded in 1996, is one of many independent cultural institutions and progressive businesses in and around Viroqua: a thriving, creative small town in which to live and learn.

YIHS is a proud member of the Viroqua Chamber Main Street.

Engaging in Our Community
High school is a time to get out of the classroom and make a mark in the community. YIHS students engage the surrounding community through service work, internships, independent studies, and fundraising events.

Articles About Viroqua Life

“More Than A Bookstore” article in Vernon County Broadcaster by Lydia Turino (class of 2016)

“YIHS student receives statewide award for stream monitoring efforts” Broadcaster article about Will Sherwin (class of 2016)

“YIHS kicks off school year with service work” Broadcaster, December 2015

“Food Truck at Driftless Art Festival Features Local Culinary Artists” La Crosse Tribune, September 2015
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