Brice Prairie is a census-designated place in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,887 at the 2010 census. Brice Prairie is located in the town of Onalaska. It is also an urban reserve area of the city of Onalaska as noted in that municipality's Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan.
Name
Brice Prairie is named after pioneer farmers Alexander and Lucy Brice, who settled there in 1855. Alexander was a United States veteran of the War of 1812.
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,804 people, 654 households, and 516 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 398.0 people per square mile. There were 691 housing units at an average density of 152.4/sq mi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.29% White, 0.28% African American, 1.50% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. 1.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 654 households, out of which 41.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.8% were married couplesliving together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.1% were non-families. 15.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.76 and the average family size was 3.08. In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 34.6% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.5 males. The median income for a household in the CDP was $49,303, and the median income for a family was $49,952. Males had a median income of $31,766 versus $23,472 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,295. 3.8% of the population and 2.7% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.0% of those under the age of 18 and 11.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Recreation
The Upper Brice Prairie Landing, and Mosey Landing both offer access to Lake Onalaska and the Mississippi River, Lytles Landing is a canoe landing offering access to the Black River. The Great River State Bike Trail runs along Brice Prairie, and the Midway Railroad Prairie State Natural Area encompasses the eastern entrance to the prairie. Neighborhood parks are in residential areas, including Swarthout Park. Brice Prairie holds an outdoor music festival the fourth Saturday in August. "Rockin' The Prairie" is held at the Brice Prairie 1st Responder building. Proceeds benefit Brice Prairie EMS and Rescue.
Public safety
Brice Prairie is served by Brice Prairie EMS and Rescue and the Holmen Fire Department. Law Enforcement coverage is provided by the La Crosse CountySheriff's Department, with mutual aid provided by both the Onalaska Police Department, and Holmen Police Department.
The Baron of Brice Prairie
Brice Prairie's most famous former resident and landowner was industrialist and philanthropist Vern Dale, who was known as "The Baron of Brice Prairie." Dale, a World War I veteran, was born in Galesville, Wisconsin. Former La Crosse County Sheriff Karl "Butch" Halverson once referred to Dale as "The Patriarch of Onalaska and Brice Prairie." Prior to his death, Vern Dale, president of Outers Laboratories, owned homes in both the City ofOnalaska, Wisconsin, and Brice Prairie.
