Moving to Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy in west-central Wisconsin is mainly a training installation for Reserve and National Guard units, with a small permanent community. Families usually live on South Post or in the nearby small towns of Sparta and Tomah, with La Crosse as the bigger regional hub. Expect cold, snowy winters, low costs and plenty of Driftless Area outdoor recreation.
| Branch | Army |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Sparta, WI |
| Airports | La Crosse Regional (LSE), within about 35 miles; Minneapolis-St. Paul and Milwaukee are the major hubs |
| Climate | Cold, snowy winters and warm summers |
| Cost of living | Low; one installation guide puts it about 22 percent below the national average |
| On-base housing | South Post Family Housing (about 120 newer homes), arranged through the Fort McCoy Housing Services Office |
| Medical care | Fort McCoy Troop Medical Clinic; Tomah VA Medical Center and Gundersen Health System hospitals are nearby |
| Family support center | Army Community Service (Fort McCoy) |
Where families live
South Post Family Housing
About 120 newer family homes; the Housing Services Office assigns them, so contact it as soon as you get orders.
Sparta
A small town of roughly 8,600 people with low costs and a quiet pace; many military families live here.
Tomah
Small town on I-90/I-94 with shopping, restaurants and the VA medical center.
West Salem
Mid-sized village west of the base, closer to La Crosse.
Onalaska
La Crosse-area suburb with more shopping, dining and entertainment.
Schools
There are no on-post schools. Military children living on post are bussed to Sparta schools, and families off post choose among Sparta, Tomah, Onalaska and West Salem depending on where they live. Both Sparta and Tomah have been recognized by the garrison for their support of military families.
- Sparta Area School District — Serves South Post housing and the Sparta area.
- Tomah Area School District — Alternative for families living in or near Tomah.
- School District of Onalaska — La Crosse-area suburban district.
- School District of West Salem — Village district west of the base.
School Liaison Office through Army Community Service; the garrison page lists this as still being updated, so confirm by calling ACS
Things to do near Fort McCoy
- Whitetail Ridge Ski AreasportsOn-post skiing and winter recreation.
- Pine View CampgroundoutdoorsOn-post camping and recreation area.
- Black River State ForestoutdoorsHiking, camping and cross-country skiing nearby.
- Driftless Area state and national parksoutdoorsParks within about 45 minutes with scenic bluffs and river valleys.
- McPherson Guitars in SpartafamilyA local guitar maker in town.
- Golf in TomahsportsPublic courses such as Holiday Lodge are near the post.
- La Crosse and OnalaskafoodBigger-town dining, shopping and nightlife about 40 minutes away.
- Rumpel Fitness CentersportsMain on-post fitness facility.
Realtors & local services
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Local programs & support
- Fort McCoy Housing Services OfficeFirst stop for PCS families; it also gives off-post housing referrals.
- Wisconsin military tax treatmentWisconsin exempts active-duty military pay from state income tax and lets nonresident service members keep home-state vehicle registration, per an installation guide.
- Newcomer Orientation (ACS)Monthly newcomer orientation with welcome packet, lending closet and relocation help; confirm the schedule with ACS.
PCS tips for Fort McCoy
- Call the Housing Services Office the day you receive orders; on-post inventory is limited.
- Winters are harsh: budget for a block heater, snow tires and cold-weather gear.
- La Crosse is the closest airport and larger shopping hub, so most families fly in and out of there.
- REAL ID is enforced at the gate for visitors without military ID.
- Confirm phone numbers directly with the garrison; some listing sites show out-of-area codes for ACS.
Benefits to use on this move
- Dislocation Allowance (DLA)Service members relocating a household on PCS orders
- Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE)Families who need a hotel or short-term rental while moving within the U.S.
- Personally Procured Move (PPM / DITY)Families who want to move some or all of their own goods
- VA Home Loan GuarantyService members, veterans and some surviving spouses buying a home
- Pet Transportation ReimbursementFamilies moving a cat or dog on PCS orders
- Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military ChildrenSchool-age children of active duty families changing schools
- School Liaison ProgramParents choosing schools and transferring records
Other installations in the Midwest & Plains
Last researched 2026-10. Housing partners, school assignments and phone numbers change; confirm with the installation before you sign anything. Spot an error? Send a correction.