 |
| Altoona 729 |
 |
| Altoona 882 |
Originally established by the railroad as East Eau Claire, Altoona, Wisconsin, is named for Altoona, Pennsylvania. Since Eau Claire and East Eau Claire became too confusing, the name was changed in 1882.
Today Altoona's 8800 people are still bounded by Eau Claire on the west and south and by Lake Altoona and the Eau Claire River on the north. US Highways 53 and 12 cross through the city, which is just a mile or two north of I-94 in the northwest part of the state.