Winnebago Indians were the first known residents on the present site of Bangor. The first European settlers were Welsh, and they named their new home for their home in Wales. While the Welsh were creating a village, the surrounding countryside was being claimed by seven families of Swiss immigrants. Descendants of some of these early settlers still live in the area.

Among the points of interest, are the Welsh Methodist Church in the village, and the inscribed sandstone cliff along Dutch Creek just south of the Bangor park. The iron railroad bridge over Dutch Creek provided the inspiration for the La Crosse River State Trail logo.