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La Crosse

La Crosse was incorporated as a city in 1856, but its history dates further. The first Europeans to see the site of La Crosse were French fur traders who traveled the Mississippi River in the late 17th century. There is no written record, however, of any visit to the site until 1805, when Lt. Zebulon Pike mounted an expedition up the Mississippi River for the United States. Pike recorded the location’s name as “Prairie La Crosse.” The name originated when he saw the Native Americans playing a game with sticks that resembled a bishop’s crozier, or la crosse in French.

A small Mormon community settled at La Crosse in 1844, building several dozen cabins a few miles south of Myrick’s post. The land they occupied near La Crosse continues to bear the name Mormon Coulee.

In 1850, Father James Lloyd Breck of the Episcopal Church said the first Christian liturgy on top of Grandad Bluff. Today a monument to that event stands atop the bluff, near the parking lot at a scenic overlook.

More permanent development took place closer to Myrick’s trading post, where stores, a hotel, and a post office were constructed during the 1840s. The city grew even more rapidly after 1858 with the completion of the La Crosse & Milwaukee Railroad, the second railroad connecting Milwaukee to the Mississippi River.

During the second half of the 19th century, La Crosse grew to become one of the largest cities in Wisconsin, and today it is the largest city on Wisconsin’s western border. Around the turn of the 20th century, the city also became a center for education, with three colleges and universities established in the city between 1890 and 1912; the educational institutions in the city have recently led it toward becoming a regional technology and medical hub.

The meandering waterways of the La Crosse area are a paddling paradise, offering wetlands courses for gentle canoe rides as well as moderate to strenuous kayaking adventures along the Mississippi, Black, or La Crosse Rivers. Canoe trails, launches, and outfitters abound in the area, making it one of the best paddling destinations in the region.

Situated directly on the Mississippi River just three miles south of La Crosse’s largest county campground, Goose Island Campground & Park is popular for its nature trails, excellent fishing, and beautiful views and sunsets. The canoe trail has seven miles of moderate paddling that will take you 4-5 hours to complete. Canoe rentals are available from Goose Island County Park.

One of western Wisconsin’s most popular campground destinations, located in nearby West Salem, offers canoe and kayak rentals for paddlers who wish to explore and relax on Lake Neshonoc’s beautiful, placid waters. You’ll also find a resort located directly across the Mississippi River’s main channel from downtown La Crosse, offering excellent access to the myriad backwaters and smaller channels meandering through the area, as well as canoe and paddleboat rentals to explore them.

There are a variety of options available to get some exploring done. Upper Mississippi National Fish & Wildlife Refuge Canoe Trails is a 240,000-acre refuge encompassing 231 miles of the Mississippi River. These trails will ensure you enjoy marked and open canoe areas in La Crosse County. Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail is the newest marked trail on the refuge. Follow Mississippi River backwaters out onto Lake Onalaska. From Lytle’s Landing, it’s an easy four-mile trail to Fred Funk Landing, and Brown’s Marsh Canoe Area (Lytle’s Landing) is a canoe area without a marked trail. It is closed year-round to motorized watercraft and offers easy paddling.

The La Crosse River is an often-overlooked paddle from Lake Neshonoc in West Salem all the way to Riverside Park in La Crosse. With six conveniently spaced boat landings situated below Lake Neshonoc, you can plan for a quick paddle or an all-day, leisurely paddle. There are also canoe, kayak, pontoon, and fishing boat rentals on nearby Lake Onalaska.

Antique Center

Business
Antique Center
Street
110 South 3rd Street
City
La Crosse
State
WI
Phone
608-782-6533
Website
www.antiquecenteroflacrosse.com
Category
2023-2024, La Crosse, Shopping, Wisconsin
Tags
Antiques
Description

One of the midwest's finest shops. 20,000 sq. ft. of quality antiques. 70+ booths. One block from the La Crosse Center. Come in for a unique shopping experience.

Explore La Crosse

Business
Explore La Crosse
City
La Crosse
State
WI
Website
explorelacrosse.com
Category
2023-2024, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Irish Fest La Crosse

Business
Irish Fest La Crosse
Street
Southside Fest Grounds
City
La Crosse
State
WI
Website
irishfestlacrosse.org
Category
2023-2024, Attractions, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Tags
Events, Music
Description

Fantastic Live Irish/Celtic Music. Harp Stage. Cultural Tent. Wee Folks Area. Highland Games. Genealogy Tent. And much more!
Celebrating the 18th Annual in 2023 - August 11-13, 2023

La Crosse Farmers Markets

Business
La Crosse Farmers Markets
Category
2023-2024, La Crosse, Shopping, Wisconsin
Tags
Farmers Market
Description

Various days, times & venues.
Visit explorelacrosse.com/

La Crosse Queen

Business
La Crosse Queen
Street
405 Veterans Memorial Dr.
City
La Crosse
State
WI
Phone
608-784-8523
Website
www.lacrossequeen.com
Category
2023-2024, Attractions, Eating & Drinking, La Crosse, Recreational, Wisconsin
Tags
Event Center, Tours
Description

Cruise the Mississippi. Daily sightseeing cruises. 3-hour cruises. Pizza cruises. Lunch cruises. Sunday brunch cruises, Weekend dinner cruises with entertainment, Charters and Group Tours from April to October for conventions, receptions, reunions and groups.

Rotary Lights

Business
Rotary Lights
Street
Riverside Park
City
La Crosse
State
WI
Website
rotarylights.org
Category
2023-2024, Attractions, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Tags
Events
Description

November 24 - December 31 in 2023

The Veterans Hall of Honor

Business
The Veterans Hall of Honor
Street
615 East Ave N
City
La Crosse
State
WI
Phone
608-785-6803
Website
www.uwlax.edu/foundation
Category
2023-2024, Attractions, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Tags
Museum
Description

Pledge Never to Forget. Experience a lasting and moving tribute to our veterans. Open Monday-Saturday, 8am-4:30pm. Display includes many personal photos and stories. Touch screen monitors provide an interactive experience. The Veterans Hall of Honor.

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Upcoming Events in Wisconsin

Jun
3
Sat
all-day Wisconsin Free State Bike Trail, Fishing, State Park Weekend
Wisconsin Free State Bike Trail,...
Jun 3 – Jun 4 all-day
 
Jun
10
Sat
all-day Fire in the Shire! (Renaissance) – Alma, WI
Fire in the Shire! (Renaissance)...
Jun 10 all-day
 
Jun
15
Thu
all-day Prairie Villa Rendevous – Prairie du Chien, WI
Prairie Villa Rendevous – Prairi...
Jun 15 – Jun 18 all-day
 
Jun
24
Sat
all-day Cranberry Blossom Day – Warrens, WI
Cranberry Blossom Day – Warrens, WI
Jun 24 all-day
 
Jun
30
Fri
all-day Riverfest – La Crosse, WI
Riverfest – La Crosse, WI
Jun 30 – Jul 4 all-day
 
Jul
15
Sat
all-day Hometown Festival Week – Platteville, WI
Hometown Festival Week – Plattev...
Jul 15 – Jul 23 all-day
 
all-day Rail Fair – La Crosse, WI
Rail Fair – La Crosse, WI
Jul 15 all-day
 
all-day Southwest Music Festival – Platteville, WI
Southwest Music Festival – Platt...
Jul 15 all-day
 
all-day War of 1812: Battle of Prairie du Chien Re-enactment – Prairie du Chien, WI
War of 1812: Battle of Prairie d...
Jul 15 – Jul 16 all-day
 
Jul
27
Thu
all-day Prairie Dog Blues Festival – Prairie du Chien, WI
Prairie Dog Blues Festival – Pra...
Jul 27 – Jul 29 all-day
 
Jul
28
Fri
all-day Swiss Heritage Days – Alma, WI
Swiss Heritage Days – Alma, WI
Jul 28 – Jul 29 all-day
 
Aug
11
Fri
all-day Irish Fest – La Crosse, WI
Irish Fest – La Crosse, WI
Aug 11 – Aug 13 all-day
 
Sep
3
Sun
all-day Music & Arts Festival – Alma, WI
Music & Arts Festival – Alma, WI
Sep 3 all-day
 
Sep
8
Fri
all-day Dairy Days – Platteville, WI
Dairy Days – Platteville, WI
Sep 8 – Sep 10 all-day
 
Sep
9
Sat
all-day Laura Ingalls Wilder Days – Pepin, WI
Laura Ingalls Wilder Days – Pepi...
Sep 9 – Sep 10 all-day
 
Sep
22
Fri
all-day Cranberry Festival – Warrens, WI
Cranberry Festival – Warrens, WI
Sep 22 – Sep 24 all-day
 
Sep
28
Thu
all-day Oktoberfest – La Crosse, WI
Oktoberfest – La Crosse, WI
Sep 28 – Oct 1 all-day
 
Oct
3
Tue
all-day Cranberry Harvest Day- Warrens, WI
Cranberry Harvest Day- Warrens, WI
Oct 3 – Oct 5 all-day
 
Oct
7
Sat
all-day Apple Affair – Galesville, WI
Apple Affair – Galesville, WI
Oct 7 all-day
 
Oct
20
Fri
all-day Oktoberfest – Prairie du Chien, WI
Oktoberfest – Prairie du Chien, WI
Oct 20 – Oct 21 all-day
 
Nov
24
Fri
all-day Rotary Lights – La Crosse, WI
Rotary Lights – La Crosse, WI
Nov 24 – Dec 31 all-day
 
Dec
27
Wed
all-day Carp Fest – Prairie du Chien, WI
Carp Fest – Prairie du Chien, WI
Dec 27 – Dec 31 all-day
 
Jan
20
Sat
all-day Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend
Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend
Jan 20 – Jan 21 all-day
 

Wisconsin Towns

  • Alma
  • Galesville
  • La Crosse
  • Onalaska
  • Pepin
  • Platteville
  • Prairie du Chien
  • Stockholm
  • Warrens

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Minnesota Towns

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Iowa Towns

  • Bluffton
  • Burr Oak
  • Charles City
  • Clermont
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  • Decorah
  • Elkader
  • Hawkeye
  • Highlandville
  • Lansing
  • Lime Springs
  • Marquette-McGregor
  • Riceville
  • Waukon

Wisconsin Towns

  • Alma
  • Galesville
  • La Crosse
  • Onalaska
  • Pepin
  • Platteville
  • Prairie du Chien
  • Stockholm
  • Warrens

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