Dive into a world of discovery in the La Crosse Region, where kids can explore rich history and vibrant culture through hands-on experiences! Visit engaging museums, fascinating historical landmarks, and outdoor learning sites to uncover the stories of the communities that have shaped this beautiful area. Get ready to learn, play, and to be inspired by the past!

Norskedalen
Heritage Center

This “Norwegian Valley” center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the natural environment and heritage of the surrounding Coon Valley region in Southwest Wisconsin. With a Visitors Center, a historical homestead, an arboretum, a Heritage Site, and nature trails, Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center is truly an adventure-packed destination.

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Hixon
House

Gideon and Ellen Hixon were early pioneers, community builders, and philanthropists in La Crosse. Their home was donated to the La Crosse County Historical Society by their descendants in 1965, complete with most of its original furnishings. Tours of their beautifully preserved home bring together local history and decorative arts history into one fascinating local story.

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Second Nature
at Reads Creek

Second Nature at Reads Creek is like stepping into a magical garden adventure! This awesome spot is a nursery, greenhouse, gift shop, and landscape design center all rolled into one. Kids are invited to explore and imagine, dream big, and discover the coolest plants in all sorts of colors,
shapes, and sizes. Check out the super cool koi pond and relax in the rocking chairs on the porch with amazing views of the valley.

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UMR National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Visitor Center in Brice Prairie is like a nature treasure hunt waiting for you! Explore super cool displays and exhibits, a cozy bookstore, and over two miles of fun trails through a beautifully restored sand prairie. This amazing refuge stretches 261 miles, making it the longest in the whole country! Get ready to explore, spot awesome wildlife in the great outdoors.

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Children’s Museum
of La Crosse

Open in Historic Downtown La Crosse since 1999, the Children’s Museum celebrates the power of play with three floors of interactive exhibits for ages 1-10 with adult companions. Enjoy family fun with youth entertainment and learning opportunities. This is a great way to get the family active indoors on a rainy day!

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Pump House
Regional Arts Center

The Pump House Regional Arts Center presents visual arts, performing arts, and a wide variety of educational programming. The Pump House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 and is a City of La Crosse Historic Landmark. The building served as the City Water Works until 1914.

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La Crosse Area
Heritage Center

Experience the surprising connections between our past, our present, and each other. The La Crosse Area Heritage Center will provide unique opportunities for visitors to discover the astounding stories of all who came before. As a curated museum, cultural center, and gathering place, the La Crosse Area Heritage Center is both seeker and keeper of stories that matter.

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Dahl
Auto Museum

The Dahl Auto Museum includes an illustrated timeline of the Dahl Automotive five generation history with Ford Motor Company. Approximately 20 antique and classic cars are on display to highlight each decade from Dahl Automotive inception in 1911. To incorporate historic La Crosse, the museum also features a re-creation of the Starlite Drive-In Theatre.

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Rainbow Ridge Farms
Bed and Breakfast

Rainbow Ridge Farms Bed & Breakfast is like stepping into a storybook adventure on a real, working farm from the turn of the century! Tucked away in a peaceful valley, this charming farm is the perfect place for kids to explore and have fun. Depending on the season, you can help milk goats, feed baby animals, work in the garden, and collect eggs for a delicious breakfast. There are always new activities to discover at Rainbow Ridge!

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Hidden Hills
Petting Farms

Hidden Hills is the ultimate adventure spot for kids and families! This local, family-friendly petting farm is packed with fun activities and adorable animals to meet. Get ready to feed and pet a mini horse, cows, pigs, sheep, bunnies, and more. But that’s not all—there’s a super cool Nerf course, towers and chains for epic sponge water wars, and so much more to explore and enjoy. Come join the fun and make awesome memories at Hidden Hills!

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Discover More History

For the Arts
and History Buff

See More

The “Driftless”
Region History

See More

The post La Crosse Region Learning Adventures appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

Explore the rich history and culture in the La Crosse Region through an immersive journey into its museums and historical landmarks. Uncover the stories of the past of those communities that have shaped this picturesque area. Join us on a captivating exploration as we delve into historic and museum experiences that bring the La Crosse Region to life.

Norskedalen
Heritage Center

This “Norwegian Valley” center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the natural environment and heritage of the surrounding Coon Valley region in Southwest Wisconsin. With a Visitors Center, a historical homestead, an arboretum, a Heritage Site, and nature trails, Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center is truly an adventure-packed destination.

Learn More

Hixon
House

Gideon and Ellen Hixon were early pioneers, community builders, and philanthropists in La Crosse. Their home was donated to the La Crosse County Historical Society by their descendants in 1965, complete with most of its original furnishings. Tours of their beautifully preserved home bring together local history and decorative arts history into one fascinating local story.

Learn More

Children’s Museum
of La Crosse

Open in Historic Downtown La Crosse since 1999, the Children’s Museum celebrates the power of play with three floors of interactive exhibits for ages 1-10 with adult companions. Enjoy family fun with youth entertainment and learning opportunities. This is a great way to get the family active indoors on a cool winter’s day!

Learn More

Pump House
Regional Arts Center

The Pump House Regional Arts Center presents visual arts, performing arts, and a wide variety of educational programming. The Pump House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 and is a City of La Crosse Historic Landmark. The building served as the City Water Works until 1914.

Learn More

La Crosse Area
Heritage Center

Experience the surprising connections between our past, our present, and each other. The La Crosse Area Heritage Center will provide unique opportunities for visitors to discover the astounding stories of all who came before. As a curated museum of the La Crosse County Historical Society, cultural center, and gathering place, the La Crosse Area Heritage Center is both seeker and keeper of stories that matter.

Learn More

Dahl
Auto Museum

The Dahl Auto Museum includes an illustrated timeline of the Dahl Automotive five generation history with Ford Motor Company. Approximately 20 antique and classic cars are on display to highlight each decade from Dahl Automotive inception in 1911. To incorporate historic La Crosse, the museum also features a re-creation of the Starlite Drive-In Theatre.

Learn More

Discover More History

For the Arts
and History Buff

See More

The “Driftless”
Region History

See More

The post Historical & Museum Immersions in the La Crosse Region appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

Onalaska American Legion Post 336

M60A3 Patton Tank

American Legion Post 336 in Onalaska, Wisconsin features two veterans memorials. The first being a M60A3 tank, which can be seen immediately as you enter the parking lot of Post 336. It was donated by the United States Army in 2004 to commemorate those who bravely served in armored divisions.

Soldier Sculpture

The second memorial, which is to the right of the Post’s entrance, is dedicated to veterans of Onalaska, Wisconsin. It features sculpture of a kneeling solider looking at a helmet, rifle, and a pair of boots. The memorial is a powerful reminder of the extreme sacrifices made by military personnel.

La Crescent American Legion Post 595

Bell UH-H1 Iroquois Helicopter

American Legion Post 595 features two memorials as well. The first is the The Bell UH-H1 Iroquois helicopter, also known as the “Huey”. The helicopter is positioned several feet off of the ground, as if it is mid flight. Huey helicopters are a prominent symbol of the Vietnam War – This La Crescent memorial is dedicated to the brave men and women who served their country during this difficult conflict.

Post 595 Monument

This monument is dedicated to American Legion Post 595 members, with each of their names engraved into the granite. Surrounding the monument are stones engraved with messages honoring veterans as well. Post 595 offers a beautiful tribute to local veterans and their lasting legacy.

Holmen Area Memorial

M47 Patton Tank

Located directly next to Park Bank, this veterans memorial in Holmen, Wisconsin features an M47 Patton tank and several benches to sit and reflect. Used mostly during the Cold War, the tank is a powerful representation of the courage and dedication of those who served in the armed forces.

Halfway Creek Park Memorial

Located in charming Halfway Creek Park of Holmen, Wisconsin, this veterans memorial serves as an all-encompassing tribute to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The memorial includes a large stone monument engraved with the five branches of the military and is dedicated to Veterans that served during WWI, WWII, in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and in Lebanon/Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Halfway creek park is a perfect spot to sit and reflect or take a thoughtful stroll through the walking paths.

French Island Memorial

M60A3 Patton Tank

The Veterans Memorial in French Island, Wisconsin, located near the La Crosse Regional Airport and more specifically at American Legion Post 417, features a M60A3 Patton tank. In the distance, an American flag can be seen flowing proudly – perfectly encapsulating the pride we have for those who fight for our country.

More Places To Honor

LST 325 Ship Memorial Tour

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More Veterans Memorials

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Interactive Maps to the Region’s Memorials & Sights

The post Remembering Our Veterans: A Guide to Veterans Memorials in the La Crosse Region appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

View historic artifacts, read stories written a hundred years before, and learn about the region through a museum of history.

Experience the surprising connections between our past, our present, and each other. The La Crosse Area Heritage Center will provide unique opportunities for visitors to discover the astounding stories of all who came before. As a curated museum of the La Crosse County Historical Society, cultural center, and gathering place, the La Crosse Area Heritage Center is both seeker and keeper of stories that matter.

Evolution of Local History

Located in historic downtown La Crosse, the La Crosse Area Heritage Center shares the history and artifacts of the region with members of the local community and visitors who wish to expand and deepen their understanding of the diverse and astounding people who have contributed over time to this area. The Heritage Center provides unique access and rigorous, research-based curation and interpretation of the artifacts and stories of all who came before.

The Heritage Center opened in November of 2020 and replaced the Riverside Museum in Riverside Park. It exists to share our region’s rich history with our community and visitors. The Heritage Center was specifically designed with La Crosse’s second-graders in mind. Local history is taught at the second-grade level. Many of the themes from the second-grade materials are covered and after a successful pilot program last year, they are excited to share that every second-grader in the La Crosse School District will visit the Heritage Center and Historic Hixon House this spring for a hands-on, curriculum-based educational experience.

Special Features

The Heritage Center is a great place for visitors and learners alike to spend an hour exploring the varied exhibits. These exhibits tell the core stories of the La Crosse Region, including the Ongoing Ho-Chunk Presence; Early White Settlement; Logging on the Black River; Brewing in La Crosse County; Made in La Crosse; La Crosse’s Black Barbers, and Steamboats, Mussels, and Fishing: Life on the Mississippi. The museum is self-guided for visitors to explore at their own pace and guided tours are available for additional fee for groups. Starting in late February, LCHS is offering a series of special programs at the Heritage Center, beginning with Dr. David Waters on Saturday, February 25th, discussing La Crosse’s scholar-athlete George Poage. As a benefit of membership, these presentations at the Heritage Center are free. The programs are also open to the public with a small fee of $5/person, which includes admission to the museum. Be sure to follow the Heritage Center as they have three other special presentations happening from February – May.

Tour The Heritage Center

Walk in as a visitor and learn more about the region for only $5/adult, $4/student, special rates are also available for student and group tours and free for La Crosse County Historical Society members.

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*written in partnership with the La Crosse Heritage Center & Historical Society

Support local businesses and visit the La Crosse Area Heritage Center today!

The post Unique History At The La Crosse Area Heritage Center appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

Veterans Freedom Park

The Veterans Freedom Park is a must-see while in La Crosse. A local veteran was inspired to create a memorial recognizing the “Forgotten War” to honor Korean War Veterans. Four additional memorials soon followed. The Korean Warm Memorial, WWI Memorial, U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps, the Hmong and Lao Memorial, and the WWII Memorial bring honor and gratitude to all who have served. They now all stand in Veterans Freedom Park.

Korean War Memorial

In this memorial, a large monument rests further along the path, featuring an outline of both North and South Korea. It reads: “Korean War Veterans Memorial, Forgotten No More.” The monument also features dates the war began and ended (6/25/1950 through 7/27/1953), the number of casualties (36,576), the number wounded (103,284), and the number of POWs returned to the United States (4,418).

World War I Memorial

This memorial features a brick pathway, flanked by two brick pillars. At the center of the memorial stands a statue of a World War I soldier, complete with trench boots and a haversack. Additional pillars with inscriptions encircle the statue, and a low curved brick wall provides seating. Etched in the pillars are inscriptions of never surrendering and how each person had died, lived and is now loved in these fields.

U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps Memorial

The La Crosse-Rebecca Myrick Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) donated a plaque for this memorial. It reads: “In Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of the United States Cadet Nurse Corps 1943 to 1948, In Honor of All Who Served.” Other plaques tell the story of the Cadet Nurse Corps and applaud their role in the war. Members of the DAR can often be found weeding at the memorials.

Hmong-Lao Vietnam Veterans Memorial

This memorial was dedicated and created to inspire the Hmong youth and remind them of their history. And, to educate and remind Americans about the sacrifices the Hmong-Lao Veterans made. The statues stand vigilantly side-by-side atop a bold red base. A plaque describes our “moral responsibility to build a memorial in memory of those in the jungle who did not make it to the United States and those that did make it.”

World War II Memorial

This memorial is dedicated to World War II veterans. The statue, is made of fiberglass in the likeness of an infantry soldier. It stands on an eye-catching, vibrant blue platform. Six stone pillars encircle the statue, and four of the pillars are etched with the insignia of a branch of the Armed Forces: The United States Marine Corps, the United States Army, the United States Navy, and the United States Coast Guard.

Vietnam War Memorial

A newer addition to the Veterans Freedom Park is the Vietnam War Memorial. It includes a walk-way with a sculpture of combat boots and a flag and rifle leaning against them. Walking further into the area you’ll see a curved wall with the names of 1,239 military personnel killed in action engraved on it and the billowing flags in the background. Included is a plaque reading “We will never forget the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedoms during the Vietnam War. 1959 – 1975.” There are also benches to sit and reflect in this memorial.

Veterans Memorial Field Eagle

The stainless steel eagle, perched on top of five decorated steel arches and masonry columns, represents the national symbol, appearing on the Great Seal of the United States. This sculpture is intended to honor veterans of all five branches of the United States Military. The design is celebrative in nature and contains symbols which reflect both the monument’s status as a veterans’ memorial and the stadium’s function as a UW-La Crosse athletic facility.

Hixon Memorial

This art piece depicts a mother and her child resting upon a granite base. The sculpture is made of bronze.  Inscripted in the base of the statue is, “Who had not learned in hours of faith, the truth to flesh and sense unknown that life is ever Lord of Death and love can never lose its own.”  An old oak tree stands as a protective canopy over the sculpture. The cemetery in which the sculpture stands is itself a La Crosse Historic Site.

Louie’s Legacy of Honoring Those Who Served – Memorials

In 2015, Louie was serving as the President of the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 275 in the La Crosse area and wanted a place to remember and reflect on veterans, he decided to do it himself and with the help of others.

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Veterans Memorial Campground & Park

Enjoy family camping on the banks of the La Crosse River with shaded grassy sites this summer! Stay and enjoy their quiet, peaceful campground. They pride themselves on providing a clean, and wholesome atmosphere for camping families. 

Learn More >

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Take a step back in time and learn about the rich culture & history in the La Crosse Region

The “Driftless” Region has a long, rich history that started long before the glaciers missed us, leaving our rolling hills and a natural playground. Learn a little more about what makes the great La Crosse Region the way it is today through a historic timeline.

The La Crosse Region is proudly nestled in the famous Driftless Region; a part of the world with unparalleled views and an ancient, distinct topography. “Drift” refers to glacial drift: the rock and sediment deposited by a glacier as it moves over an area of land. During the last Ice Age, a small piece of the Upper Mississippi Region was miraculously left untouched by glacial erosion and deposits. The surrounding landscapes that once featured prominent bluffs were leveled to plains and rolling hills. However, no glaciers entered one small pocket… thus the Driftless Region became the last remnant of the natural, rugged terrain that once spanned today’s Upper Midwest. Straddling the Mississippi River, the Driftless Region of today spans more than 24,000 miles across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. The La Crosse Region rests within the realm of the Driftless and its bluffs, filled with opportunities for authentic adventure outdoors.

~Written in collaboration with the La Crosse County Historical Society~

Ho-Chunk

Ho-Chunk people are the Indigenous people of Wisconsin, and their influence on the county of La Crosse is tied to their continual presence here. Prior to colonization, they were primarily hunters, farmers, and fishermen. The Ho-Chunk people were forcibly removed by the US Government in the mid-nineteenth century, but many families journeyed back to their homeland of Wisconsin.

An exhibit in the La Crosse Area Heritage Center by Haleigh Doyle

The Start of the Modern Town

In 1841, eighteen-year-old Nathan Myrick left New York and traveled up the Mississippi River to Prairie La Crosse. He set up a trading post in what is now Riverside Park. When Myrick left La Crosse in 1848, it was a small village of 20 settlers. By 1892, it had grown to more than 25,000 as people saw the value in La Crosse as a steamboat landing and ideal site for sawmills.

La Crosse Historical Society by Julia Carabelli

Steamboat Commerce

The steamboat was particularly important to the City of La Crosse. From the 1840’s to the 1880’s, they brought thousands of immigrant settlers. The boats delivered manufactured good and supplies and transported the products they produced. 1857 was the peak year for riverboats in La Crosse with 1,569 boats landing here, more than any other city on the upper river. By 1880, riverboats had lost most of their business to the railroads.

La Crosse Historical Society by Julia Carabelli

Logging

Logging the extensive white pine forests of Wisconsin fueled La Crosse’s first large industry. It built fortunes for some and employed over 4,000 people. Some 20 million acres of Wisconsin forests were ceded to the US by Native American land cessions. This area was home to 33 sawmills. The forests of the Black River were depleted in 60 years, and this area’s lumbar era ended shortly after 1900.

Onalaska Historical Society by Julia Carabelli

Brewing

European immigrants thrived in the local brewing industry. The first breweries in La Crosse started in the 1850’s. From 1868 to 1920, there were always at least four breweries running in the city, such as Zeisler, Gund, and Heileman. With the lumber industry’s decline, the brewing industry took its place and employed large numbers. In 1910, breweries employed nearly 1,000 people. After the Prohibition, Heileman flourished, becoming the 4th largest brewery in the US.

In the collection of the La Crosse County Historical Society by Haleigh Doyle

Looking for more historical info? Visit these website for more details or learn more about the La Crosse Region!

The post The “Driftless” Region History appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

For all you history buffs out there…

La Crosse is home to more historic places than most people realize!

10. Joseph B. Funke Company

If you’ve previously visited La Crosse, WI and stayed at The Charmant Hotel, stopped in to grab a cup of locally brewed coffee, or maybe treated your sweetheart to dinner, you’ve unintentionally visited a historic area. It’s time to go back and take another peek –  built in 1898, this building used to be an iconic and widely popular candy factory. At it’s peak of production, the brick building employed 220 workers. Today, the building showcases it’s history with their beautiful wood floors, exposed brick, and even offers chocolate upon check-in when you spend the night.

9. Gideon C. Hixon House

Built in 1859 and once occupied by the prominent lumber baron, Gideon Hixon. You can now step back in time when you walk inside this beautifully built Victorian home. Containing most of the artifacts and original furnishings from the Hixon era, the house is now a museum standing on 429 North 7th Street in La Crosse, open Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you love history and architecture you need to see this historic house.

8.Gund Brewing Company Bottling Works

We’re all familiar with La Crosse’s rich brewing history but are you familiar with this one? Built in 1903 by Architect Louis Lehle, this factory aimed to be ahead of the curve in superior beer bottling methods, such increasing shelf life and using more progressive sanitation methods. The building has since been converted to apartments on La Crosse’s South Side.

7. La Crosse Commercial Historic District

Everyone who visits La Crosse ventures to the downtown area for different reasons, but history fans will want to take a peek at older areas. There are many long-time La Crosse residents who can fill you in about how different the area looks today, but you’ll want to be sure to check out the 1866 Voegele grocery and saloon, the 1870 Italianate Solberg grocery store, the 1894 Romanesque/Queen Anne Rehfuss dry goods building, and the 1940 Moderne Hoeschler exchange building. Learn more and venture on a walking tour!

6. Onalaska Pickle and Canning Factory

Previously the Onalaska Brewery, a series of five buildings comprise what was, at its peak, the Onalaska Pickle & Canning Company complex located at 841 2nd Ave SW in Onalaska. The J.S. Gedney Pickle Company, which was headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota purchased the former brewery buildings in 1901. After five years of operation, the Gedneys pulled out of the firm and the company was renamed Onalaska Pickle and Canning Company which operated until 1957. In 1963, the buildings were designated as one of two buildings in the city that were identified by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers as fallout shelters, in the case of a warning or attack. Currently, the property is owned by D&M Recycling.

5. A.O. Jostad’s Store

Located on the corner of Main and State Streets in Holmen, Wisconsin is Jostad’s Store. The present brick building was erected in 1899. The store sold groceries, furniture, men’s clothing, and hardware. Items such as sugar, rice, oatmeal, flour, and cookies were weighed out from barrels. In 1956, the store and its contents were purchased by Jerry Dahl and Conrad Jostad, who continued its operation until 1959, when it closed. The store currently houses small businesses and apartments.

4. Hamlin Garland Homestead

Hamlin Garland, a Pulitzer prize winning author, was born in West Salem in 1860. The West Salem Historical Society has preserved and restored the Hamlin Garland Homestead to the time period of 1912-15. In 1973 the Interior Department designated the house a National Historic Landmark. The house was purchased by the West Salem Historical Society late in 1973, but restoration did not actually begin until 1975.

3. Lumber Baron Inn

The Lumber Baron Inn located in Onalaska, Wisconsin is a completely renovated and restored home originally built in 1888 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house has its original woodwork, lights and stained glass and now serves as a Bed & Breakfast. The home was built for the first Lumber Mill owner in Onalaska. Overlooking Lake Onalaska, the home also includes the original carriage house and wrought iron fence. Owners Ken and Sandy Berg restored the home in 1995.

2. Palmer-Gullickson Octagon house

The Palmer-Gullickson Octagon home was originally located in Neshonoc, an area about one mile north of West Salem near the La Crosse River. The home was built in 1856 by Dr. Horace Palmer, the first resident doctor of Neshonoc. When thriving Neshonoc lost its residents to West Salem because the railroad was being built – the large Palmer home was moved to its present location. In 1921 the home was purchased by Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Gullickson who’s daughter-in-law sold the property to the West Salem Historical Society. The home is now preserved and open to the public.

1. Mindoro Cut

Mindoro Cut is located in the Town of Farmington in La Crosse County, Wisconsin just off of Highway C which links Mindoro with West Salem. The cut is 74 feet deep, 86 feet long, and 25 feet wide and is the 2nd deepest cut built by hand in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest functional cut which has not been improved. Work on the cut began in 1907 and concluded in 1908 and was completed primarily with hand tools. The Mindoro Cut was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Local Resources

La Crosse County Historical Society
Holmen Area Historical Society
West Salem Historical Society

Miranda Martin is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, majoring in interpersonal communications with a double minor in creative writing and women gender studies. She is from Franklin, WI, and loves the Milwaukee area. In her free time she loves to write, read, exercise, and be around people! Her favorite aspects of La Crosse are the bluffs and the friendly community atmosphere.

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