Experience the La Crosse Region’s Exciting Museums, Historical Landmarks, and Outdoor Learning Sites!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Discover More History
For the Arts
and History Buff
