Dive Into History Of The La Crosse Region Today!
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.
*written in partnership with the La Crosse Heritage Center & Historical Society