15 Fun Facts About LAX

Who doesn’t love fun facts? Especially when they are about the beautiful La Crosse Region, interesting tidbits of information are always welcomed! From outdoor adventures to drinks, here are 15 of the most fun facts about LAX!

Attention all Festers!!

Oktoberfest-crowd

1. Festivals

 The region hosts over 30 different festivals, focusing on gathering families, friends, and cultures to celebrate! Between Irishfest, Oktoberfest, Riverfest, June Dairy Days, Kornfest, Applefest, and Celebrate Onalaksa there is a festival for everyone!

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Castle

2. The Castle

La Crosse even has a “castle!” Today the “Castle on Cass” is an award-winning Bed and Breakfast and a famous photo destination. Castle La Crosse has become a landmark and is the best-preserved example of late 19th century residential architecture in the region.

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3. Tourism

 La Crosse County is one of the top 10 of Wisconsin Counties for tourism-related business activity. Whether fishing, festivals, meetings, or food, the La Crosse Region brings people around the world to see our breathtaking bluffs or Mississippi River!

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Let’s Talk Beverages

4. La Croix

La Croix Sparkling Water was originally created by the G. Heileman Brewing Company, who’s headquarters are in La Crosse.

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Pouring beer

5. Beer Lovers

In 1884, La Crosse produced more beer than any other city in the state. Can you tell what La Crosse’s favorite beverage is? Hint: It’s not water!

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6 Pack of Beer

6. The 6 Pack

La Crosse is home to the World’s Largest 6-Pack! It holds 22,000 barrels of beer, which is equal to 688,200 gallons or 7,340,796 cans.

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7. Third Street

Third Street, in downtown La Crosse is known for having the most bars on a single street in the U.S. and was listed in the Book of World Records.

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Missin’ the River?

Fishing

8. Fishy Favorites

The Upper Mississippi River is home to over 119 species of fish; that’s more species than are found in any of Wisconsin’s inland lakes! Favorite sport fish include walleye, sauger, bass, channel catfish, northern pike, bluegill, and crappies.

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Riverside

9. Riverside Park

Riverside Park is located along the Mississippi and offers over 20 acres of green space. This park was designed by the landscape architect and city planner John Nolen in 1911 and constructed in 1912. Riverside Park is a fan favorite with its beautiful views.

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marsh

10. The La Crosse Marsh

The La Crosse River Marsh is 1,077 acres and is included in the Mississippi River Floodplain. It is extremely important for many reasons including the fact that it absorbs excess water when the river level is high and releases water when the river level is low.

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Nature Lovers Look No Further

11. The Queen

Not only does La Crosse have a “Castle”, it also has a “Queen”. These boat tours are a great way to see the majestic bluffs and beautiful river without leaving your seat!

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Swimming

12. Camping

La Crosse has more than 400 camping sites in the two county campgrounds – some of our favorites include Goose Island County Park and Veteran’s Memorial County Park.

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Dad and Daughter Swinging

13. City Name

 La Crosse was named by explorer Zebulon Pike whom led a group of people up the Mississippi River to the location now called La Crosse. The name came when he saw a Indigenous group playing a game with sticks that looked like a cross. La Crosse is the French word for cross.

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14. The Bluffs

La Crosse’s Grandad Bluff is over five hundred feet above the La Crosse Region. It overlooks three different states including Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. It is also the largest city on the entire western border of Wisconsin. No wonder La Crosse is known for it with it’s far reaching gaze!

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Biking Outlook

15. Biking

Over 100 miles of highly maintained bike paths and trails cover the region! The City of La Crosse has achieved the Silver-Level designation as a Bicycle Friendly Community, with miles of designated bike lanes, and the most bicycle friendly businesses per capita in Wisconsin.

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PC: Bob Good

7 Things You Didn’t Know About The La Crosse Region

The majestic bluffs and grand Mississippi River are the backbones of the La Crosse Region. Here are few other unique facts about the area that you may not know!

We’re NOT Bluffing- We Have Ancient Beauty!

Check out these spectacular views within the Driftless La Crosse Region! What is the Driftless Region and why is it called that? Read this article to find out!

Summer 2022 Photo Sweepstakes

#leisureinlacrosse

During the summer months, the La Crosse Region has all the stops, local businesses, and insta-worthy fun you need to have a legendary summer.

Show us what #leisureinlacrosse means to you and WIN!

Whether you are out hiking the bluffs or enjoying a scenic sunset across the marshes, we know that the beauty and recreation of the La Crosse Region is endless. If you love exploring, then this is the photo contest for you! Share your favorite photos of the moments that mean the most to you over the summer!

One winner per week will be chosen who will win a fun, regional gift card! At the end of the sweepstake, the grand prize winner will win a La Crosse Regional Activity Prize Pack!

JUNE 15 – JULY 9, 2022

Photos can include but not be limited to…

Summer Activities

Snap a shot of your favorite outdoor activities in the La Crosse Region!

Animals

Capture the beautiful critters of the area or furry friends through your lens!

Famous Views

Submit your take on the timeless views of the region that are special to you!

Here is how to submit:

1. Head outside to snap some new, artsy photos that represent you and your favorite summer activities!

2. Use #leisureinlacrosse on Instagram OR enter your favorite photography into THIS FORM.

*Photo Submission or use of #leisureinlacrosse Disclaimer *

3. Post or submit photos of your choice by July 9th to be entered to win an Explore La Crosse weekly prize and the ultimate Sweepstake Prize Pack!


The Pearl Ice Cream Shop

Get the scoop at The Pearl Ice Cream Shop!

Savory Treats No Matter the Season!

Located on Pearl Street in Historic Downtown La Crosse, The Pearl has become a local staple. Travel back in time at the authentic 1930’s shop with an old, wooden counter, vintage milkshake machines, and more. The Pearl sells over 20 homemade ice cream flavors made with their vintage soda fountain. Whether you prefer classic vanilla and mint chocolate chip or choose to be daring with blue moon and black licorice flavors, get your scoop served on a fresh waffle cone! If hard-serve ice cream or milkshakes are not your style, don’t worry… they have Ice Cream Pops, Ice Cream Sandwiches, coffee and handcrafted chocolates to try too!

Celebrating Good Times!

This year marks over 25 years in business! This milestone celebrates becoming a pillar of the region, serving their fresh ice cream made with local Wisconsin dairy. Visitors can mix and match flavors with two scoops or more. Local favorites range from Mississippi Mud, Snappin’ Turtle, Salted Caramel!

Special Features

The ice cream made at The Pearl is all made from local central Wisconsin Dairy and made fresh in small batches. They typically go through 43 gallon tubs of ice cream in the summer-time so you know it’s always fresh! You may also smell a sweat aroma as you walk in from their homemade waffle cones and fudge. Their fudge is truly one-of-a-kind as they have one chocolate maker, and their chocolates are only available in the La Crosse store or at House On The Rock. You can keep the fun going all night long as they have extended hours in the summer!

Watch to see the “scoop” on The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor & Confectionary:

@explorelacrosse

We’ve got the inside scoop! It’s always a good time at The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor and Confectionary! #fyp #icescream #candyshop @thepearlicecreamparlor

♬ Swing Jazz Life Music – HaeguMusic

Stop in for a sweet treat any day for real Wisconsin Dairy!

3 Weekend Getaway Ideas

Find the Perfect Weekend Getaway in The La Crosse Region!

The La Crosse Region offers a charming history, fun memories and adventure, captivating views, and unparalleled outdoor recreation. Whether you’re a Foodie Guru, an Arts and History Buff, or an Adrenaline Junkie, a Leisure Lover, a Social Butterfly or prefer the ever-coveted Family Time, the La Crosse Region is for YOU!

For The Food & Drink Connoisseurs!

JavaVino

At JavaVino, they’re more than just a coffee shop. They’re a local gem offering a unique blend of gourmet coffee, delectable food, and fine wine. From classic breakfast and brunch favorites to innovative lunch and dinner options such as gourmet paninis, burgers, and fresh salads. They’ve got something to satisfy every craving!

Rudy’s Drive In

Starting as a Root Beer stand in 1933, Rudy’s drive-in restaurant has been open for over 80 years! Drive-in, sit-in or carryout their famous hot dogs and world class shakes! Their menu features the highest quality products, including vegan friendly options. Take the fun home with a 1/2 gallon of root beer to enjoy later!

Pearl Street Brewery

Enjoy a beer tasting in the old Rubber Mills La Crosse Footwear and observe a wild brew-master and their crew doing what they do best… making exceptionally crafted beers! The beer tap lineup is always changing, the perfect reason to keep coming back! Oh, and make sure to check out their events calendar!

Starlight Lounge/Buzzard Billy’s

This swingin’ martini lounge is above Buzzard Billy’s and has a retro atmosphere filled with the voice of legends, like Frank Sinatra. The vibes are unmatched as vintage swivel chairs and top shelf hooch inspire maximum nostalgia.

The Charmant Hotel

The Charmant was transformed from an 1898-built Candy Factory into a nationally ranked boutique hotel and confectionary. The hotel has a restaurant with ample outdoor seating, a lounge and a rooftop bar. And did we mention this it’s dog-friendly?!

For The Arts & History Buff

All Glazed Up!

Get creative and have fun painting pottery, taking art or pottery classes, playing with glass
masterpieces or taking a wine and the sip paint class in the evening.
This is a great place to have fun with friends and family while sipping on sensational wine and
creating memorable art
together!

Freighthouse

Dine at a historic train station in downtown La Crosse that was built in the 1880’s and contained the freight offices of the Milwaukee Railroad. It opened as a restaurant in 1978 serving steak and seafood. It also received the Heritage Ward by the La Crosse Historical Preservation Society and is a National Historic Site.

Castle B&B

Stay at this grand 19th century residential bed and breakfast. The historic home was originally owned by a wealthy lumber baron. Gentle updates have been made, but has remained in remarkable condition. The Castle is a national, award-winning bed and breakfast filled with one-of-a-kind international finds.

Le Chateau

This restaurant features a European style ambiance and French cuisine. The owners are trained sommeliers and culinary masters! The venue is a mansion of gothic revival and Italian villa features from the 19th century. It also won awards for its architectural significance in the 1980’s!

Hixon House

Tour the Historic Hixon House; a local museum in a wealthy lumber baron’s home – Gideon Hixon. A tour of the historic house embodies stories of the first half-century of the City of La Crosse. It features fashion to furnishings restored and maintained in their original glory.

For The Nature Lover & Adrenaline Junkie

Hiking Trails

Wander through meandering trails or bluff lookouts, vast marshes or blooming meadows! There’s over 100 miles of well maintained trails to explore with the exceptional bluff-side views of the La Crosse Region.

Paddling Trails

Paddle on Lake Onalaska or the multiple rivers! The area has many landings, backwaters and wavy riverways to paddle through. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore easy paddle trails or take on more strenuous adventures!

Refuel at Red Pines

Eat at Red Pines, nestled on Lake Onalaska with a lakeside view and sand volleyball court! They’re known for their cozy, rustic atmosphere, hand-prepared walleye, lake perch, in-house smoked catfish and ribs, and more!

Fishing in the La Crosse Region

The Upper Mississippi sprawls well beyond its main channel, creating hundreds of tiny islands, channels, and deep pools which harbor more species of fish than any other temperate-climate river in the world. Catch a big fish? Enter our Lunker League Program!

Camping in the La Crosse Region

Can’t wait to pitch your tent and let the good times roll? Stay at one of the 7 campgrounds in the La Crosse Region that will have you coming back for s’more! Look into Goose Island Campground & Park or a Cabin at Justin Trails Resort for an unforgettable trip!

Mom’s Adventure Guide With Family

Relax with mom and the whole family with these six adventures in the La Crosse Region. Visit these top picks and locations to create memories with those who matter most!

Girls Weekend Getaways

Next time you’re in need for a girls trip getaway, visit the La Crosse Region and see what all the hype is about! There’s so many options, the La Crosse Regions has it all!

Second Nature At Reads Creek

Relax, swim, wander and enjoy true natural beauty!

Find Your Sanctuary at Second Nature

Second Nature at Reads Creek is a destination nursery, greenhouse, gift shop, and landscape design center. Now, this is not your typical quick-stop, parking lot, rush-rush garden center… They encourage everyone to wander and wonder, dream and plan, and find the colors, textures, shapes, and sizes that speak to your heart. From the koi pond to the rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the valley, this gem is calling your name. Located at S7301Hwy 14/61 just north of Readstown, Wisconsin, you will come for the plants but stay for the experience!

Location, Location, Location!

Set in the rural Driftless Region of Southwestern Wisconsin, the nursery is nestled in a verdant valley along a meandering Class A trout stream just 7 miles south of Viroqua. Once you have visited, you will understand why people drive hours away to experience the tranquility of their valley, and return year after year for the high-quality plants and landscaping services. The nursery is a safe haven, a place of renewal and rejuvenation. It’s a place where worries of the outside world fade away as you begin to stroll amongst the plants and listen to the water coursing over the rocks in the valley or watch the eagles fly high above their nest on the property.​ With the vast collections of annual and perennial plants offered, it makes finding that elusive something special for your garden feel like a dreamy pleasure-hunt.

Special Features

Visit every third Thursday of the month from May to October for an open-air market, full of local vendors selling handmade goods, baked, and farm fresh produce. Enjoy this chance to shop, eat at a food truck and support local businesses! Keep your eyes out for the Gem & Fossil day where kids can sift and search for their treasure among the sand. Don’t forget to explore all that Second Nature has to offer by swimming along the creek and setting up a picnic or enjoy delicious food, live music, several fun activities for the kids, bonfires and more! It’s truly a place of relaxation.

Experience The Difference Today!

Learn why it’s called the Second Nature experience and visit all its natural beauty. Shop or get advice from several professional designers on any upcoming landscaping projects. Not interested in a new project? Relax with a leisure afternoon stroll throughout the stunning gardens surrounded by nature. Whatever your goal, Second Nature At Reads Creek has it all!

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Relax and unwind with a sneak peek into Second Nature At Reads Creek:

Visit Second Nature At Reads Creek today and see why it’s a family-favorite!

See The Arts In The La Crosse Region

Explore your creative side and jump into the fine arts of the La Crosse Region!

Admire compelling arts in local galleries and see all the public art and sculptures. Hear remarkable performances by the La Crosse Symphony or by the local theatre. Feel clay spinning between your hands on a pottery wheel or savor wine while making art of your own. Ignite your senses with local art and live performances!

la-crosse-symphony

La Crosse Symphony Orchestra (LSO)

Listen to a beautiful concert of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. They provide the greater La Crosse area with six symphonic concerts each year. LSO is a non-profit corporation providing quality music, educating people in the symphonic repertoire, and encouraging the development of all musicians. Several fundraising events occur throughout the year including the signature Valentine Ball.

la-crosse-community-theater

La Crosse Community Theater

See a play at the La Crosse Community Theatre – a famous La Crosse tradition since 1963! The theatre produces six main-stage shows and several youth shows September through June, including dramas, comedies, and musicals. La Crosse Community Theatre is a member of the American Association of Community Theatre and the Wisconsin Association of Community Theatre.

pumphouse

Pumphouse

Visit the Pump House Regional Arts Center and view the visual arts, performing arts, and a wide variety of educational programming. One program in particular, Artspire, is on June 10-11th which is a free, all-inclusive community art event that attracts, engages and connects our diverse community through meaningful art experiences, including visual, interactive, performing, literary arts and dance.

riverside-park-sculpture

Tours In The La Crosse Region

Take a leisure walk through downtown and learn about the variety of art sculptures and Historical Houses that are seen throughout the region. You can learn more about the sculpture tour and where to start here! Interested in architecture? Visit Cass Street and admire the restored 19th-century Historical Homes. You can learn more about this tour here!

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Driftless Region History

Take a step back in time and learn about the rich culture & history in the La Crosse Region. Learn a little more about what makes the great La Crosse Region the way it is today through a historic timeline.

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we're-not-bluffing-blog-cover-photo

We’re Not Bluffing!

The Driftless Region- A part of the world with unparalleled views, a distinct topography, and a puzzling name. Striking, ancient bluffs guarantee unique views across the Region.

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For a sneak peek at the art in the La Crosse Region, watch on!

@explorelacrosse

View beautiful art at 📍River City Gallery in La Crosse, WI #fyp #lacrossewisconsin #rivercitygallery #art #artgallery

♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
@explorelacrosse

Sip & 🎨 + Pottery + Fused Glass workshops 📍All Glazed Up | La Crosse, WI #traveltok #explorelacrosse #supportlocal

♬ TWINNEM – Coi Leray

The La Crosse Escape Room

Choose from four interactive adventure games and escape in 60 minutes or less!

Will you escape in time?

Escape rooms are a new type of interactive adventure game in which people are locked in a heavily themed room with other participants and have to use elements of the room to follow clues, solve puzzles, crack codes, and escape the room within a set time limit. The La Crosse Escape Room is one of the most detailed adventures around! Each room is set for their own specific time period and details are planned down to the very last thought! You’ll find four separate escape rooms: Bootleggers Pub, Prison Break, Deserted Island, and Serial Killer: The Revolutionary.

The Old Bank

You might recognize this building as The Old Bank building that was built in the year 1888. It started out as one large room and has been segmented into several smaller rooms for puzzles and themed rooms designed to hide clues in the smallest of crevices. This space has also been home to the Segway Tours that have eventually branched out to Riverside Park. Every single year they have built a new room and now there are four private rooms available for these interactive games!

Special Features

The La Crosse Escape Room also offers a board room which is best for birthday parties, meetings or larger gatherings!

Book A Room Today!

Each interactive game room is set for an escape time of 60 minutes or less, the Prison Break room has a longer time (75 minutes).

The Bootleggers Room and Prison break can accommodate 3-8 people, Deserted Island can have up to 3-10 people, and Serial Killer: The Revolutionary with 3-12 people.

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la-crosse-escape-room-logo-wall

Watch for a little inside knowledge on each interactive room in the La Crosse Escape Room:

@explorelacrosse

Can you escape in time?! Visit the La Crosse Escape Room in 📍La Crosse, WI #fyp #escaperoom #lacrossewi

♬ Trippin – Official Sound Studio

Book one of the interactive rooms now and test your knowledge with your smartest friends or family!

You Are The #FutureOfTravel

Why Travel and Tourism Matters To You

When you think about travel, what first comes to mind? Adventure or R&R? Flying or a road trip? Experiencing new cultures and sights or dancing the night away? Travel can be considered as a very personal thing. It is different for everyone; different goals, different bucket lists, different risks, different budgets. But if it is so personal, why celebrate it on a national level? Well, National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) was established as the annual salute to travel in America. We celebrate as communities nationwide unite to showcase travel’s contributions to the economy and American jobs. Here are a few reasons why National Travel & Tourism Week matters and how the #FutureOfTravel is here!

 “Travel Matters.”

While travel may seem frivolous or as a special occasion to the traveler, it still affects everyone. Communities benefit from the spirit of travel which spreads through small businesses, stunning landmarks, and hospitality for both residents and visitors. Specifically, travel influences American jobs, local and federal economic growth, and personal well-being. Think about your last trip, no matter how small. You needed gas and a place to sleep. You explored the town and bought a souvenir. You splurged at a restaurant and bought dessert. Maybe you ventured out into legendary nature or saw a local production in town. Every memory you made contributed to local jobs. All while you enjoyed adventure and invested in your well-being, you supplied the locals with jobs and income as well as invested in the community so it can flourish further. Your trip mattered. How special is that?!

“Tourism Matters to Wisconsin.”

“Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, the travel industry was a powerful economic engine, supporting jobs and driving local economies in every pocket of America. Travel generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S. While the industry was hit hard by the challenges of the past two years, we are recovering and positioning our industry for a return to growth. There is great optimism among American travelers to get back on the road and see our great country. We have overcome many obstacles, and the future is bright. That’s why here in the La Crosse Region and across America, we are using NTTW to recognize the contributions of the U.S. travel industry and how we will grow a more dynamic, innovative, sustainable and inclusive future. While the pandemic was a setback, it’s also an opportunity to reimagine the industry to be greater than ever before.”
-USA Travel Association

“You Are The #FutureOfTravel”

“The Future of Travel and the critical role our industry will play in rebuilding the workforce, helping communities recover, fostering sustainability, ushering in new innovations and reconnecting travelers in the U.S. and around the world.”

The #FutureOfTravel will help revive Wisconsin and the La Crosse Region and drive the entire nation forward to a more prosperous future. “The #FutureOfTravel is also inclusive, together we are celebrating one of our nation’s greatest strengths: the diversity of our people, places and POVs. Join thousands of travel and tourism professionals in celebrating what makes our industry so special and how together, we are building the #FutureOfTravel. Our industry is moving toward a future that is increasingly more sustainable, diverse, innovative and globally competitive.” -USA Travel Association

From The Grandad Bluffs to the great Mississippi River, the La Crosse Region’s tourism, promoted by Explore La Crosse, contributes so much to our local economy and the spirit of our community. From all of us at La Crosse County Conventions and Visitors Bureau, we are excited for all of the promising things ahead for the La Crosse Region and the U.S. travel industry.

WHO IS EXPLORE LA CROSSE >
THINGS TO DO >

The La Crosse Center Renovation

Welcome to the Newly Renovated and
Expanded La Crosse Center

The La Crosse Convention Center in La Crosse, Wisconsin is pleased to announce that they have successfully wrapped up an impressive renovation and expansion project, doubling the facility’s square footage! The facility and the city are excited to welcome events and guests to relish in all the possibilities the renovated La Crosse Center offers.

The La Crosse Center welcomes and wow’s new guests with a new Entrance Hall Lobby featuring massive windows, modern design, and a grand staircase. An elevator and escalators are also available, leaving the facility accessible and easy to navigate.

New to the La Crosse Center on the second story is the striking Riverside Ballroom with 21-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. “The ballroom is wrapped in glass, all around, so when you look north up the river you can see the bend of the Mississippi River, the Black River, and the entry of the La Crosse River, and those are the features that we wanted to capture for this part of this building,” says Art Fahey, Director of the La Crosse Center. The views of Riverside Park and the confluence of the three rivers set the Center’s location apart from all others.

Perfect for formal events, meetings, weddings, awards banquets, and more, the new ballroom has nearly 12,000 square feet plus as many as seven breakout rooms. Adding to the many benefits of utilizing the Riverside Ballroom is the ability for guests to stroll out to the outstanding terrace. This new, outdoor space hosts aerial, panoramic views of the adjacent Riverside Park, the mighty Mississippi River, and Historic Downtown La Crosse.

The La Crosse Center’s 21,000 square foot arena was also updated. New seating, additional ADA seating platforms, and new safety railings allow for a safe, pleasant event experience. Whether guests attend a concert or bull riding extravaganza, the space is a sure crowd pleaser with convenience, concessions, and an energetic atmosphere!

Wisconsin winters can be cold… but fear not! The facility is designed for guest ease and comfort with skywalks connecting to the Radisson Hotel, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites, and an adjacent parking ramp. For additional comfort and safety, the La Crosse Center has also implemented new, more stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention, and has become a Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited building.

Most importantly, however, is the Center’s setting nestled between the
Mississippi River and famed, towering bluffs.

Located in the heart of downtown, with access to the twenty-one-acre Riverside Park and the one and only Mississippi River, the La Crosse Center is an exceptional place to make memories with those who matter most. The Center is within twenty steps of Pearl Street in the historic downtown district, where one can enjoy a plethora of dining options, one-of-a-kind shopping, and a variety of activities. Or, for a leisurely stroll and peaceful views, guests can wander the famed Riverside Park along the mighty Mississippi River shore.

From weddings to bull riding, sporting events to tradeshows, the La Crosse Center is a destination famous for magnificent experiences. If you’d like to discover the re-imagined La Crosse Center and learn about upcoming events,
visit lacrossecenter.com.

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A Mom’s Adventure Guide With The Family

Relax with mom & the whole family with these 6 adventures in the La Crosse Region!

Visit these top picks and locations to create memories with those who matter most!

all-glazed-up-logo-painting-pottery-art

All Glazed Up! | La Crosse

Pottery painting at All Glazed Up! in Historic Downtown La Crosse is the perfect place for everyone to release their Inner Artist! Stop in anytime, or call ahead and they’ll reserve a spot for you. The talented and enthusiastic staff will give you as much assistance as you would like to help let your creative side shine! This is a perfect time to get creative with mom and spend some time together.

childrens-museum-family-friendly

Children’s Museum | La Crosse

The Children’s Museum bursts with educational fun for the whole family! Located in 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. The Museum also offers a FUN shop, birthday parties, after-hours rentals, summer day camps, and more silly, smart fun.

goat-yoga-family-fun

Rainbow Ridge Farms | Onalaska

Rainbow Ridge Farms Bed & Breakfast is a charming turn-of-century working farm. Nestled in a peaceful valley, guests can relax and enjoy the area`s attractions. Activities at the farm vary by season. As our guest, you are welcome to help milk goats, feed babies, work in the garden, and collect eggs for breakfast in the morning. One of their more popular sessions is Goat Yoga with the family during the summer season!

painting-owl-center-family-friendly

International Owl Center | Houston, MN

The only all-owl education center in the United States, the International Owl Center booms with fascinating exploration. Touch owl feathers, learn to identify owls by the sounds they make, explore children’s owl art from around the world, and take pictures of mounted species of owls. Oh, and did we mention the live owls on site? Ruby and her friends commute to work every day!

la-crosse-queen-boat-food

La Crosse Queen | La Crosse

Cruise and tour the mighty Mississippi River on The La Crosse Queen with the whole family. A modern-day replica of the grand riverboats which used to navigate the Mississippi in the early 1900s, She is one of the few “true” paddlewheelers still in operation in the country today. Grab a slice of pizza to eat or enjoy fine cuisine, a full-service bar, and panoramic scenery during each cruise.

MORE THINGS TO DO>
special-moments-la-crosse-mothers-family

Special Mom-ents

The La Crosse Region is brimming with memory-making mom-ents to explore with savory treats, legendary sights, unique brews, and outdoor adventure. Check out these top picks and start making memories with those who matter most!

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kid-friendly-blog-coverphoto-family-outdoors-getaways

Kid Friendly Getaways

The La Crosse Region is just a road trip away! Explore a destination bursting with adventure and exploration suited for the whole gang. Make a stop at any of these Kid Friendly Getaways, your family might even surprise you and want to head back!

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