5 Haunted Places in La Crosse, WI

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Author: Miranda Martin

While any town has rumors of “haunted” areas, La Crosse is home to some truly spooky terrors.

Here’s a list of five can’t-miss places if you’re on a hunt for the haunt…

#5- Bodega Brew Pub

This pub is over 100 years old, which is enough to tell you it’ll be haunted. The story goes that a previous owner hung himself in the basement of the bar, and it has been visited by ghosts ever since. Many people have seen ghosts or heard spooky noises, and the employees say you can hear voices talking in the basement. Not creepy enough for you? Let’s head to…

#4- Del’s Bar

Visitors love Del’s bar because instead of seeking out the rumors of hauntings, employees are more than happy to share their tales. Ask any employee and they’ll share hours worth of mysterious giggling voices, unexplained appearances, and much more.

#3- Coate Hall, UWL Campus

If you’re visiting La Crosse to tour the campus and love ghost stories, Coate Hall is a must-see. There have been tales of writing on bathroom mirrors, former students haunting the halls, and much more. Is it all just student’s tales, or is it something more? You decide.

#2- Warehouse Concert Venue

If you attend a concert here, even by yourself, you won’t feel alone in the crowd. There have been many sightings of a young girl floating around the building, always just out of reach. Their security system has picked up doors lined up in a row opening and closing when no one is in that area, as well. These sightings are more frequent when construction is being done to the building, so employees think the phantom is most interested when they remodel her home.

#1- Ghosts of Historic La Crosse (Walking Tour)

Join us for a spooky exploration of historic downtown La Crosse and allow us to introduce you to some residents who simply refuse to leave. Bartenders, restaurateurs and great lovers of the theater will be among the ghostly city dwellers you will hear about. Tours lead by professional storyteller Michael Scott and depart from outside the Explore La Crosse office on the north side of Riverside Park 410 Veterans Memorial Drive, La Crosse, Wisconsin. The walk is less than one mile. Tours run through the month of October on Wednesday nights at 8 PM. Register on their website.

Xtreme Hike – Upcoming Non-profit Fundraising Event

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Xtreme Hike

The Wisconsin Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will host its 6th Annual XTREME HIKE on Saturday, October 6, 2018. In just one day, a dedicated team of Xtreme Hikers will trek 30 miles in La Crosse, Wisconsin along the bluffs and trails of Hixon Forest to raise funds and awareness for cystic fibrosis (CF).

In 2018, a group of 40 hikers and several volunteers set out in the Hixon Forest in support of the CF Foundation’s quest for a cure! Hikers trained with volunteer coaches for 11 weeks and each hiker committed to raising much needed funds to find a cure. These dedicated hikers, many who had no previous knowledge of CF have a goal to raise an amazing $152,000!

Very few people attempt to hike 30 miles in one day. Our hearty group will start out at 6:00 a.m. in the dark, equipped with headlamps and flashlights, and ready to take on the trails!

The Xtreme Hike experience included a three-month training program, workout calendar, training hikes prior to event, lodging for 3 days and 2 nights at the Radisson La Crosse Hotel, transportation to and from the trail on hike day, aid stations along the trail stocked with food and hydration, XTREME HIKE wicking shirt, pre-Hike pasta party, post-Hike awards dinner at Turtle Stack Brewery, & breakfast. Thanks to our generous in-kind donors we were able to provide hikers with a taste of Wisconsin offering an array of products.

Thanks to our generous sponsors for their support – Silver Steps Sponsors, HUSCO International and Hupy and Abraham. Trail Sponsors: Brennan Marine, Old Republic Surety Co, Old Republic Risk Management, and Food sponsors: Pogy’s Catering.

Thanks to all the wonderful companies who provided in-kind support to our hikers – Pretzel Crisps, Puracy Natural Bug Spray, Rise Bar, Lifeway Kefir, Bug Band, Peas Please, Mission Meats, Seneca Apple Chips, Smarty Pants Vitamins, Just the Cheese, Core Home, WP of Madison, Scan Group, Big Spoon Roasters, Rowdy Bar, Saffron Road, La Columbe, Nick’s Sticks, Grab The Gold, Honey Stinger, Verb Bars, Beef Jerky Outlet, Ultima, Hydralyte, Ostrim, For The Love of Paws, Pickle Ice, Brode, KNOW Better Foods, Nuun, Kwik Trip, Dude Wipes, Tomer Kosher, Wenzel’s Farms, and Moon Cheese.

For more information on Xtreme Hike, or to find out how to get involved in the 2019 hike, please contact Lisa at lfero@cff.org.

UWL Faculty Exhibition Display Includes Variety of Latest Artwork

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UW-La Crosse Art Department faculty will exhibit their latest artwork during an upcoming exhibit on campus.

The UWL Art Department Faculty Exhibition will include prints, drawings, metalwork, photography, installations, paintings and mixed media. The exhibition opens with a reception from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in the University Art Gallery, 333 16th St. N. The reception and exhibition are free and open to all.

Faculty artists exhibiting include: Joel Elgin, Brad Nichols, Deborah Eve Lombard, Dewayne Wrencher, Kate Hawkes, Karen Terpstra, Linda Levinson, Lisa Lenarz, Jennifer Williams, Joshua Doster, John Ready and Randy Reeves. Their diverse body of work exemplifies current research and creative endeavors by the members of the department.

The exhibit runs through Thursday, Oct. 25. Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during events in Toland Theatre. Exhibitions are free. Refer questions or arrange gallery appointments to the Art Department at 608.785.8230.

If you go—

What: UWL Art Department Faculty Exhibition

When: Opening reception from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4. Runs through Oct. 25.Regular gallery hours are noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and during events in Toland Theatre.

Where: University Art Gallery, 333 16th St. N., La Crosse    

Admission: Free

5 Things to Know: Rotary Lights

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ENTER TO WIN A TRIP!

By: Sara Walters

With 4 million lights and hundreds of thousands of visitors, The Rotary Lights is an impressively-large holiday display held annually in downtown La Crosse. Here are five things you should know before you go.

Walk or drive

Wisconsin weather is unpredictable, but don’t worry about making the trip to La Crosse even if it’s not exactly warm. You can always drive through the lights if you’re not interested in bundling up for a walk. Turn your radio to the Christmas channel and join the caravan of onlookers from the comfort of your car.

Transportation options

Speaking of rides, you can also view the lights via carriage. Horse-drawn carriages are available most weekends for those hoping to snuggle up and take in the sights. Carriage rides are $20-$30 but if you’re looking for a free option, there are family hayrides on select nights, as well.

Not just lights

Did you know you can see Santa and his reindeer at The Rotary Lights? Santa shows up nightly from 5-8pm until December 23rd, so bring the kiddos to get those Christmas requests in to the big man. Take a peek at his reindeer while you wait at his workshop.

Skate outside

A more recent addition to the event, the Chad Erickson Ice Rink allows visitors to skate in the glow of the lights. Depending on weather (freezing temps required), the rink has nightly hours and rental skates available.

Free fun

Put on each year free of charge, The Rotary Lights asks only for donations to view its spectacular display. Monetary donations or non-perishable food items are encouraged.

Location
Riverside Park
410 Veteran Memorial Drive, La Crosse Wisconsin

Hours
November 29, 2019 – December 31, 2019
5-10pm daily

Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve – 5-9pm
Christmas Day – 5-9pm
New Year’s Eve – 5pm-1am

More information http://www.rotarylights.org/

Disclaimer: This is just my perspective on La Crosse County events, businesses and activities. I’m only one local opinion. Explore the rest of the site to learn more on those that I’ve missed.

Sara Walters

Writer

Sara Walters is a writer, mom and marketing professional. She lives in La Crescent, MN with her husband and two daughters, Caroline and Maggie. Visit Sara’s website at creativecontentandconsulting.com.

La Crosse County Nature Connections Guide is LIVE!

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The La Crosse County Nature Connections program is releasing a one-stop electronic resource for connecting with nature in La Crosse County – www.natureconnectionslax.org!

This electronic Nature Guide is a resource aiming to make outdoor, nature-rich places in La Crosse County easier to discover – for residents and visitors alike. The array of parks, nature preserves, and hiking and biking trails is expansive. As such, locating and accessing information about each one can quickly become an internet scavenger hunt. This Guide will become your ‘home base’ when seeking out natural areas in La Crosse County. The Guide’s interactive map allows you to search outdoor places by location.  Furthermore, each trail has a specific page identifying all access points, directions, parking, and trail terrain & difficulty. A unique feature of the site includes a biodiversity rating for each area (variety of different types of life throughout a given environment) and a listing of dominant features expected in each location.

Research shows that connecting with nature has a multitude of health benefits:

  • Psychological well-being – increase self-esteem, improved mood, and reduced anxiety
  • Cognitive – increased attention span, reduced mental fatigue, and improved productivity
  • Physiological – reduced stress, lower blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular & respiratory disease
  • Social & Spiritual – increased inspiration and increased social interaction

Did you know that, as little as 5 minutes a day spent connecting with nature can have a positive impact on your health! Furthermore, research shows that exposure to outdoor areas that have more biological diversity (biodiversity) provides the greatest health benefits.

Tiffany Lein, MPH, RDN

Health Educator

LA CROSSE COUNTY

Health Department

P 608.785.5657

tlein@lacrossecounty.org

 

Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail Fall Colors Event October 12 -14

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The Driftless Wisconsin Wine & Cheese Trail will host special activities at each of fourteen businesses October 12, 13 & 14, 2018, with all businesses open from 10 – 5 pm each day.  Celebrating one year since its inception, this successful collaboration between the state’s renowned dairy industry and its growing wine industry is drawing visitors from throughout the Midwest to estate wineries and local creameries throughout the year.

During the Fall Colors Event Weekend scheduled for October 12 – 14, visitors will be treated to tasting specials, promotions, entertainment, local vendors, and educational activities such as tours.  This self-guided driving tour features the stunning natural beauty of Southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Area aglow with the colors of autumn.

The Trail is comprised of these businesses located roughly between Madison and La Crosse, Wisconsin:

Baraboo Bluff Winery, Baraboo                                           Arena Cheese, Arena

Branches Winery, Westby                                                   Carr Valley Cheese, LaValle

Rock N Wool Winery, Poynette                                           Cedar Grove Cheese, Plain

Spurgeon Vineyards and Winery, Highland                        Organic Valley, Cashton Retail Store

Weggy Winery, Muscoda                                                    Pasture Pride Cheese, Cashton

Wollersheim Winery & Distillery, Prairie du Sac                 Westby Creamery, Westby

Vernon Vineyards, Viroqua                                                 Nordic Creamery, Westby

For specific information about the special activities at each location go to www.driftlesswinecheesetrail.com.   The Trail Weekend activities are free to attend; normal tasting fees may apply.

“This weekend will offer visitors the best in fall colors and the best flavors of the Driftless Region,” according to Therese Weiter Bergholz, trail director and owner, Branches Winery, Westby. “Visitors will have the chance to meet cheesemakers and watch cheese being made. They can also stroll through vineyards and learn what it takes to make excellent wine from Wisconsin-grown fruit.  This is a unique opportunity to taste acclaimed wine and cheese, learn what it takes to create these products, plus meet the families you support when you shop local.”

The Driftless Wine & Cheese Trail Brochure, available at each participating business, offers a passport program where consumers can earn a stamp at each business when they make a purchase.  When they have collected all 14 stamps, they can redeem their completed passport for a VIP Discount Card for future purchases.  Stamps can be collected through November, 2018; the discount is valid through 2019.

Part of what makes this trail particularly interesting is that the participating businesses range from small- to medium-sized family wineries and creameries to state and industry leaders. The participating cheese producers offer a multitude of options of award winning cheeses including organic cheese and goat cheese. Wineries too offer an outstanding range of products – created from estate-grown cold-climate grapes and other fruits. Wines range from dry, oaked red wines to sweet white dessert wines, with many delicious options in between.

The Trail is made possible through a matching Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant through the WI-DATCP.

More information about the Trail can be found at driftlesswinecheesetrail.com and Facebook.com/driftlesswinecheesetrail.  The Trail office is located at E6796 Old Line Road, Westby WI 54667.  Phone 608-634-9463; email driftlesswinecheesetrail@gmail.com.

 

Media Contact:

Therese Weiter Bergholz

Owner, Branches Winery; Director, Driftless Wisconsin Wine and Cheese Trail

driftlesswinecheesetrail@gmail.com

 

Availability of Trapping Permits – Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that Refuge special use permits and trap tags for the 2018-2019 furbearer trapping season on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge will be issued beginning October 9, 2018 at the following locations:

Winona District, 51 East 4th Street, Room 203, Winona, MN
Phone 507-454-7351
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

La Crosse District, N5727 County Road Z, Onalaska, WI
Phone 608-779-2399
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

McGregor District, 470 Cliffhaven Road, Prairie du Chien, WI
Phone 608-326-0515
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Trap tags will be issued beginning on October 1, 2018 ONLY at the following location:

Savanna District, 7071 Riverview Rd, Thomson, IL
Phone: 815-273-2732
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Regulations require that trappers possess a Refuge permit and trap tags to trap furbearers on the Refuge.   Trap tags must be obtained in person and trappers must have a valid 2018-2019 state trapping license in their possession when obtaining trap tags. Wisconsin residents must provide printed proof of trapping privileges at time of application.  Refuge employees do not have access the WIDNR electronic system to verify privileges via conservation card or driver’s license.  

Each trapper will receive 40 trap tags with their permit.  All traps placed on the Refuge must have a tag attached. Refuge trapping permits are issued for a fee of $30.00 for trappers 18 years or older and $5.00 for trappers under age 18. Only cash and checks can be accepted. 

Trappers who did not return their fur catch report for the 2017-2018 seasons will not be issued a trapping permit for this year.

Additional information can be found in the Refuge’s Furbearer Management Plan available on the web at http://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river/ or by contacting one of the District offices.

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States.  The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, MN to Rock Island, IL, protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife.  This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.

In addition to being the most visited refuge in the country, the “Upper Miss” Refuge has the added complexity of a major navigation system, including 11 locks and dams, within its boundary.  It is also a world-class fish and wildlife area which harbors 306 species of birds; 119 species of fish; more than 300 active bald eagle nests; thousands of heron and egret nests; spectacular concentrations of canvasback ducks, tundra swans, and white pelicans; and several threatened or endangered species.

Native Born Black: A Collection of Questions, an exhibition by Dewayne Wrencher

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Opening Friday October 5, 2018 | 5-8pm
Fannin Counseling & Art Therapy
129 6th St S, La Crosse,WI 54601

Fannin Counseling & Art Therapy’s fall exhibition, entitled Native Born Black: A Collection of Questions, and featuring artist Dewayne Wrencher, opens Friday, October 5 and closes October 26.

Dewayne C WrencherMr. Wrencher’s work is about building a dialogue on complex questions of identity. “There have been repetitive questions circling the globe that center on the topics of home and identity. Questions like, who am I, and is there a place on this planet I can truly call home?”

Native Born Black: A Collection of Questions, addresses these issues with a series of interpretive questions that help to generate engaging discussions focusing on self-identity and a sense of belonging.

“I want viewers to question their current assumptions of reality regarding social differences.”

A Collection of Questions, runs concurrently with Where Are You From?, a group exhibition that opened September 7 and closes October 26, 2018. Participating artists were asked to create works exploring the places, people, memories, and events that have shaped their lives.Where Are You From? asks artists, “How did you become you?”

Both exhibitions will be open for viewing during the opening of Native Born Black: A Collection of Questions, on Friday, October 5, from 5 – 8 p.m.

About Fannin Counseling & Art Therapy

Fannin Counseling & Art Therapy provides services to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering traditional counseling services related to anxiety, depression, and grief, and specializing in the practice of art therapy.

For more information on individual and group counseling, visit fannincounseling.com.

Melissa Fannin, MA, LPC, ATR
Fannin Counseling & Art Therapy
129 6th St S
La Crosse, WI 54601
info@fannincounseling.com
608-480-1676
www.fannincounseling.com

Weber Center Presents National Theatre Live – Frankenstein

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Weber Center for the Performing Arts announces that tickets are on sale now for the National Theatre Live production “Frankenstein”.

Directed by Academy Award®-winner Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire), Frankenstein features Benedict Cumberbatch (12 Years A Slave, Star Trek: Into Darkness) and Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting, Mansfield Park) alternating roles as Victor Frankenstein and his creation.

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered Creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the friendless Creature, increasingly desperate and vengeful, determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Urgent concerns of scientific responsibility, parental neglect, cognitive development and the nature of good and evil are embedded within this thrilling and deeply disturbing classic gothic tale.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased over the phone or at www.webercenterarts.org. For questions or tickets, please call the box office at 608-784-9292 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Weber Center for the Performing Arts is a collaborative venue supporting the missions of La Crosse Community Theatre and Viterbo University. It serves as a performance and administrative center for La Crosse Community Theatre, providing opportunities for creativity and personal growth. It serves as a performance and learning center, expanding and advancing Viterbo’s regional and national arts reputation. It provides a beautiful community asset for events through cooperation and sustainability.

FAST FACTS

WHO: Weber Center for the Performing Arts

WHAT: National Theatre Live – Frankenstein (Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch & Jonny Lee Miller)

WHERE: Lyche Theatre, Weber Center for the Performing Arts, 428 Front Street South, Downtown La Crosse

WHEN:
Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 3:00 pm (featuring Johnny Lee Miller as the Creature)
Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 7:30 pm (Featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the Creature)

PRICES:
General Admission: $15
Taxes and fees not included.

BOX OFFICE HOURS:
11: 00 a.m. to 5: 00 p.m., Monday-Friday

Native American hip-hop artist coming to UW-La Crosse

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A Native American musician will blend history with hip-hop at UW-La Crosse.
Supaman, a Native American hip-hop artist, combines his Native American culture with his music on stage at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, in the Bluffs, Student Union, 521 East Ave N.

Supaman’s performance includes traditional dance and attire. He has received multiple awards for his music, including an MTV VMA award, two Nammy’s —Native American Music Awards, a North American Indigenous Image Award and others.

The performance is sponsored by the UWL Native American Student Association and is part of UWL’s Campus Activities Board 2018-19 series. For more information, contact the Information Counter at

uwlax.edu/cab or 608.785.8873.

If you go—

Who: Supaman

What: Native American hip-hop artist

When:  7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8

Where: Movie Theater, Student Union, 521 East Ave N.

Admission: Free