Family vacations are always the most memorable, but finding activities for everyone to enjoy can sometimes pose a challenge. Every parent has faced the problem: how do you keep the kids engaged AND have it be fun for you, too? Will they be bored? Will they eat the food? Well, on your trip to La Crosse County, these are questions you won’t have to worry about.
Miranda’s Choice: 7 Can’t Miss Restaurants in La Crosse County
The hardest choice to make while visiting La Crosse County is where to eat!
There are so many delicious options, making the difficult choice a good problem to have. Lucky for you, we’ve made that decision easier. Here are seven places you won’t want to miss while
visiting La Crosse County.
1. Blue Moon
This traditional bar and restaurant does breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located in Onalaska, they
provide a friendly family atmosphere and a great place to hang out. Check out their incredible specials, like $1.25 quarter pound burgers on Wednesdays.
2.Buzzard Billy’s
This swanky bar and grill serves authentic New Orleans and American cuisine. There’s nowhere better to go for some cajun food, but make sure to make a reservation, as the line often goes out the door. After dinner you can head up to the The Starlight Lounge for
a martini served with a side of nostalgia for the 60’s. Find this restaurant on Pearl Street, in downtown La Crosse.
3. Rudy’s
If you’re trying to go even further back in time, head to Rudy’s Drive In! Between the burgers, cheese curds, fries, hot dogs, ice cream, healthy options and world-famous root beer, there’s something for everyone. Prepare to be served on rollerblades and with
a smile.
4.Pizza Doctor’s
Far from the usual pizza place, pizza doctors turns your lunch or dinner experience into a hospital themed extravaganza. This all you can eat pizza buffet takes pizza to a new level with it’s unique flavors such as peanut butter and jelly pizza, turtle cheesecake pizza, and many others.
5.Fayze’s
A classic favorite located in downtown La Crosse, Fayze’s is a dining out experience no one can turn down. Both a restaurant and bakery, they have new options every time you go.
6. The Waterfront
If you’re looking for a classier dining experience, The Waterfront is a winning option. With a river view, they have many menu options and specialize in their seafood! They also have beautiful event rooms, if you need to book for a large group.
7.The Old Crow
If you’re looking for a burger place, your search can stop here.Their classic burgers and cheese curds will have your mouth watering, but their unique burgers will have you coming back again and again. Try a crowd favorite, like The Old Crow Burger or The King Burger.
Check more food options at: https://www.explorelacrosse.com/where-to-eat-in-la-crosse/
Written by Miranda Martin
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.
The Best Bicycling in La Crosse, Wisconsin (and Why Any Cyclist Would Be Wise to Visit)
If you haven’t biked in the Midwest, you’re missing out, especially when it comes to western Wisconsin. Sitting on the edge of the Driftless region along the mighty Mississippi River, the deep, glacier-carved valleys (“coulees”) and high bluffs make for spectacular scenery. Cyclists have been taking advantage of the incredible views and pleasant riding conditions for ages. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous here, but the La Crosse area in particular is home to a truly bike-friendly culture.
James Longhurst, local bicycle advocate and author of Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road, describes the bike community in La Crosse as something special. “Even if I don’t want to join one of the group or club rides, I know that if I head out of town for a ride on a sunny day, I’m sure to meet somebody I know out on one of the regular climbs or routes,” he says. “I sometimes talk to more people when I go out for a ride alone than if I go with a group.”
Here, we’ve put together a list of eight bike rides and events that showcase the best of the region—and are sure to inspire you to visit La Crosse time and again. And if you run into James out there, tell him we said hello.
1. Wisconsin Great River Road
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 250 miles point-to-point
Ryan Wisniewski
The Great River Road runs almost 3,000 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It travels along the mighty Mississippi River through 10 states. The Wisconsin section of the Great River Road covers 250 miles and passes through 33 river towns, including La Crosse, which is the biggest town on the route. With tall bluffs overlooking the river, it’s also one of the most scenic sections of this road in the state.
For the most part, the Great River Road follows Highway 35, and La Crosse is located roughly in the middle, so you can ride north or south on the route for a few miles or for a longer, bikepacking trip. A good place to get on the road to go south is near Southern Bluffs Elementary School, or find parking in downtown and ride west until you hit Highway 35 to go north. Stop by Explore La Crosse to learn about the history and importance of the river in the area. Regardless of which direction you travel on the Great River Road, there are plenty of parks and nature preserves to stop for a break, as well as many historical spots and quaint towns to visit along the way.
2. Grandad Bluff Loop
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 23 miles
Mark Baylor
The mostly-intermediate Grandad Bluff Loop, is a short loop with one easy and one hard climb, and is a favorite for locals who want to get in a quick after-work training ride. Since it’s so short, there aren’t any convenience store stops on this self-supported route, but La Crosse has frequent drive-ins and roadside taverns along the way.
Start by heading northeast of La Crosse with an easy hill before a fast descent into Barre Mills. Continue on to the intersection of County FO, and start a slow climb up. After a mile of gradual climbing, you’ll hit The Wall: the final steep stretch to the top of the ridge. After riding along the ridge, take a spur to the overlook at the end of Grandad Bluff—after all, isn’t that what you put in all the work for? The incredible view of the town and the Mississippi River Valley is worth the trip. (Some even call is the “most scenic view in the state.”) After taking in the beautiful scenery, be alert and use caution on your ride back down—it’s a technical and busy road, with a couple of blind curves. Bliss Road turns into Main Street back into La Crosse, where you can grab a bite to eat or a cold pint in downtown before heading back to your car.
3. La Crosse River State Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 21.5 miles
Photo courtesy of La Crosse CVB
The La Crosse River State Trail is a good one for road cyclists or mountain bikers, with a flat and level packed-limestone surface. Following the La Crosse River, the trail passes by (and over) former prairies, farmland, streams, wetlands, and hardwood forests. While the trail was created from segments of the abandoned Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, part of it runs alongside a railroad that is still active.
The La Crosse River State Trail links up the 24-mile Great River State Trail in the west with the Elroy Sparta Trailin the east. The Great River State Trail is one of the most popular bike paths in the area, leading almost 70,000 visitors a year along 18 different waterways and through wildlife refuges. If you like to spot water birds, this is a fantastic route to to try. The Elroy Sparta Trail debuted in 1965 as America’s first Rails-to-Trails project, and the 32.5-mile route remains a favorite Wisconsin biking destination today.
The trail is part of a 101-mile interconnected trail network, so there are plenty of options if you are looking for an even longer adventure.
4. Bike Fest
Difficulty: Varies
Distance: 30-100 miles (as well as shorter rides around town)
Photo courtesy of La Crosse CVB
Visit over Labor Day weekend and get in on Bike Fest, an annual celebration of cycling in La Crosse that highlights the amazing cycling community. It all starts in the heart of downtown La Crosse on the edge of the Mighty Mississippi in Riverside Park.
Sponsored by several local organization, the self-supported, self-guided rides are the best way to see the area and make a few new riding friends. There are several suggested routes, with turn-by-turn directions, as well as rides that are suitable for families and kids. They even have ride leaders take off from the park throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about figuring anything out—just bring your gear and you’ll be all set. There are plenty of easy options for visitors, but Longhurst suggests that if you “really want a challenge, we’ve got that too: ‘Ride the Five Monsters.’” The ride covers “105 miles, nearly 8,000 feet of climbing, 12 climbs (including five monster climbs), and at least one section near Genoa that goes over 14% grade (touching 18% in spots).” Looking for an even bigger challenge? How about signing up for the Gravel Enduro or the all new and exciting Gran Fondo race?
Sign up (and pay for) a premium registration and get a T-shirt, free food and drinks, and admission to the Pearl Street Brewery End of Tour Party.
Even if you can’t make it for Bike Fest, Bicycle La Crosse has a variety of maps, self-guided routes, and information about where to ride in the area. Another option is to choose your own adventure around town. According to Longhurst, who has lived in La Crosse for nine years now, “that Driftless geography means that the city is compressed into a small, flat river town, with just two miles of space between the bluffs and the Mississippi River. You don’t even need a geared bike; just any beach cruiser or single speed will do for riding in town.”
5. Apple Blossom Loop
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 35 miles
Bicycle La Crosse
The popular Apple Blossom Loop is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The route heads west out of La Crosse over the Mississippi River and into neighboring Minnesota, climbing up Pine Creek Valley to the top of the bluffs. If you had your heart set on seeing apple orchards after hearing the name, keep an eye out for them on your way back. Cruise back down the bluffs and through La Crescent, and stop by Leidel’s Apples to grab a healthy snack—you’ve earned it!
6. Coon Valley Coulee Express
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 29, 48, 0r 56 miles
Photo courtesy of La Crosse CVB
The Coon Valley Coulee Express is “the fastest way for flatlanders from Chicago to find out what riding a coulee is like,” says Longhurst, who recommends taking on the full 56 miles. The monster climb up Sveum Ridge Road is “truly epic” with switchbacks and grades up to 18 percent. But that’s not the only climb on the 56-mile route: there are four climbs and a number of rollers throughout, for a total of 3,000 feet of climbing. With both wide open farmland and forested roads, there’s enough change in scenery to keep things interesting along the way.
7. Hixon State Forest/La Crosse River Marsh Area
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 9.1 miles total
Photo courtesy of La Crosse CVB
With just over nine miles of riding across four trails between the two areas, you’ll find easy to intermediate riding in the Hixon State Forest/La Crosse River Marsh Area, with options to add more mileage on to your ride.
The easier trails run through the La Crosse River Marsh Area (closer to the town of La Crosse), including the 3 Rivers Trail that starts in Riverside Park and runs 4.5 miles along the La Crosse River to the marsh area. Continue north to connect to the longer Great River State Trail and the La Crosse River State Trail, or take the 1.25-mile Marsh Loop Trail. Stop at the viewing platform overlooking the marsh before taking the short Wood Duck Trail (1.1 miles) over to Hixon State Forest to run some laps on your mountain bike, or turn around and go back to town.
After warming up (or you can drive over to the forest and just start there), the intermediate Rotary Vista Trail is the only trail in Hixon State Forest open to riding, but offers a decent challenge. It’s well-maintained and marked, but has a gradual incline and several steep sections. Overall, it’s not super technical, but there are some rocky sections and one sandy turn, as well as the opportunity to fly downhill when you’re done. Don’t forget to take in the views along this beautiful ride.
Note: All of these trails are also open to hikers and runners, so keep an eye out for others. Check out this map before you go.
8. Upper Hixon Trails
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 9 miles
Photo courtesy of La Crosse CVB
For even more mountain biking, check out the area locals call “Upper Hixon”, where you’ll find the Human Powered Trails. Home to the annual Hixon Forest Epic (one of the races in the Wisconsin Off Road Series), the nine miles of trail are filled with tight singletrack and log obstacles, just to make sure you’re paying attention. You can drive to the area, or take the Rotary Vista Trail up the bluffs to the trailhead.
As you can see, whether you are an experienced cyclist or on your first trip, there is something for all levels and interests when it comes to bicycling in western Wisconsin. So what are you waiting for? Pack up your bike, grab a couple buddies, and head to La Crosse for the cycling trip of a lifetime.
Originally written by RootsRated for Explore La Crosse .
Featured image provided by Bicycle La Crosse
3 Breweries of the Past in La Crosse, Wisconsin
3 Breweries of the Past in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Our craft brewing scene is roaring, with mainstay Pearl Street Brewery recently joined by upstarts Turtle Stack Brewery, Two Beagles Brewpub, and Skeleton Crew Brew. But let’s take a moment to remember the brewing giants of yore who made La Crosse a true beer town.
Heileman Brewing Co. (1858-1996)
If you know anything about local beer, you know about Heileman’s and the classic Old Style brand. This historic brewery still operates today as City Brewing Co., the original name of Heileman’s brewery from 1858-72.
John Gund Brewery (1880-1920)
Gund was Heileman’s founding partner at City Brewing in 1858, but struck out on his own in ‘72, eventually creating the iconic Peerless label. The Gund Brewery Loft Apartments now occupy the restored original building.
C& J. Michel Brewing Co. / La Crosse Breweries (1857-1956)
The nexus of local brewing history: before he and Gund co-founded City Brewing, Gottlieb Heileman was brewmaster for the Brothers Michel. Their labels included Elfenbrau, Wisconsin’s Best, and Peerless (purchased from Gund when he closed his brewery).
Plan your Trip! See more Vineyards & Breweries
Snaps Around Town: La Crosse in the Snow
We will be featuring a new ongoing photo series from Bob Good! Check back periodically!
We also feature a new photo that is shared with us on Instagram. Your photo could be next! Just snap a photo and use #explorelacrosse
I have photographed national musicians- American Authors, KISS, Frankie Valli, Sevendust, In This Moment, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch and regional bands – TUGG, The Remainders, and countless others. Since 2015-2017, I was humbled and thankful to be a Best of La Crosse County finalist in the Photographer and Artist categories. Visit bobgoodphotographystudios.com.
5 Things You Need to Know Before You Go: Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Did you know that the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the only Catholic Marian Shrine on the western side of the state of Wisconsin? Yet, visitors don’t have to be Catholic – all are welcome!
The staff, friars, and volunteers want each person to feel welcome. Whether you are a tourist coming to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, or seek to be uplifted in viewing original and traditional sacred art and architecture, or you are just a bit curious about what this Shrine is all about, the Staff personnel is ready to assist and answer questions, so that your visit is a wonderful experience.
It all started in 1995 with a dream to build a Marian Shrine on the western side of Wisconsin. Then came a 70-acre donation from the Robert and Lucille Swing family, and with $29 million, the Church was completed in 2008. The Shrine now encompasses about 100 acres with a Meditation Trail, Rosary Walk, Way of the Cross, Church and several outdoor devotional areas, in addition to the Pilgrim Center which houses a restaurant and gift shop.
There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to this holy ground honoring Jesus’ Mother Mary. Here are the top five:
1) Come see inspired history.
Whether Catholic or of another Christian affiliation, or even non-Christian, we all can admire the goodness in someone like now-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who was recently canonized by Pope Francis. The Shrine was gifted with two relics of Saint Mother Teresa which were on display: a lock of her hair and a handkerchief. The Shrine has many relics of saints, both well-known such as Saint Luke the Evangelist, and lesser-known. Honoring the physical remains or personal effects of a saint is an important aspect of some forms of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Shamanism and other religions. The saints have made the journey before us – the example of their life in the historical time in which they lived gives us inspiration in our own life journey. The Shrine shares the relics of the saints on particular feast days.
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2) The beauty of the place.
Those familiar with the loveliness of the hilly woodlands and meandering trout streams of La Crosse County can attest to the spiritual musings that come about when visiting places like this. You have to admit, the scenery is wonderful at the Shrine. And don’t worry about accessibility. The Shrine literally has a fleet of golf carts and many volunteers who can transport people with mobility challenges around the site without delay. Be inspired by walking the trail up to the Rosary Walk area and the Way of the Cross. Get in touch with God and nature.
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3) The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated December 12.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, a.k.a. the Virgin of Guadalupe, is a Roman Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with an image that appeared in 1531 on a cloak that is enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City (hails itself as the most-visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and the world’s third most-visited sacred site). There will be special events at the Shrine in La Crosse that day, such as the Hispanic celebration known as Las Mananitas, followed by Pan Dulce, and then a Spanish Mass. The Shrine Mass, celebrated in English, is usually celebrated by the Founder of the Shrine, Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke. Shrines across the world that honor Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrate the Feast Day of December 12th as well. Closer to La Crosse is the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Chicago area and the the Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe in Dallas, Texas, and the English-language seminary of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter in Denton, Nebraska. Be part of an international movement by participating locally.
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4) Get twinges listening during the Guadalupe Festival of Sacred Music
Yes, you can get shivers when you listen to talented people singing sacred music. This past year, the High School Chamber Choirs from both Sparta and Rice Lake, Wis., were joined by several other choirs from schools in Minnesota and Illinois to perform at the Shrine Church for this free festival. Throughout the day, they sang at other outdoor areas of the Shrine and inside the Votive Candle Chapel, in addition to their scheduled performances in the Church. Seems like it would be moving to hear these choirs as one walked down the wooded Meditation Trail. Join them April 29, 2017. If you enjoy listening to really good pipe organ music, it has been a tradition at the Shrine to have guest organists from around the country come and perform on the Shrine’s Church Organ. The Shrine offers a Summer Organ Recital Series every year!
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5) Mass can give you culture.
Here’s a quick way to show you how much or little Spanish you actually retained from high school and/or college – attend a Spanish Mass. The Shrine offers the Spanish Mass on Sundays in the Shrine Church. Also on Sundays, the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass is offered, if you are into that. The Spanish Mass might be an interesting discussion starter with kids, especially if they have already been attending Mass in English. See what it’s like to attend an event without language fluency.
If you would like to learn more about the Shrine or are interested in attending events such as the Festival of Sacred Music, visit the Web site at www.guadalupeshrine.org.
5 Things You Need to Know Before You Go: Tour de Pearl
by Anastasia Penchi
What does a small, hometown brewery have in common with bicycles?
They are the key ingredients to a La Crosse festival now in its fifth year. Tour de Pearl is a summer long beer and bicycling promotion where participants ride bikes, drink beer and win prizes in addition to getting some great deals at area businesses.
All you have to do is register (there is a $20 fee), ride your bike to the listed locations, and order some food and a Pearl Street Brewery beer. Each spot has its own deal, whether it’s a half price appetizer or $1 off an entrée or a free/discounted beer. It’s like having a giant coupon book for people who like to patronize local restaurants and bars.
Here are five reasons to join the Tour de Pearl before it concludes Labor Day weekend:
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1) It’s like a human-powered poker run.
This event is similar to the poker runs that many leather clad motorcyclists are doing when they travel between rural taverns on their Harleys to get their cards stamped. The biggest difference between the two is that Tour de Pearl is hoping most of its participants are riding human-powered bikes instead of gas-powered ones. Proof of this is its grand prize — a bicycle from the Wyatt Bicycle Co., which is a Wisconsin bike company headquartered in La Crosse. However, organizers know that sometimes it’s not great biking weather on the days you have free to participate, and honestly, some of you may not bike at all. Therefore, all you really have to do is get to the listed locations and make the purchase. You can ride public transportation, drive a car or motorcycle, skateboard there, or even walk.
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2) The beer names are fun, and the beer is tasty.
The Pearl Street Brewery is an example of a successful La Crosse business started by young, hip entrepreneurs (it was just announced they will be featured in a new reality TV show called “Ambitious Adventures”). Further proof of its creativity? Check out the beer names: Rubber Mills Pils is a pilsner named after the former rubber mill factory that now houses the brewery; Java Lava Coffee Stout came about in a partnership with a La Crosse coffee shop; That’s What I’m Talkin’ ‘Bout Organic Rolled Stout is a stout full of organic rolled oats, chocolate and black malts and a variety of hops; and Dankenstein Imperial IPA is described as a “freak of a beer.” Ordering a beer can be almost as fun as figuring out which one is your favorite. And yes, you have to buy a beer at each stop – or at least a beer chip if you really don’t want to drink it that day – to get your stamp.
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3) The event is divided into sprints.
Organizers grouped the 51 stages of the Tour de Pearl into 10 sprints based on the mileage of someone biking from Pearl Street Brewery. As you complete each sprint, you have the chance to win immediate prizes (you must take your card to Pearl Street Brewery while supplies last to get them), you also get entered for even bigger prizes, and get a chance to win the Wyatt bicycle. Sprints do not have to be finished in one day, but you surely can do it if you are Beery McBiker and love a challenge.
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4) There is a lot of eating involved, too.
Part of the appeal is the tasty food deals you get as you tour La Crosse County. These deals include a discounted burger basket on the North Side of La Crosse at Sloopy’s Bar & Grill, half price nachos at Petticoat Junction in Midway (also known as the Highway OT area of Onalaska) and discounted pizza at Coulee Golf Bowl, also Onalaska. Who wouldn’t like free cheese curds at Fayze’s while drinking a couple brews in downtown La Crosse? And who wants a free cup of soup on the South Side of La Crosse at Houghton’s? Maybe they even have a fresh batch of that famous chicken dumpling simmering on the stove? Totally worth the trip.
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5) In Madison? Head to La Crosse!
Got any summer trips planned to our State Capitol? Organizers have a Tour de Pearl there, too, and you can get extra grand prize entries for completing the sprints there. Events in both communities culminate at the La Crosse Area Bicycle Festival over Labor Day Weekend. There will be rides on the scenic bike trails of La Crosse and Tour de Pearl End of Tour Party with live music at the Pump House in downtown La Crosse.
If you would like to register for Tour de Pearl or view the list of participating stops, visit the Pearl Street Brewery website at www.pearlstreetbrewery.com.
Anastasia Penchi is graduate of UW-La Crosse and a long-time Coulee Region writer who has written for area newspapers and magazines (www.loislaneforhire.com).
5 Things You Need To Know Before You Go: Three Rivers Roleo Log Rolling Tournament
by Anastasia Penchi
La Crosse County is at the epicenter of a growing sport that was started by the lumberjacks who were hired in the late 1800’s to prevent log jams on rivers as America’s cities grew.
Timber in remote areas was being transported down rivers, and men were hired to prevent log jams by stepping on the floating logs and working their way across the rivers. As the loggers stepped on, the logs rolled, and it wasn’t long before challenges and competitions were formed.
Today’s log rollers aren’t the burly, bearded Paul Bunyan-type lumberjacks you’d expect. You wouldn’t be able to pick them out of a crowd.
Jacob and Katie Rick, a pair of sibling log rollers from Onalaska, are spreading their passion for the sport by holding the Three Rivers Roleo Log Rolling tournament on July 9 on the Black River, near the west end of Main Street in Onalaska.
This is the 9th year of the event, which offers a one-day tournament for professional men and women log rollers. Here are the top five reasons you should consider attending:
1) Logrolling is fun to watch.
As you might expect, a competition created by testosteronies whose very livelihood was based on axes and danger tends to get very competitive. Log rollers are allowed (and often encouraged by crowd laughter) to kick water in their opponents’ faces. Of course, this can be a risky move, but it is fun to momentarily blind someone who is running on a rolling log in the middle of a river. Log rollers are also permitted to rock the log back and forth in the water in an attempt to get their opponent off balance. While it is not acceptable to kick or trip or push an opponent off a log, I’m sure someone out there has mastered the log juke.
2) It has a vocabulary all its own.
“Bobbing the log” is when a roller rocks the log back and forth — putting their opponent’s feet under water to make it more difficult for them. “Checking it down” is a phrase used by judges when they want the log rollers to slow down and get control of the log again. A “bucking match” is when two rollers face the opposite direction and fight for control of the direction the log is rolling. I think my husband and I have our own sort of “bucking match” over the television remote at night. How many fishing and hunting shows does a man need to watch anyway?
3) You could be seen on TV.
Remember that dream? The one where Aaron Rodgers throws the 50-yard pass and you catch it and run it into the end zone for the game winning touchdown? Remember the footage being played over and over on national TV? Well, wake up. It’s not going to happen. However, you might be able to still catch a glimpse of yourself on Fox Sports thanks to Katie Rick, the event co-founder who also produces the tournament’s TV footage. Last year, the tournament was broadcast on Fox Sports Wisconsin and on Fox Sports North in Minnesota, and she plans to produce footage to be broadcast on those channels again this year. Maybe it’s not the running back material you’ve been dreaming about, but isn’t it better than nothing?
4) We have several local stars.
La Crosse County is home to some log rolling bigwigs. Recognize the name Hoeschler from La Crosse real estate signs? Not only is the Judy Scheer-Hoeschler a seven-time world champion, but several of her family members also hold world champion titles. Now they also make synthetic logs to promote the sport. The Three River Roleo founders, Jacob and Katie Rick, are from Onalaska, and many other professionals and amateurs call this area home. These experts also train people to coach log rolling. I know this because I once benefitted from their expertise when I took a summer logrolling classes with my oldest son. Yes, I failed miserably because I am too uncoordinated to be good at it, but I laughed enough to make up for my log rolling shortcomings. At the Three Rivers Roleo, they will show you how it’s really supposed to be done.
5) It’s all leading up to the World competition in Hayward, Wis.
The newly formed US Log Rolling Open, which is now the season opener, precedes the Three River Roleo in June, along with the La Crosse Open and Midwest Championships in Madison. After that, the Namekagon River Roll Off in Hayward takes place just before the 2016 Lumberjack World Championships, which is also held in Hayward in July. At the Lumberjack World Championship, more than 100 competitors will compete for $50,000 in prize money. Who knows? By attending the Three Rivers Roleo, you could be watching this year’s world champion log roller in action.
If you would like to plan your future as a log rolling coach or just learn more about the Three Rivers Roleo Log Rolling Tournament, visit its Web site at http://threeriversroleo.com or its Facebook page at Three Rivers Roleo.
5 Things You Need to Know Before You Go: Between the Bluffs Beer Wine & Cheese festival
by Anastasia Penchi
In celebration of our distinctive palates, join us at the annual Between the Bluffs Beer Wine & Cheese festival, at the Southside Oktoberfest Grounds in La Crosse.
This event got its start at City Brewery, which is just down the road and has been a tourist attraction for years, offering the “World’s Largest Six-Pack.” Nowadays this fantastic festival features more than 200 quality brews, 45 types of wine from local and world-famous vintners as well as gourmet cheese and other yummy eats.
It makes sense, as a community that can appreciate the differences between City Brewery’s La Crosse Amber, Turtle Stacks Belgian Blond, and Pearl Street Pale Ale, and will gobble up Westby Cooperative Creamery Dill Cheddar, is also likely to enjoy La Crescent grape wine grown from grapes in Westby.
Preparation is key to maximum enjoyment of any event, so please keep the following things in mind if you are coming:
1) Dress in layers
The Southside Oktoberfest Grounds offers what I would consider an “outdoor event.” Yes, there are tents and places to get cover if it’s raining, but it’s all open air. If it is cold out and you are only wearing a fancy new “Between the Bluffs” t-shirt that you bought, you are going to be cold. Sure, the beer and wine will eventually warm you up, but what about that in-between time? If you are like me, you prefer having a jacket over that t-shirt and then tie it around your waist later as you warm up. Maybe it’s not a great fashion statement, but it’s better than being cold. Remember, this is April in Wisconsin, and we all know it can be in the 30s one moment and then 70 degrees later that same day. I have attended some years where I wished I had my winter jacket, and I’ve had years where I wore a tank top and got a sunburn on my shoulders. Be a Boy Scout. Be prepared!
2) Start with a good base
Yes, there is cheese – and plenty of it – and we Wisconsinites can make a meal out of our cheese, but that is not a good plan for this event. If the purpose is to sample many different types of wine and beer, you need to get a good base beforehand. Why not make a day of it and start with lunch in downtown La Crosse? We have many fabulous restaurants within walking distance of the Southside Oktoberfest Grounds. Trip Advisor gave Certificates of Excellence to the Waterfront, Buzzard Billy’s Flying Carp Café and Le Chateau, and there are plenty more restaurants nearby. The event doesn’t start until 2 p.m. Spend the day here. Have some food. Browse and shop in our wonderful downtown boutiques. Then come imbibe.
3) If you don’t consider yourself a wine or beer officiando, don’t worry.
This is a perfect festival for those who love to experience the subtle differences between ales and lagers, but it’s also a perfect festival for the inexperienced. It gives you the chance to figure out what dark beers you might like even if you are not a dark beer person. Maybe you think you don’t like wine, but have you really given the many different types a chance? Don’t judge wine based on a few sips of merlot at church. Moscato might convert you. It did me.
4) There is no need to drive home
If you haven’t noticed, La Crosse downtown developers like to build hotels lately. There are at least six outstanding hotels within walking distance of the Southside Oktoberfest Grounds. The Hampton Inn & Suites is one of the newest, and it’s so close you could probably ride one of their luggage carts back to the hotel if you overindulge. They also offer a free hearty breakfast, which will be important the next morning. Fest organizers are also offering free shuttle rides to host hotels and vouchers for the La Crosse County Tavern League “Safe Ride Home” program in a local taxi. Or if you prefer, call a friend. Just don’t drive.
5) Plan ahead
Tickets sell out in days, get them starting March 3, 2017
Check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BetweentheBluffs for more information on Tasters Eve. While you are at it, “Like” the page to get a heads up on dates next year. Only 3,000 general admission tickets and 500 VIP tickets were sold this year. Believe me, you want to be one of the lucky ticket holders next time.
Anastasia Penchi is graduate of UW-La Crosse and a long-time Coulee Region writer who has written for area newspapers and magazines.
Winter Sports in La Crosse, WI
Winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts will love La Crosse, Wisconsin, in the wintertime. Six months worth of snowfall in our wooded bluffs, expansive marshes, and frozen bottomlands means some of the best skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling anyone could hope to find, plus access to world-class hunting, trapping, and fishing grounds.
Mount La Crosse
For more than 50 years, Mount La Crosse has been one of the premiere downhill skiing destinations in the upper Midwest. Perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and experience levels. Mount La Crosse features 18 runs ranging from the gentle Mileaway, the longest run in the state of Wisconsin, to Damnation!, the steepest trail in the Midwest.
Justin Trails Resort
Founded by Don & Donna Justin in 1986, Justin Trails Bed & Breakfast welcomes outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe year-round. Winter offers several opportunities to enjoy the beautiful resort: over 10 miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, skijoring lessons, and two snowtubing runs. And of course there’s the annual Winter Race, featuring competitions in Fat Bike, archery, and showshoeing.
Goose Island Park & Campground
Located just three miles south of La Crosse, the largest country campground in Wisconsin offers over five miles of groomed snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails, as well as some of the best waterfowl hunting and ice fishing in the region.
La Crosse River State Trail
A 21.5-mile railroad bed trail from Sparta, WI, to Onalaska, WI, the La Crosse River State Trail links to Veteran’s Memorial Park in West Salem, the Great River State Trail (Onalaska – Trempeleau), and the Elroy-Sparta State Trail (which links, in turn, to the 400 Wisconsin State Trail), providing access to over 100 miles of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge – La Crosse District
Covering over 260 miles of river and 200,000 acres of land, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge is one of the nation’s largest wildlife refuges. While regulations are strictly enforced within the refuge, there are excellent opportunities for hunting, trapping, and fishing for the adventurous, as many of the best locations are accessible only by boat. The La Crosse District’s visitor’s center, located on Brice Prairie, also features over two miles of walking trails, also open to snowshoers in the winter months.
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