Explore the History of the Driftless

By: Explore La Crosse

La Crosse, WI is well-known for its historical past offering amazing destinations to dive deeper into the reasons things are how they are today. Although current-day trends may appear to dominate the city, the history behind modern structures and routines drive current-day trends. Follow this adventure to assimilate into historical societies that founded and formed the city you see today.

Destinations

Dark La Crosse Trolley Tour

Step aboard the Dark La Crosse Trolley Tour and uncover the city’s most chilling stories. This guided ride dives into La Crosse’s past of true tales of crime, scandals, and the mysterious characters who once roamed its streets. Perfect for history buffs, thrill-seekers, or anyone who loves a good ghostly tale, it’s an unforgettable way to experience La Crosse.

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Dahl Auto Museum

It seems that the most utilized inventions often go unappreciated – but not at the Dahl Auto Museum. This stop will fully immerse you into the diverse history of the automobile. Featuring the automobile through the eyes of the Ford Motor Company and reaching from various restored classic automobiles to present day cars, grow alongside the family-owned museum and automotive industry to create a lasting legacy at Stop #2!

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Hixon House

Built in 1858 by pioneer Gideon Hixon, a tour of the Hixon House showcases a true family home that resembles stories of the first half-century of the city of La Crosse. This home reflects the values of the Hixon family as well as their social status and how people incorporates different decorating styles of their era into their everyday lives.

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La Crosse Area Heritage Center

The La Crosse Area Heritage Center offers insight into La Crosse area’s history and heritage. As stated on La Crosse County Historical Society’s website, “As a curated museum, cultural center, and gathering place, the La Crosse Area Heritage Center is both seeker and keeper of stories that matter.” The center offers unique opportunities for visitors to explore stories of people who occupied the land before current day. This is definitely a stop to make if you are seeking exposure to connections between our past, present, and each other.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The mission statement of the shrine as stated on the official website for the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is, “The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, faithful to the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary through her appearances on the American continent in 1531, serves the spiritual needs of those who suffer poverty in body and soul. It is a place of ceaseless prayer for the corporal and spiritual welfare of God’s children, especially those in most need.” This is a must-see as a fan-favorite destination in La Crosse.

Rudy’s Drive-In

You truly cannot end your historic experience of La Crosse without finishing with dinner at Rudy’s, which exists all thanks to Grandpa Rudy who opened his first A&W root beer stand in 1933. Delivered to you on roller skates, if you are seeking a full-emersion experience into nostalgia, try a burger, root beer float, or chicken tenders! Although Rudy’s is closed in the winter, the outdoor dining experience perfectly supplements a whimsical throwback to the good ol’ days.