La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a city defined by its dramatic natural setting, where towering bluffs rise sharply from the Mississippi River Valley. This unique topography is part of the Driftless Region, an area untouched by the last glacial advance, resulting in a landscape of deep valleys and steep hills. The city itself sits at the confluence of the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers, offering a blend of riverine beauty and striking geological formations.

More than just a scenic stop, La Crosse is a dynamic hub in Western Wisconsin. It serves as a regional center for education, medicine, manufacturing, and transportation, with a population of over 52,000 residents as of 2020. The city's economy is bolstered by its status as a college town, home to nearly 20,000 students across the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Viterbo University, and Western Technical College. La Crosse County is also recognized as a top ten tourist destination in Wisconsin, generating significant travel-related spending.

From Ancient Prairies to River City Powerhouse

The land now known as La Crosse was originally an open sand prairie, inhabited by the Ho-Chunk people for millennia. They called this area Hįnųkwas (hee-nook-was aja), named for the shape of two nearby hills. The Ho-Chunk, along with the Ojibwe and Sioux, frequented the La Crosse area for over 1,000 years, primarily as hunters, farmers, and fishermen. French explorers in 1673 were the first Europeans to document the area, observing Indigenous peoples playing a ball game with long-handled racquets, which reminded them of their own game, la crosse. This observation led to the area being called "Prairie à la Crosse," a name later shortened to La Crosse.

Permanent European settlement began in 1841 with Nathan Myrick, a 19-year-old from New York, who established a fur trading post. Myrick was greeted by the Ho-Chunk, and his trading post was initially on Barron Island (now Pettibone Park) before relocating to the mainland. The city grew rapidly, with a post office established in 1844 and a general store in 1846. By 1853, the population reached 543, and the village was legally incorporated as a city in 1856.

The mid-19th century saw La Crosse transform into a significant industrial and commercial center. Logging became the first major industry, fueled by the extensive white pine forests of Wisconsin. Over 4,000 people were employed in the logging industry, with felled trees floated down the Black River to the 33 sawmills in the area. Steamboats were also crucial, bringing thousands of immigrant settlers and transporting goods, with 1857 marking a peak year for riverboat landings in La Crosse. However, by 1880, railroads began to supplant steamboat commerce.

Brewing also became a prominent industry, with European immigrants establishing breweries in the 1850s. By 1884, La Crosse produced more beer than any other city in Wisconsin. The G. Heileman Brewing Company, headquartered in La Crosse, even created La Croix Sparkling Water. The city's growth was further solidified with the establishment of three colleges and universities around the turn of the 20th century, cementing its role as an educational hub.

Begin your exploration of La Crosse with a visit to Grandad Bluff, offering expansive views of the city, the Mississippi River, and even parts of Minnesota and Iowa on a clear day. Numerous trails are available at the bluff for hiking. For a different perspective of the Mississippi, consider a cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen, a replica of 19th-century paddle steamers, or an eco-tour through the river's backwaters.

Downtown La Crosse offers a variety of shops and restaurants, and you can stroll through Riverside Park, a long-standing local favorite for walking, running, or simply watching river traffic. The Riverside International Friendship Gardens are also a pleasant spot for a walk. For those interested in local history and culture, the city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including one of North America's largest Oktoberfest celebrations. The World's Largest Six-Pack, a distinctive roadside attraction at the City Brewing Company, is also worth a look.

La Crosse offers distinct experiences throughout the year. For warm-weather activities, the best time to visit is from mid-June to early September, when average temperatures are comfortable and humidity is manageable. July is typically the warmest month, with average highs around 84°F (29°C). Spring brings blossoms, while fall showcases brilliant foliage on the bluffs, making these shoulder seasons visually appealing. Winter provides opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.

La Crosse is accessible by bus, car, or train, and the La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) is located on French Island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The city's public transportation system, La Crosse MTU, offers bus services throughout the city. For getting around, walking and biking are popular options, with extensive trail networks like the La Crosse River State Trail and trails in Hixon Forest. Taxis and rideshare services are also available. When dining, be sure to sample local favorites like cheese curds and bratwurst. The city is a popular spot for pub trivia, with various venues hosting events throughout the week.