Official Visitors Guide 2015

explorelacrosse.com | 800-658-9424 La Crosse Center 300 Harborview Plaza P.O. Box 1027 La Crosse, WI 54602-1027 608.789.7400 608.789.7444 fax Kris Salzwedel [email protected] Michael Ferris [email protected] welcome to LA CROSSE WISCONSIN EXPLORE

On behalf of the citizens of La Crosse, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our beautiful city in Western Wisconsin.

La Crosse is a wonderful community bordered by rolling bluffs to the east and the mighty Mississippi River to the west. Our historic town features exciting new developments, modern conveniences, and enlivened stores, restaurants, and galleries.

The timeless beauty of our natural resources begs you to boat along our splendid riverways, bike our many woodland and urban trails, drive atop our scenic bluffs, stroll through our beautiful parks – the possibilities are endless! Our friendly, hospitable people are proud and pleased to share with you our wonderful city. We invite you to visit us, and we know you’ll want to return again and again.

-Tim Kabat, Mayor

Whether your interests include boating, biking or bird watching, French Island has something to offer everyone. With its natural geographical beauty, visitors find it hard not to stop and look us over. For a fantastic view of a sunset all year long, please visit our observation deck overlooking Lake Onalaska on our northern borders. Since we are an island, we have some of the best fishing opportunities in the entire state of Wisconsin. The winter season offers cross country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling.

The majestic bluffs of Minnesota provide a natural haven to the eagle, which we can watch fishing in the open waters of the Black River on our eastern border. Many visitors stop to take advantage of our local Thomasville Gallery and the Company Store Outlet located just off the Interstate on Sky Harbour Drive. Also located on Sky Harbour Drive is a Days Inn which offers rest for weary travelers and rooms for meetings or gatherings of all sorts. We look forward to your visit and wish to welcome you to the Town of Campbell.

-Scott Johnson, Chairman, Town of Campbell

Experience Our River City

National Trust for Historic Preservation Great American Main Street Award. explorelacrosse.com | 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome To La Crosse...... 1 History of La Crosse...... 4-5 Community...... 6-7 Attractions...... 8-13 Dining...... 14-18 Sports & Recreation...... 20-25 Accommodations...... 29 Lodging...... 30-37 Lodging Discount Coupons...... 32 Great River Road Map...... 38-39 Education...... 42-43 Shopping...... 45 Arts & Entertainment...... 46-47 Calendar of Events 2015...... 48-55 Business & Service Listings...... 56-58 Relocation Information...... 59 Survey...... 60

The official La Crosse Area Visitors Guide is published annually by the La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this guide. The LACVB assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. For corrections or inclusion in the next issue, contact the LACVB at 608-782-2366. If you are interested in having your ad placed in future publications, please call the LACVB at 1-800-658-9424. Visit us at our website: www.explorelacrosse.com. Reproduction of material used in this publication requires the written consent of the La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. © 2015 La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Photos Courtesy of Kyle Herlitzke and Terry Tobin Graphic Design Studio.

Explore La Crosse, we will guide you . . .

2 | explorelacrosse.com

Our Unique

Legend has it that the French saw the Native Americans playing a game with a curved stick and leather ball and called the game “la crosse.”

The region soon As the ice melted and the glacier receded northwards, the water runoff cut through became known as the limestone, creating rivers, lakes and the Prairie La Crosse. beautiful bluffs and coulees of the region. The Mississippi, Black and La Crosse Rivers, The city charter all which converge at the north end of Riverside Park in Historic Downtown La Crosse, are a was signed on product of this process. March 14, 1856 and the area saw French explorers, traders and missionaries growth from were the first Europeans to make contact with the Native American tribes in Wisconsin. In steamboat traffic, 1680, Robert Cavalier Sieur de la Salle, driven fur trading, lumber by a passion to explore North America, sent a and brewing few of his exploration party up the Mississippi companies. River from the Illinois River to search for the source of the Mississippi. It was this group, Michel Accau, Antoine Auguel, Father Louis Hennepin and others, that first paddled into the Upper Mississippi River region. They described “a pretty large river called the Ouisconsing or Wisconsin” and another river named by the Native Americans as “the Chebadeba, that is, When you travel through the greater La Crosse Area, you will understand the Black River”. why the region is known for its scenic beauty. During the last Ice Age, about The Black River was adjacent to an area that 10,000 years ago, nearly two-thirds of North America was covered by a was mostly flat prairie and was used by Native Americans to gather for trade, social activities massive sheet of ice. The area included most of Canada and the Northern and playing traditional Native American games. United States from the New England area to as far west as Montana. In Legend has it that the French saw the Native the Upper Midwest this ice mass stopped just short of Western Wisconsin Americans playing a game with a curved stick and leather ball and called the game and Eastern Minnesota. “la crosse.” The original source of the word is uncertain but French bishops carried a long, This area, which was not affected by the glacier, is sometimes referred to intricately carved stick that had a curled loop at the top. The French word for the stick was “la as the Driftless Region. It encompasses La Crosse County as well as the crozier” (la crow-zee-ay). The bishop’s crook surrounding counties and beyond. looked remarkably like the sticks the Indians used in playing their game. The region soon became known as Prairie La Crosse.

4 | explorelacrosse.com LA CROSSE | WISCONSIN

Photos Courtesy of Murphy Library UW-La Crosse

In May 1823, the first stern wheel paddleboat name “White Beaver.” He was a physician and passed through the area taking passengers four term mayor of La Crosse. Powell's home to Fort Snelling, Minnesota. This began an and medical clinic building are both still in use era of commerce, which would flourish for today. many years, as La Crosse became known as the "Gateway City," a focal point for both As European settlers migrated to Western amphibious and land oriented trade. Wisconsin, they found a landscape very similar to what they had left behind, especially Permanent settlement of the La Crosse Area in Western Europe. The hills and valleys began in 1841, when Nathan Myrick, came reminded them of “home” and they settled the north from Prairie du Chien. He built a cabin land and started farming. Homes and farm on Barron Island, just across the east channel buildings started to dot the countryside. Over of the Mississippi River from what is today, time, a series of mud trails that zig zagged downtown La Crosse. In the spring of 1842, across the countryside developed into a Myrick moved across the river to the mainland network of paved roads, connecting these and began carrying on trade with the Ho-Chunk dairy farms and the small communities that and other Native Americans. The site of this sprung up in the area. These narrow, winding, first settlement is adjacent to Riverside Park roller coaster like, country roads offer scenic and visitors alike. Each spring and fall over in Historic Downtown La Crosse. Myrick was vistas and fun routes that are enjoyed for many forty percent of all migratory birds in the United La Crosse’s first mayor and postmaster and is activities, including motorcycling, road biking States and Canada travel along the Mississippi credited with shortening the name from Prairie or a drive to enjoy the fall color. River Flyway corridor. The region also features La Crosse to La Crosse. wonderful opportunities for hiking, road biking, The early lumber and brewing industries were mountain biking, golfing, site-seeing and The city charter was signed on March 14, 1856 the driving force for La Crosse’s population as historic tours. La Crosse is the largest city on and the area saw growth from steamboat a cultural melting pot with strong influences the Mississippi River between the Twin Cities of traffic, fur trading, lumber and brewing from Norwegian Lutherans, German Catholics, Minneapolis and St. Paul to the north, and the companies. At one time 25 saw mills were and Bohemians along with those of Swedish, Quad Cities, to the south. operating in the region, employing more than Polish, English, Irish and Native American 4,000 people. From the 1880’s to the early ancestry. More recently, individuals of Hmong, Rich in scenic beauty, the community has all 1900’s these mills produced hundreds of Hispanic and African American decent have the idyllic attributes of small town Americana, millions of board feet of lumber, much of which come to call La Crosse home. with all the amenities of a major metropolitan was harvested from forests to the north and area. One of the oldest cities in Wisconsin, east of La Crosse. These boards were floated La Crosse has a strong Sister City program La Crosse is a diverse blend of regional down river or shipped via rail to Minnesota, which includes relationships with Dubna; government, two world class medical facilities, Iowa, the Dakotas, Missouri and other areas to Russia; Epinal; France; Luoyang; China; international manufacturing, three award the south and west of the region. In 1879, the Forde; Norway; Friedberg Germany; Bantry; winning institutions of higher learning, a strong steamboat docking in La Crosse numbered Ireland and most recently Kumba, Republic agricultural economy and a thriving tourism more than 1,600, the most of any city north of of Cameroon, West Africa. The Riverside industry. The area is also a major regional St. Louis. International Friendship Gardens, located shopping destination, attracting visitors from in Riverside Park, offers a tribute to these Minnesota, Iowa, and of course, Wisconsin. La Crosse of the 1800s was on the edge of the relationships. The garden is a private / public West. One of the more flamboyant residents partnership that provides a beautiful, tranquil La Crosse is served by Amtrak and freight was William Fredrick Cody – Buffalo Bill. setting for reflection, enjoyment and weddings rail, two major air lines and Interstate 90. The legendary scout and showman put on with flowers, plants and architecture unique to Additionally, the Mississippi River continues theatrical plays at opera houses, and more than each of these countries. to be a source of recreational opportunities as once brought his Wild West Show to La Crosse. well as a commercial transportation corridor Some of the more well-known people who The majestic bluffs and coulees along with for barges carrying commodities such as coal, performed with Cody included Annie Oakley, numerous rivers and streams make eagle grain, soybeans, corn and wheat. Products Wild Bill Hickok and the great Sioux Chief watching, boating, water skiing, fishing, move up and down the river from Minneapolis Sitting Bull. Cody spent time in La Crosse, living canoeing, kayaking, camping, and bird and St. Paul to New Orleans, and to dozens of with his friend, Frank Powell. Powell was part watching a common occurrence for residents locales in between. Seneca Native American who often went by the

explorelacrosse.com | 5 MODERN COMMUNITY

Make it Downtown Tonight! La Crosse, Wisconsin, and the surrounding communities attract over one million visitors every year. The region’s stunning landscape comes with abundant recreational opportunities, from every imaginable water sport to hiking, biking, hunting, and more. La Crosse’s vibrant downtown district offers an excellent variety of shopping, dining, and hospitality options, and the community boasts a rich cultural scene for lovers of art, music, and theatre. Perfect for a weekend visit or two- (608)(608) 784-9548784-9548 week vacation–La Crosse has something for everyone! 4th & Pearl, Downtown La Crosse Open at 6:30 am Daily Happy Hour 4 - 6 pm Daily

Great stores and convenient locations that greet you Downtown La Crosse Come in & taste with hometown 110 South 3rd Street our 34 different • One of the Midwest’s seasoning blends! finest shops value and ● Great taste with less sodium • 20,000 sg. ft. of quality antiques ● Founded in 1952 & still family owned and operated hospitality. • 70+ booths ● Tours welcome by appointment • 1 block from the La Crosse Center Open Mon.-Fri., 8:30am-5pm Mon.-Sat. 9 am-5:30 pm Sun. 11 am-5:30 pm www.pleasoning.com 608-782-6533 608-787-1030 2109 Ward Ave. • La Crosse 800-279-1614 Come In For A Unique Shopping Experience

Riverfront Charm.

6 | explorelacrosse.com Enjoy the Ambiance of Our Historic Downtown.

Bike Friendly.

Whether you are a connoisseur of fine beer and ale, find delight in the camaraderie of friendly patrons and staff or simply appreciate the eclectic surroundings of this historic establishment, you will enjoy the hospitality of your host and the proprietor, Jeff Hotson. The Bodega offers one of the Midwest's largest selection of micro brew and international beer brands. Choose from nearly 400 beer labels from around the world. Soup & Salads & Sandwiches bodegabrewpublax.com 122 4th Street S. Downtown La Crosse 608-782-0677

608.317.4311 Don’t rent just a room, rent a home. . . Historic Vacation House Rental Fully furnished in a residential neighborhood, half block from trails & Myrick Park. Screened porch, yard, bicycles & garage. 751 22nd Street N • La Crosse, WI Year-Round Entertainment! www.bluffviewhouserental.com

Inc. magazine’s 4th Best Small City for Doing Business. explorelacrosse.com | 7 explore ATTRACTIONS

heese isn’t the only thing cultured here. The arts are C alive in this river paradise! Not to mention the regional festivals which, year after year, offer fun for visitors and residents of all ages. They say fun-loving folks like us are easily entertained. Spend enough time with us and you will be too. Kid’s Coulee 1930s Steam Locomotive Aeolus #4000

Located in Myrick Park is La Crosse’s premier A Hudson type engine used on the Burlington ATTRACTI ON S ATTRACTIONS kid’s attraction, Kid’s Coulee, a kid-designed, Railroad. Standing nearby is the railroad tower community-built playscape that is accessible built in 1928 that controlled the grand crossing Apple Blossom Scenic Drive to children of all abilities. This multi-leveled of four railroads, the Milwaukee, Burlington, Drive the second-most-scenic overlook in playground features climbing and balance Green Bay and North Western, which once Minnesota through neighboring La Crescent, beams, a riverboat with a stage, rubber converged nearby. Located in Copeland Park. the “Apple Capital” of Minnesota. More than river, sandmoat, castle, fort, maze, swings, 1,400 acres include 12 apple orchards in tunnels, bridges, ladders, slides and much Shenanigans...... 608-783-3333 La Crescent. Take in the spectacular view more. Equipment for kids with disabilities is shenanigansfun.com of the colorful tree-lined bluffs, decorative integrated throughout the playscape. La Crosse’s newest destination for children, rolling hills and the majestic Mississippi teenagers, and the young-at-heart. Bump, River; a must-see in Autumn as fall colors Lock and Dam No. 7 & Lock and Dam No. 8 climb, play and tag your way through our peak. Follow County Hwy. 12. Watch 400-foot barges as they navigate up one-of-a-kind attractions. Shenanigans is sure and down the Mississippi River through the to be the Coulee Region’s most exciting play Children’s Museum...... 608-784-2652 lock and dam system. No. 7 is located at destination. It’s a blast! funmuseum.org the intersection of I-90 and Hwy. 14/61 in Here is a place where children play to learn Dresbach, MN No. 8 is 12 miles south of Waterfowl and Mississippi Viewing Platform and adults learn to play. Three floors of hands- La Crosse along the Great River Road, Located in Nelson Park in the Town of on exhibits, birthday party/meeting rooms, a Hwy. 35 in Genoa, WI. Campbell. Follow Lakeshore Drive as far multipurpose theater, gift shop and more. north as possible. Catch the migration of Neshonoc Dam, Powerhouse & Mill swans, ducks, geese and eagles. This viewing Dahl Auto Museum...... 608-791-6494 Located along Hwy. 16 in West Salem, these platform was created to provide a comfortable dahlautomuseum.com buildings were once a major part of the environment for people of all ages and Take a stroll down memory lane and immerse thriving community of Neshonoc. physical capabilities to view migrating yourself in the rich history of the most widely waterfowl. used mode of transportation, the automobile. Pickwick Mill, Inc...... 507-452-9658 The Dahl Auto Museum celebrates the Dahl pickwickmill.org family’s involvement as automotive dealers Winona, MN. The Pickwick Mill is on the spanning over 100 years and 5 generations. National and State Register. Built of local It also features the history of the automobile limestone, it stands six stories tall. The through the eyes of Ford Motor Company, mill contains 19th-century machinery and a an extensive mascot collection and many beautiful 20-by-4-foot waterwheel. beautifully restored classic automobiles from the turn of the century to present. Riverside International Friendship Gardens riversidegardens.org Journey to a Holy Place! Grandad Bluff La Crosse enjoys thriving relationships with Holy Mass & Confession Daily City park located by following Main Street sister cities, business partners, students and Peaceful Walking Trail east which becomes Bliss Road as you people from around the world. We celebrate Devotional Areas ascend the bluff. At the top, the entrance is the success of these partnerships, and built found by turning right on Grandad Bluff Road. a tribute to the culture and traditions of our The 590-foot-high bluff overlooks the city of worldwide friends. The gardens represent the La Crosse. The view of the Mississippi River style of a typical garden in each sister city. Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, La Crosse’s current sister cities are: Epinal, Minnesota and Iowa. Wisconsin Trails readers France; Luoyang, China; Friedberg, Germany, voted this “the 2nd most scenic view in the Dubna, Russia; Bantry, Ireland; Forde, Norway state.” It features a shelter house, coin- and Kumba, Republic of Cameroon, West operated binoculars, picnic areas and is the Africa. Located in Riverside Park. site of the annual Skyrockers’ New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show. Riverside Museum...... 608-782-1980 lchshistory.org Great River Road In 1870, the steamboat War Eagle burned and wigrr.com sank at the docks of La Crosse. The Riverside Designated in 1938, the Great River Road, Museum features the largest collection of a National Scenic Byway, stretches from artifacts brought up from the wreck of the Lake Itasca, MN, to the Gulf of Mexico. The War Eagle, as well as exhibits about the Wisconsin section, Hwy. 35/53, with La Crosse impact the rivers had on the growth and being the largest city on the route, showcases development of La Crosse. The museum breathtaking views of the river valley and also has many artifacts from the Mississippi bluffs beyond. Bald eagles are a common Valley Archaeological Center. Located in sight along the route. Riverside Park.

Hixon House...... 608-782-1980 lchshistory.org Shrine of The La Crosse County Historical Society’s Our Lady of Guadalupe La Crosse, Wisconsin Italianate-style residence gives an authentic Cafe & Gift Shop open year-round: 9a - 4p glimpse into the elegant Victorian lifestyle Shrine hours: 9a - 4p (Sept.-May); 9a - 7p (Summer) enjoyed by lumberman-financier Gideon Hixon. Phone: (877) 799-4059 / www.guadalupeshrine.org The beautiful woodwork, period furnishings and charming gardens make the tour a worthwhile experience.

Most Secure Places to Live in the US (Small Towns). – Sperling’s Best Places explorelacrosse.com | 9 La Crosse Public Library...... 608-789-7100 800 Main St ARCHITECTURE Changing exhibits, paintings for loan. SCULPTURES

Christ Episcopal Church...... 608-784-0697 Minnesota Marine Anidonts 111 N. Ninth St Art Museum...... 507-474-6626 Abstract boy and dog sculpture by Luis Arata, This church holds the traditional symbolic 800 Riverview Dr located in Myrick Park. features of a European cathedral, from Winona, MN Romanesque architecture and a Gothic mmam.org Fledgling cruciform shape to an interior of Italian Contemporary sculpture by Mike Martino of Renaissance. Built in 1898, the cathedral also a boy with his skateboard, sporting wings. has a magnificent Tiffany window. Located on Fourth and Vine streets.

St. Rose Convent...... 608-784-2288 715 S. Ninth St fspa.org Our Rivertown offers diversity that will attract! The Mother House of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, the Chapel of Angels is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the United States. Since Aug. 1, 1878, at least two Franciscan Sisters have maintained a 24-hour, 365 day per year prayer vigil for the Church, community and world peace.

St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral...... 608-782-0322 530 Main St. cathedralsjworkman.org This traditional Gothic cathedral is the church of the Bishop. The Cathedral holds 12 burial vaults for diocesan bishops, two chapels and a 1,500- pound bronze canopy over the Botticiano marble altar. Beautiful stained-glass windows depict Wisconsin’s Catholic heritage. A relief carving of St. Joseph the Workman above the main entrance depicts the Saint with a carpenter’s square symbolizing his labors.

ART GALLERIES

Viterbo University Art Gallery...... 608-796-3100 929 Jackson St

UW-La Crosse Art Gallery...... 608-785-8522 16th St. and Vine Street

Pump House Regional La Crosse County Arts Center...... 608-785-1434 Historical Society 119 King St thepumphouse.org P.O. Box 1272 Founded in 1977, the center presents visual 145 West Ave. South [email protected] and performing arts with a Midwest emphasis. La Crosse, WI 54602 Visit us on Facebook! Educational outreach is an important part of 608.782.1980 Visit us on the Web: www.LCHSHistory.org its mission. The Pump House is located in a former water pumping station, one block from Open to the public Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day: the Mississippi River. Hixon House, 429 7th St. N - Tues-Sat 10-2pm Riverside Museum, 410 E. Veterans Memorial Dr. - Mon - Sat. 9:30-4:30pm, Sun. 10-4pm

10 | explorelacrosse.com Hiawatha La Crosse Players

Located in Riverside Park, this 25-foot, 25-ton Trademark of the city, this sculpture depicts ATTRACTI ON S sculpture by artist Anthony Zimmerhakl stands three Ho-Chunk Indians playing the game guard over the sacred place where three rivers of their day. It can be found on the Hwy. 53 meet (the Mississippi River, Black River and welcome sign, as well as on the corner of La Crosse River). Legend says that where three Second and Main streets. rivers meet, no natural disaster will befall. To date, this legend has remained true. Le Pinau Symbolizing the history of the city is a copy of La Crosse Eagle a IV Century B.C. Greek statue of a little boy This majestic sculpture by artist Elmer picking “une épine” or thorn out of his foot. Petersen stands 38-feet tall as it watches over Hence the name Epinal. The statue is inspired the Mississippi River and Riverside Park. by a story that as a little boy sat to pull a thorn from his foot, he saw that Epinal was the right place to build a city. The sculpture was a gift from our Sister City of Epinal, France for the 20th Anniversary of our Sister City relationship. The sculpture was placed in Civic Center Plaza in August 2007.

Reflections Fountain-based piece by Paul T. Granlund. Located in front of the Public Library

The Scroll An abstract piece by Dale Kendrick representing the beginning of the written word. Located at Third and La Crosse streets.

A Simpler Time Set along the levee on the bank of the Mississippi River, “A Simpler Time” is a sculpture by local artist Mike Martino. This project includes a life-size sculpture of children and their dog surrounded by a plaza with an inlay of bricks inscribed with the names of contributors. Located in Riverside Park.

Water Over the Dam A contemporary piece by Jeff Weideman represents water falling over a dam. Located at Fourth and Vine streets. For a full list of area sculptures visit explorelacrosse.com

Return to a simpler time . . . • Visitors’ center Hike or ski the trails, relax on a creekside bench, and experience the cultural heritage • Guided tours of pioneer log Norskedalen homestead of Wisconsin’s Coulee Region with a tour of our 1890s pioneer log homestead on this • Pioneer settler artifacts 400-acre site. Movie site • Special events of Fort McCoy • Gift shop • Classes and programs • 9 miles of hiking/skiing trails • Event venue www.Norskedalen.org • Arboretum 608.452.3424 • Historic Paulsen cabin rental On Cty. Hwy. PI (N455 O Ophus Rd), 3 miles north of Coon Valley, WI, 15 miles SE of La Crosse, WI • And more!

explorelacrosse.com | 11 Elmaro Vineyard La Crosse Fairgrounds MAKE A LIST N14756 Delaney Rd...... 608-534-6456 Trempealeau, WI Speedway P.O. Box 853 elmarovineyard.com Branches Winery West Salem, WI...... 608-786-1525 lacrossespeedway.com E6796 Old Line Road...... 608-634-9463 Westby, WI Elmer’s Auto & Toy Museum NASCAR short track racing at its best. Family W903 Elmers Rd...... 608-687-7221 brancheswinery.com friendly atmosphere with an outrageous and Fountain City, WI wacky novelty event each week. Join the fun elmersautoandtoymuseum.com Children’s Museum every Saturday night during the racing season! of La Crosse Largest of its kind. Over 100 autos: 650 201 5th Avenue South...... 608-784-2652 plus pedal cars, airplanes, tractors. Antique La Crosse, WI motorcycles, scooters, bikes, tools, large doll La Crosse Queen funmuseum.org collection, over 35,000 toys. Call for schedule. P.O. Box 1805...... 608 784-8523 Group tours by appointment. Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI Cinderella Carriage, LLC lacrossequeen.com 30321 State Hwy 27...... 608-606-0614 Cashton, WI Fun ‘N The Sun Houseboats Mississippi Explorer Cruises cinderellacarriagellc.com W571 Castle Rock Lane...... 888-343-5670 1913 Old Mill Drive...... 877-647-7397 Fountain City, WI Lansing, IA Boat docked in Riverside Park, La Crosse, WI funsun.com Dahl Auto Museum mississippiexplorer.com 711 3rd Street...... 608-791-6494 House on the Rock La Crosse, WI 5754 State Road 23...... 608-935-3639 Niagara Cave dahlautomuseum.com Spring Green, WI P.O. Box 444...... 800-837-6606 thehouseontherock.com Harmony, MN Down A Country Road niagaracave.com 12651 State HWY 33 East...... 608-654-5318 Cashton, WI Norskedalen Heritage and downacountryroadamish.com Nature Center Eagle Bluff Environmental P.O. Box 235...... 608-452-3424 Coon Valley, WI Learning Center norskedalen.org 28097 Goodview Drive...... 888-800-9558 Lanesboro, MN eagle-bluff.org

 the the  

DAILY SIGHTSEEING CRUISES
3-­‐‑HOUR CRUISES
PIZZA CRUISES
LUNCH CRUISES
SUNDAY BRUNCH CRUISES
WEEKEND DINNER CRUISES W ITH ENTERTAINMENT
CHARTERS AND GR OUP T OURS FROM APR IL THROUGH OCTOBER FOR CONVENTIONS, RECEPTIONS, REUNIONS OR GR OUP E VENTS Call for complete schedule and prices:608-­‐‑784-­‐‑8523 405 Veterans Memorial Dr., P.O. Box 1805
La Crosse, WI 54602-­‐‑1805 (Located at boat dock, west end of State Street in Riverside Park, downtown La Crosse) www.lacrossequeen.com

12 | explorelacrosse.com ATTRACTI ON S

Old Main Historical and Shrine of Our Lady of Community Arts Center Guadalupe 10869 S. 12th St, Box 704...... 608-582-4412 5250 Justin Road...... 608-782-5440 Galesville, WI La Crosse, WI oldmain.org guadalupeshrine.org La Crosse enjoys Pearl Street Brewery Tenba Ridge Winery, LLC 1401 Saint Andrew St...... 608-784-4832 N27587 Joe Coulee Road...... 608-525-2413 thriving relationships La Crosse, WI Blair, WI with sister cities, pearlstreetbrewery.com tenbaridgewinery.net business partners, Pickwick Mill, Inc. Vernon Vineyards 26421 County Rd 7...... 507-452-9658 S3426 Peterson Lane...... 608-634-8181 students and people Winona, MN Viroqua, WI from around the world. pickwickmill.org vernonvineyards.com Pleasoning Gourmet Seasoning 2418 South Ave...... 608-787-1030 La Crosse, WI pleasoning.com River View Vineyard & Winery 32882 County Rd 1...... 608-385-1209 La Crescent, MN Pledge Never To Forget riverviewwinery.com Visit The Veterans Hall of Honor at the Veterans Memorial Field Riverside Amusements, LTD. Sports Complex, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Experience 1304 Interchange Pl...... 608-781-7529 a lasting and moving tribute to our veterans. Open Monday La Crosse, WI lacrosseamusement.com through Saturday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., our display includes many Rotary Lights personal photos, words, and stories. P.O. Box 215...... 608-784-9993 Touch screen monitors provide La Crosse, WI an interactive experience. rotarylights.org "Come, experience, and Seven Hawks Vineyards honor our veterans." 17 North St...... 651-451-9574 Fountain City, WI sevenhawksvineyards.com Shenanigans 2100 Dawson Avenue...... 608-783-3333 La Crosse, WI shenanigansfun.com The Veterans Hall of Honor Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex • UW-La Crosse • La Crosse, WI 54602 UW-L Foundation • 608.785.6803 • [email protected]

Inc. magazine’s 15th Best City in America to Do Business. explorelacrosse.com | 13 explore DINING

hanks in part to its storied brewing tradition, La Crosse has always been a place where Tyou didn’t have to look too far for a nice fish fry, terrific pub food, or a great slice of pizza. And while that’s as true as ever, the city’s offering of restaurants includes some excellent options in fine and ethnic dining. You’ll find some of the best steak and seafood around at the Freight House Restaurant, a La Crosse institution. The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern offers fine dining with beautiful views of the Mississippi, and if gourmet barbecue sounds good, Piggy’s is a must. If you feel like something ethnic, we have Italian, Creole and Cajun, Mexican, Chinese, traditional Irish, Indian…whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here. Dining

explorelacrosse.com | 15 explorelacrosse.com — Minneapolis Star Tribune, Minneapolis Star — Open 10am to 10pm • 7 days a week a days 7 • to 10pm 10am Open through October March THE BLUES LOUNGE THE BLUES antique beautiful The Blues Lounge with its nightly dinners M–F and serves lunch back bar favorites, casual entrees, including BBQ with Live desserts. appetizers and sandwiches, salads, nights. Saturday pm 8-11:30 blues Day Labor No Music Memorial Day - do I love Rudy’s Drive-In? Let me count the How brewed full-bodied root beer, smooth, The ways. glass mugs. heavy in the car comes to in-house, lettuce and cheese, burger with A triple-stack tomato dubbed the Monster, lives up to its name. flavors wacky in ice cream comes The soft-serve apple and bubble gum. The carhops green like nights they Tuesday on roller skates, and wear skirts, in honor of classic-car night don poodle surroundings Even the music. 1950s its and sheltering carports that still retain their long — blast! a looks — are original mid 1960s Piggy’s Restaurant is one of the most awarded most the is one of Restaurant Piggy’s Seven Rivers region. unique restaurants in the and house-smoked specialties and Fresh seafood, Open a kind. of choice steaks make the menu one Located in the Historic Pioneer nightly for dinner. Building. Foundry Located right in the heart of historic downtown downtown historic heart of the in right Located of tradition a created has Fayze’s La Crosse, to suit flavors and recipes mouthwatering at dinner lunch, or breakfast, Enjoy any style. our Bakery. Experience and Fayze’s Restaurant catching atmosphere while casual comfortable, your Order or dining with family. up with friends bar. service from our full favorite cocktails our homemade out check leave, you Before breads, of sourdough variety a bakery treats and Large Talame™ buns! signature along with our family reunions, for available group space is or parties. dinners, rehearsal Our Buns!” Love “You’ll 608-784-4877 608-782-2200 608-784-9548 – Country Home Magazine ......

Piggy’s Restaurant Piggy’s St. Front 501 piggys.com Rudy’s Drive-In Rudy’s Crosse St. La 1004 Avaiable Dining Inside rudysdrivein.com Fayze’s S. St 4th 135 fayzes.com am daily at 6:30 Open pm daily 4-6 Hour Happy Ranked 12th overall of the Best Green Places to Live in America. Places to Live of the Best Green 12th overall Ranked

Exceeding Expectations

Famous Bloody Marys Famous Bloody A Must-See Experience • Wood-Fired Pizzas • Salads • Traditional & Specialty Pastas • Kid’s Menu • Micro Brews & More on Tap • Happy Hour Nightly Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

bustersmenu.com | 608-782-3236 | 200 Pearl Street | Downtown La Crosse

Serving the Best of Authentic New Orleans Style and American Cuisine

Open Tues.- Thurs. 4:00-8:00 pm Fri. 4:00-10:00 pm Sat. Tours Noon- 5:00 pm

16 | explorelacrosse.com Dining 608 784-7878 608-781-2636 608-784-6211 608-784-1082 608-788-1895 608-788-3268 608-789-7400 608-779-4100 608-784-9548 608-784-5798 ...... explorelacrosse.com | 17 explorelacrosse.com ...... Howie’s on La Crosse La on Howie’s Peddler Hungry Famous Dave’s Famous Restaurant Fayze’s Restaurant House Freight

La Crosse, WI freighthouserestaurant.com La Crosse, WI hardees.com 1128 La Crosse St Grill Mongolian HuHot 3800 Wisconsin 16, Suite 148 La Crosse, WI huhot.com Restaurant Chinese Hunan 318 S 4th Street La Crosse, WI 3429 Mormon Coulee Road La Crosse, WI hungrypeddlerlacrosse.com 3055 State Hwy 16 3055 135 S. 4th Street Mexicana Fiesta Rd 5200 Mormon Coulee 107 Vine Street Bistro Hackberry’s 315 Fifth Ave S Hardees 1311 Rose St & Bakery La Crosse, WI La Crosse, famousdaves.com WI La Crosse, fayzes.com La Crosse, WI fiestamexicanawi.com La Crosse, WI peoplesfoodcoop.com/hackberrys.asp La Crosse, WI howiesonlacrosse.com World Fare Flavor . . .

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– Country Home Magazine ...... Edwardo’s Ristorante Ristorante Edwardo’s Pizza di Dublin Square Square Dublin Culvers Family Restauraunt Family Culvers of Onalaska Culvers Sting Diggers Pub & Eatery Irish  

La Crosse, WI edwardospizza.net 1930 Rose St Dim Sum Tea Shop Tea Sum Dim 221 Pearl Street La Crosse, WI dimsumteashop.com Mound Castle Drugan’s W7665 Sylvester Rd Holmen, WI drugans.com 103 N. 3rd Street La Crosse, WI dublinsquarepub.com Culina Mariana Culina Road 5250 Justin Court 4101 Mormon Coulee 9422 State Hwy 16 122 N Third Street Courtesy Corp. Corp. Courtesy Donald’s Mc DBA Suite 100 National Dr. 2700 WI Onalaska, mccourtesy.com WI La Crosse, guadalupeshrine.org Onalaska, WI culvers.com La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI culvers.com NE 608 782-6314 608 784-2242 608-796-2277 608-781-8686 608-372-4040 608-519-3055 608-782-0677 608-782-3826 608-784-8470 608-785-2227

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Second among small cities, behind Corvallis, Oregon for Best Best for Oregon behind Corvallis, small cities, among Second America. in City Green

Pub, Inc. Bodega Brew Brew Bodega 4 Sisters, Inc. 4 Sisters, 

L OUR 114 South 4th Street La Crosse, WI coneyislandhotdog.com Coney Island Coney

Ciatti’s Italian Restaurant Italian Ciatti’s 2846 Midwest Dr La Crosse, WI buzzardbillys.com Onalaska, WI carlosokellys.com Onalaska, WI ciattislacrosse.com 9396 State Road 16 Carlos O’Kelly’s Carlos

Cabin Coffee Company Coffee Cabin 401 Jay Street Flying Carp Café Carp Flying 222 Pearl Street Tomah, WI burnstadseuropeanrestaurant.com Billy’s Buzzard La Crosse, WI cabincoffeecompany.com Restaurant & Pub Restaurant 701 East Clifton Street Burnstad’s European European Burnstad’s Borgens Café Borgens 109 South Main Street 1501 St Andrews St 122 South 4th Street La Crosse, WI bodegabrewpublax.com Pub Hill Boot La Crosse, WI boothillpub.com 40 Copeland Ave. B.A. Burrito Co. B.A. Burrito Restaurant 400 Lang Drive Ardie’s Lang Drive Lang Drive Ardie’s La Crosse, WI alpineinnlacrosse.com Alpine Inn Alpine W5717 Bliss Road 100 Harborview Plaza 100 Harborview La Crosse, WI La Crosse, 4sisterslacrosse.com Westby, WI borgenscafe.com La Crosse, WI baburritoco.com La Crosse, WI flipsidepub.com Pickerman’s Soup State Room D i OUR LOCAL CUISINE & Sandwiches 128 3rd Street N...... 608-785-7666 327 Jay St...... 608-782-7087 La Crosse, WI

n i La Crosse, WI pickermans.com Stolpa’s Stein Haus King Street Kitchen 324 Jay Street...... 608-519-2421 ng 141 S 7th Street...... 608-784-9660 Piggy’s Restaurant La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI & Blues Lounge steinhausbar.com kingstreetkitchen.net 501 South Front Street...... 608 784-4877 La Crosse, WI Subway

Lindy’s Subs of La Crosse piggys.com 510 Gillette Street...... 608-784-2774 221 Main Street...... 608-785-7200 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI Pizza Doctors subway.com lindyssubsandsalads.com 624 King Street...... 608-784-0450 La Crosse, WI Sullivan’s Supper Club Monarch Public House pizzadoctors.net W25709 Sullivan Road...... 608-534-7775 19 N. Main, P.O. Box 522...... 608-687-4231 Trempealeau, WI Fountain City, WI Qdoba Mexican Grill sullivanssupperclub.com monarchpublichouse.com 129 3rd Street South...... 608-782-1914 La Crosse, WI The View Olive Garden qdoba.com 3020 State Hwy 16...... 608-519-2669 9413 Highway 16...... 608-783-0090 La Crosse, WI Onalaska, WI Rudy’s Drive-In theviewgrill.com olivegarden.com 10th and La Crosse...... 608 782-2200 La Crosse, WI The Waterfront Restaurant Oly’s Mini Donuts Express rudysdrivein.com & Tavern 2137 Grandview Place...... 608-780-5137 328 Front Street South La Crosse, WI Schmidty’s Suite 100...... 608-782-5400 3119 State Road...... 608-788-5110 La Crosse, WI Outback Steakhouse La Crosse, WI thewaterfrontlacrosse.com 311 Hampton Court...... 608-781-4329 schmidtys.com Onalaska, WI The Wine Guyz, Inc. outbacksteakhouse.com 122 King Street...... 608-782-9463 La Crosse, WI wineguyz.com

lacrosseareaday.com

AT MILLER PARK • Transportation via motor coach bus to and from Miller Park • Tailgate party with La Crosse made products served by the Moose Club Family Center. • Game ticket • Live Music from Bruce Larson & the Rocky Mountain Band

• Brewer Memorabilia • Family Event Raffle JOIN US!! 608-782-2366

18 | explorelacrosse.com

explore SPORTS & recreatiON

hether you’re looking for relaxing, casual entertainment or action- W packed, high-energy activities, La Crosse has plenty of both. Spend a day cruising the Mississippi on a speedboat, or, better yet, on the deck of a majestic paddlewheel riverboat like the La Crosse Queen. Hit the trails and trek through the area’s abundant marshes and bottomlands or hike to the peaks of the forested bluffs for stunning views of the area. With miles of woodlands and the confluence of three rivers, the La Crosse area is a sportsman’s paradise. Winter is a snowsport enthusiast’s dream with excellent snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Sports fans can find someone to root for any time of year, with two universities as well as semi-professional baseball, football, and hockey teams providing family friendly entertainment for all. SPORTS & RECREATION

explorelacrosse.com | 21 explorelacrosse.com E TRAILS BIK Visitors Bureau Visitors Crosse (La riverboats Home of two Cruises) Explorer and Mississippi Queen primitive and electric, Water, camping sites La Crosse Area Convention & La Crosse Area •  Friendship Gardens • Riverside International • Riverside USA Museum •  Site Launch Kayak/Canoe • Great Fields • Ball • Shelter Rentals • Walking trails Trail Bike Crosse River State La • Access To • www.cityoflacrosse.com/parks • http://www.co.la-crosse.wi.us •  • La Crosse River State Trail River • La Crosse Trail State River • Great • Sparta-Elroy State Trail State Trail Wisconsin • 400 Veterans Memorial Park and Campground Veterans Memorial Park is Veterans Park, Goose Island Much like located in campground park and county a WI. Salem, West visit: on local parks information more For Riverside Park Park Riverside Park Riverside Crosse, park in La The landmark At the community. an active center of is the is Park Riverside rivers, three of confluence and for those that lifestyles, for active designed pass by. river slowly the just watch want to The La Crosse area is the destination for area is The La Crosse Why? across the country. from bicyclists smooth rides, features, beautiful river Natural more Crosse boasts La why. trails, that’s 4 with access to most, than trails bicycling Riverside Park! the heart of in right trails major routes, milk tracks, paved railroad Abandoned use trails make shared off-road, rugged and La Crosse a bicycling dream! to: go For more information or bike4trails.com bicyclelacrosse.com Use Trails: Mountain Bike & Shared human of miles 11 over created Volunteers have We powered trails on the rim of the city. mountain biking trails for the entire family, or you can enjoy adventurous spirits for more high atop scenic heart-pounding descents from bird bluffs that provide sanctuary for both the find to those determined watching and spectacular bluffs that were off way fastest Driftless area. by glaciers in the untouched left humanpoweredtrails.com

• Frisbee Golf • Frisbee Rental • Kayak/Canoe

NaturesPlaceToPlay.com (finished in 2012) (finished in Newly Remodeled Overlook Overlook Remodeled Newly • Fishing Piers • Fishing • Public Beaches • Shelters • Kids Coulee Play Area Coulee • Kids • Splash Area Playscapes • Adventure • Nature Trails • Tennis Courts Park • Dog • Natural Wetlands and Marshes • Walking trails • Shelter • Restrooms •  Pettibone Park River, Pettibone Park Mississippi on the Right beaches such as features natural play areas, lagoons. and Myrick Park Myrick park, features everything La Crosse’s oldest a fun, explorative day. have needs to family a from connects numerous trails, park large This next your Park for easy to hard, visit Myrick place Park is a great outdoor adventure. Myrick run or hike. a trail start to Grandad Bluff Bluff Grandad Located on the top of the bluff overlooking overlooking bluff the top of on the Located This Crosse. La of city the and states 3 Mighty along the is unparalleled bluff view River. Mississippi Morgan Quitno Press. Quitno – Morgan

KS AR P AREA 7th Safest Metropolitan Area in the Nation. in Area Metropolitan 7th Safest Water, electric, and primitive electric, and Water, camping sites (Bassmaster Elite 2012 & 2013) & (Bassmaster Elite 2012 Site of multiple fishing tournaments of multiple Site •  Canoe/Kayak rentals • Seasonal Launch • Boat • Sandy Beach • Shelter Rentals • Walking Trails • Home of our La Crosse Loggers! Crosse La our • Home of • Tennis Courts Courts • Basketball Fields • Baseball/Softball • Splash Park • Shelter House Engine • Historic Steam •  Goose Island County Park and Campground Goose Island County Park Mississippi River, the on the banks of Located 35. Highway Crosse on of La south miles three Copeland Park Copeland Park the River, located at of the Black the banks On Avenue. Copeland Clinton Street and corner of The La Crosse area features many parks features area The La Crosse our area’s unique geographical that highlight the coulees to to rivers From the features. meet your to parks are sure the bluffs, our needs. recreational BOATING CANOEING/KAYAKING

Why not start your La Crosse adventure on From the Mississippi River, our scenic bluffs the Mighty Mississippi River? With endless provide a spectacular backdrop as seen from beaches, pristine water skiing, and spectacular a kayak or canoe coming across our pristine sunsets, the La Crosse area has miles of backwaters. The challenge is to momentarily riverfront to begin your journey. La Crosse stop paddling, take it all in, before you lose has multiple municipal harbors and facilities yourself yet again in the heightened efforts for overnight boat storage. Additionally, the of physical activity that can't be replicated Riverside Park public docks allow boaters to anywhere. And yet you remain a few strokes tie up their boat and explore La Crosse. Within away from the city. Home to 7 rivers, most are a short walk, land lovers will find our famous able to be paddled during portions of the year. restaurants, gift shops, and nightlife, or just Popular paddle rivers include the La Crosse, enjoy a stroll through the park. Contact the Black, Root, Mississippi, and many more. La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Visit our web site to learn more at to plan your next excursion. 1-800-658-9424 explorelacrosse.com

Electric & water hook-ups CAMPING SWIMMING Restrooms & Showers Laundry 3 Dump Stations The greater La Crosse area has several public Many local municipalities have recently built and private campgrounds to choose from. or updated their pools, including Holmen, Beach Some are even accessible by water, such as Onalaska, La Crescent, and La Crosse. Indoor Playgrounds Goose Island Campground (608-788-7018) pools can be found at the YMCA and some Rentals and Pettibone Park Resort (800-738-8426), of our local schools, such as UW-La Crosse. Store or just find yourself a nice island beach to set In the summer, our river beaches are safe, up your camp. Other popular campgrounds clean, and have lifeguards. Pettibone Beach Minature Golf include Neshonoc Lakeside Camp Resort is located directly across from Riverside Park Big Rig Friendly (888-783-0035), and Veterans Memorial Park and is a local treasure. The Black River Beach in West Salem (608-786-4011). For a complete has recently undergone improvements, and has Reservations Accepted list of accommodations, visit our website at outdoor showers and plenty of parking. explorelacrosse.com (608) 788-7018 3 miles South of La Crosse on Hwy 35 www.co.la-crosse.wi.us

Electric & Water Hook-ups Restrooms & Showers Laundry Dump Station Fish Pond Firewood Canoe Landing Big Rig Friendly On State Bike Trail (608) 786-4011 9 miles East of La Crosse on Hwy 16 1 mile West of West Salem

22 | explorelacrosse.com SPORTS & RECREATION

explorelacrosse.com | 23 explorelacrosse.com TENNIS ITIES V ACTI NTER WI Tennis is a thriving recreational sport in is a thriving recreational sport Tennis maintains The city of La Crosse La Crosse. list a find To courts. access public many free www.cityoflacrosse.com visit them all, of Snowy activities include alpine, cross-country include alpine, cross-country Snowy activities and sledding. Many snow shoeing, skiing, trails for offer groomed courses local golf Castle Drugan’s skiing, such as cross-country bluffs challenging The Hills. Forest Mound, and country that around the athletes from attract and winter, the in challenge a for are looking for training for those training can provide great for fitness. or races another popular activity, Snowmobiling is miles of 600 Over weather permits. the when await visitors. groomed trails state, communities across the Connecting all the way to witness is a great snowmobiling copy a request To beauty that winter brings. Crosse La the maps, contact snowmobiling of at Bureau Visitors and Convention Area out online them or check 800-658-9424, at www.laxsnowmobile.com NG GOLF HUNTI Hunters in the La Crosse area chase squirrels, chase squirrels, area in the La Crosse Hunters many more deer, turkey, and ducks, geese, 20,000 than more There are varieties of game. land, plus Mississippi accessible of public acres hunters. River access for duck and goose With a blend of affordable, public access golf With a blend of affordable, clubs, La Crosse courses, and private country meet your sure to is that course golf has a woods, and bluffs the Nestled in needs. experience for unique a offers La Crosse have t-box, you may Peering from the golfers. of or view Bluff, of Grandad a view view, a river your keep just be sure to wildlife, abundant our middle! down the right it drive and down head All fishable properties are posted by the land- by the posted are properties fishable All when rights their respect so please owners, Trout or brown trout. brook, rainbow, a chasing out check fall, early through runs spring season dates. exact for website DNR the Wisconsin NG HI FIS Outside Magazine ranked La Crosse #11 for The 16 Best Places to #11 for La Crosse ranked Magazine Outside 2014 the U.S.: in Live Due to a geological effect commonly called the the called effect commonly Due to a geological of a glacier the lack Driftless Area, caused by area the greater La Crosse ice-age, the during The well. trout streams as fishable has miles of the part to in thriving, thanks industry is trout many cooperation of public access through the owners. private land and agencies state If you have a boat, use it, but if you don’t, you but if use it, boat, a If you have fishing several public has area the La Crosse and the popular Riverside as such areas, can fee, anglers small For a Parks. Houska barges (floats). fishing fish on several at site visit our web more, out find To www.explorelacrosse.com The Mississippi River, and all its tributaries host tributaries its and all River, The Mississippi fish freshwater collections of largest the of one pan fish include game Popular in the world! bass, catfish, pike, walleye and fish, northern end at the night crawler Soaking a perch. and all afternoon, you busy keep should your line of adventure, try our you are seeking more if but of Recent host fishing waters. bass world-class fishing tournament Elite Series the Bassmaster how at are amazed others, anglers many and caught in the La Crosse they bass many keeper are of the year, anglers area. At certain times pike from the northern pulling trophy routinely waters. can be spotted there, or nearby, as they nest here BIRD WATCHING or migrate through. Turkeys prowl the woods and fields near La Crosse, delighting hunters and photographers. More than 200 species of birds live in or pass Waterfowl, especially ducks, gather by the tens through the La Crosse Area in a typical year, and of thousands on the Mississippi River and nearby travelers don’t have to go far to see them. Bald Lake Onalaska each fall, providing thrills for both eagles, in fact, have been seen right in Riverside bird-watchers and hunters. Park near the city’s downtown. Tundra swans pass through La Crosse each fall The Great River Birding Trail passes right through as they make their way from nesting grounds La Crosse County, and bird-watchers find the near the Arctic Circle to Chesapeake Bay. They viewing is great in several nearby sanctuaries, use the Mississippi River Valley as a resting spot including Myrick Marsh, Hixon Forest, Goose before continuing on their 4,000-mile journey. Island County Park and Nelson Park, which are all in or near La Crosse. In 2011, the communities of La Crosse and Trempealeau were recognized as part of Bird La Crosse County contains a segment of the City Wisconsin. This is a program that Rewards Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Communities for creating healthy habitats for Fish Refuge, and more than 300 species of birds birds and people.

The area has several nesting pairs of eagles, and they can be spotted along the Mississippi River EAGLES and its tributaries in the La Crosse area, and sometimes out in the countryside wherever food might be available. They are majestic, historically significant, and present in large numbers in the La Crosse area. Wildlife experts encourage everyone to view We are talking about eagles, of course, and eagles from a distance, so as not to startle the watchers get a thrill every time one is spotted birds. They also suggest staying In a vehicle, soaring on a breeze, or snagging a meal out of since it will act as a blind because stepping out a river, or simply perched on a limb alongside of the vehicle may well scare the eagles away. a stream. The most spectacular time of the year for eagle enthusiasts is the late fall and early spring, when the birds follow changing ice conditions on the Mississippi River. They like open water, and more than 150 of them have been spotted at one time, scavenging fish from Lake Onalaska and Richmond Bay on La Crosse’s North Side.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE & FISH REFUGE

The La Crosse District Visitor Center for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge...... 608-779-2399 Located in Onalaska on Brice Prairie, five miles north of La Crosse. The Visitor Center is nestled into 186 acres of restored sand prairie. More than two miles of trails wind through the prairie offering visitors a view of abundant wildflowers and wildlife. The paved main trail ends at a new overlook that provides a vista of the bluffs and Lake Onalaska, a backwater of the Mississippi River. Inside the Visitor Center, exhibits and interactive displays highlight the fish and wildlife that call the Refuge home. Naturalists are available to answer questions and recommend places to visit along the Mississippi River and the Refuge which stretches 261 river miles from Wabasha, Minnesota to Rock Island, Illinois. The Refuge Friends Group operates the Prairie Wind Nature Store inside the Visitor Center and offers nature-themed books and gifts for all ages. The Visitor Center is open year-round but hours vary by season. Trails are open daylight to dusk.

24 | explorelacrosse.com La Crosse Loggers Toad’s Cove Arena BMX S PO RTS & RECREATION NATURALLY FUN Baseball Club 3939 County Road B...... 608-779-2453 1223 Caledonia Street...... 608-796-9553 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI toadscove.com Cedar Creek Country Club northwoodsleague.com/lacrosse-loggers 2600 Cedar Creek Lane...... 608-783-8100 Onalaska, WI La Crosse Pettibone Boat Club Bike Trails: cedarcreekonalaska.com South Pettibone Dr...... 608-784-7743 La Crosse, WI La Crosse’s reputation as a bicycle Clements Fishing Barge & friendly community continues Captain Hooks Bait & Tackle Mt. La Crosse to grow every year, and it’s no 108 Main Street...... 608-689-2800 P.O. Box 9, ...... 608-788-0044 wonder. From Riverside Park in Genoa, WI N5549 Old Town Hall Rd downtown La Crosse, you can clementsfishing.com La Crosse, WI access the La Crosse River State mtlacrosse.com Trail, which links to three other Coulee Region Adventures PLA-MOR Lanes major state trails, stretching 1421 Franklin Street...... 608-769-7809 from Marshland to Sparta--over Onalaska, WI 807 S 4th Street...... 608-784-3043 coulee-region-adventures.com La Crosse, WI 100 miles in all! These railbed plamorlanes.2gobowl.com/ trails are the perfect way to Crooked Creek Canoe LLC experience the natural wonder of W5585 Cty Hwy MM, Lot 131...... 608-606-9090 S & S Houseboat Rentals our river and marsh lands. Long- La Crosse, WI 990 South Front St, ...... 800-728-0131 distance road bikers will find the crookedcreekcanoe.com P.O. Box 389 surrounding bluffs to be a more Lansing, IA than adequate challenge, and La Crosse County Facilities ssboatrentals.com mountain bikers have access to Department 11 miles of adrenaline-pumping 400 North 4th St, Room 1370...... 608-785-9770 Snowflake Ski & Golf Club trails in Hixon Forest. La Crosse, WI P.O. Box 2...... 608-634-3211 co.la-crosse.wi.us Westby, WI snowflakeskiclub.com

ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS HAPPEN From minor illnesses and injuries to URGENT CARE severe trauma and emergencies— For non-life-threatening illnesses Gundersen Health System offers or injuries options to match the level of care La Crosse – Emergency Services you need at more locations. Urgent Care – 1900 South Ave. 7 days a week | (608) 775-2192 EXPRESSCARE CLINIC Onalaska Clinic Urgent Care – Convenient, affordable care for minor 3111 Gundersen Dr. concerns (ages 2+), located inside 7 days a week | (608) 775-8650 Festival Foods La Crosse – 2500 State Road 33 EMERGENCY SERVICES Onalaska – 1260 Crossing Meadows For serious or life-threatening illness 7 days a week | (608) 775-5858 or injuries La Crosse – Emergency Services – NOT SURE? 1900 South Ave. Speak to a Nurse Advisor free of charge Open 24/7 | (608) 775-3128 Available 24/7 | (608) 775-4454 GUNDERSENHEALTH.ORG/URGENT-AND-EMERGENCY-CARE

Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Inc. | Gundersen Clinic, Ltd. | 907-4 EMS

La Crosse – Winona, MN area ranked the 20th most secure place to live in the United States among small towns. explorelacrosse.com | 25 – Farmers Insurance Group 2015 5th Annual

Sept. 4 thru Sept. 7

Cameron Park Downtown La Crosse

• Daily Featured Rides • Pedal and Paddle • Historical Guided • Mountain Bike Bicycle Tours • BMX • Ice Cream & Coffee Rides • Much More!

800-658-9424 | bicyclelacrosse.com

Get In. Get Care.

Illness and injury happen at the most inconvenient times. At our Urgent Care locations we can help you get in, get care and get back to your day.

La Crosse Onalaska Emergency and Urgent Care Center 191 Theater Road, Onalaska, WI 54650 • 608-392-5000 800 West Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601 • 608-392-7000 5 p.m.- 9 p.m., Mon-Fri. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, including holidays 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sat., Sun. & most holidays

Franciscan Healthcare mayoclinichealthsystem.org

26 | explorelacrosse.com Sparta, Wisconsin www.bikesparta.com Explore, Experience, Enjoy. 1-800-354-BIKE or 608-269-4123 111 Milwaukee St. Sparta WI 54656

BICYCLING AS CA RIC PI E TA AM L

Winter, summer, spring or fall, Sparta is a choice destination. Explore the scenery while biking through our famous tunnels or by fishing the area’s best trout streams & hunting on more than 15,000 acres of public land. Experience the breath taking views by canoing & kayaking on our winding creeks or serene lake, swish through the snow while skiing our groomed trails or hills & take in the rich history when you visit the local museums & Victorian homes. Enjoy the crisp air while taking a walking bridge tour & enjoy the local shopping & wine & dine in the comfort of Sparta’s restaurants. Celebrate everything good at one of Sparta’s many festivals throughout the year. To see a full list of festivals, check the events calendar on the website.

1-800-354-BIKE WWW.BIKESPARTA.COM

ACCOMMODATIONS Number of Rooms Price Range Friendly Bicycle Waterpark Indoor Pool Restaurant On-Site Cocktail Lounge Continental Breakfast Center Fitness ServiceShuttle Space Meeting/Convention Allowed Pets

Downtown La Crosse - Exit 3 Candlewood Suites 608-785-1110 92 $70-$189 X X X 56 Copeland Ave., La Crosse candlewoodsuites.com/lacrossenorth The Charmant Hotel 866-697-7300 (Opening late summer/fall) 67 $139-$299 X X X X X X X thecharmanthotel.com 101 State Street, La Crosse Courtyard by Marriott 608-782-1000 • 800-321-2211 78 $109-$429 X X X X X X X 500 Front Street, La Crosse marriott.com/LSECY GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel 608-796-1615 • 855-455-7829 55 $70-$299 X X X X X X 525 Front Street North, La Crosse grandstaylacrosse.com Hampton Inn & Suites 608-791-4000 (Opening late summer/fall) 126 $149-$179 X X X X X hamptoninn.com 511 Third St. N, La Crosse Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 608-784-4444 • 800-HOLIDAY 114 $70-$200 X X X X X X X 200 Pearl Street, La Crosse holidayinn.com Radisson Hotel 608-784-6680 • 800-333-3333 169 $70-$299 X X X X X X X X 200 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse radisson.com/lacrossewi Northside La Crosse - Exit 3 Americas Best Value Inn 608-781-3070 108 $50-$100 X X X 2622 Rose Street, La Crosse americasbestvalueinn.com Best Western Riverfront Hotel 608-781-7000 • 877-688-9260 119 $60.99-$199.99 X X X X X X X X X 1835 Rose Street, La Crosse bestwestern.com Econo Lodge 608-781-0200 71 $50-$150 X X X 1906 Rose Street, La Crosse econolodge.com Motel 6 608-781-0400 • 800-446-4656 99 $50-$150 X X X X 2150 Rose Street, La Crosse motel6.com/Wisconsin Quality Inn 608-781-1400 • 800-243-3053 84 $50-$150 X X X X X 1830 Rose Street, La Crosse Settle Inn 608-781-5100 • 800-677-3060 101 $51-$150 X X X X X X 2110 Rose Street, La Crosse settleinn.com Super 8 Motel 608-781-8880 • 800-800-8000 82 $51-$200 X X X X X X 1625 Rose Street, La Crosse Super8.com Northwest La Crosse - Exit 2 French Island Days Inn 608-783-1000 • 800-329-7466 147 $50-$200 X X X X X X X X A 101 Sky Harbour Drive, La Crosse daysinn.com South La Crosse - Exit 3 Welch Motel 608-788-1300 16 $40-$110 X 3643 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse welchmotel.com Bed & Breakfast/Inns/Houses Bluff View House & The Cottage (two 608-317-4311 2 $100-$150 X 751 & 756 22nd St., N. La Crosse houses) BluffViewHouseRental.com houses Four Gables Bed & Breakfast 608-788-7958 3 $51-$150 F W5648 Hwy 14-61, La Crosse bedandbreakfast.com/listing.aspxx?id=602305 Wilson School House Inn 608-787-1982 2 $70-$155 X X 4703 HWY 14-61, La Crosse wilsonschoolhouseinn.com

All properties provide internet access . A= Available by request; F=Four Course Gourmet Breakfast.

La Crosse – Winona, MN area ranked the 20th most secure place to live in the United States among small towns. explorelacrosse.com | 29 – Farmers Insurance Group explore LODGING

hether you prefer cozy and quaint or expansive and luxurious, W La Crosse has just the right accommodations for you. Need convenience? Grab any of several motels right off I-90. Prefer four- or five-star treatment? Try the Radisson, or Courtyard by Marriott, both right on the Mississippi River. We have historic B&Bs, cozy cabins in the woods, and comfortable lodgings in the heart of downtown--something for every taste in every price range. 1-800-HOLIDAY [email protected] www.holidayinn.com/lacrossewi

LOCATED ONE BLOCK EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LA CROSSE; THE HOLIDAY INN & SUITES AND BUSTER’S BAR & GRILL ARE IN WALKING DISTANCE TO SHOPS, NIGHTLIFE, MUSEUMS, ANTIQUE CENTERS AND RIVERSIDE PARK HOTEL AMENITIES: LOCATED IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN INDOOR/OVERSIZED WHIRLPOOL COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SERVICE COVERED PARKING FREE HI-SPEED INTERNET 500 SQ. FT. MEETING ROOM FITNESS CENTER

• Award Winning Hampton Inn-Top 10% • Hilton HHonors® Points & Miles® ™ • Free On the House Hot Breakfast These deluxe houseboats come • Swimming pool and Hot tub with 1 1/2 or 2 baths, private staterooms, full kitchen with • Clean and Fresh Hampton Bed™ microwave, waterslides and • Free high-speed internet access deluxe furnishings. Amenities like air conditioning, DVD, • 100% Hampton Satisfaction Guarantee™ gas grill, stereo & much more. Vacation packages from $625 Hampton Inn La Crosse/Onalaska 308 Hampton Court, Onalaska, WI 54650 Phone: 608.779.5000 www.lacrosseonalaska.hamptoninn.com

*Mention this ad to receive 10% off, not valid on special events or with other offers. **Advanced reservations required.

Best Performing Cities of the 96 Smallest Metros (20th Overall). explorelacrosse.com | 31 – Milken Institute Best Western Riverfront Hotel $ Off Your Stay Valid Jan. 2015 thru Dec. 2015 Discount available on rack rates only Some restrictions apply. We10 invite you to experience our new tropical water park www.bestwestern.com

1835 Rose Street • La Crosse, WI 54603 877-688-9260 • 608-781-7000

Why check out at 11 when you can play for the day?

Stay Saturday night at rack rate and get Sunday ½ Price Off! Valid through December 30, 2015. Some restrictions apply.

101 Sky Harbour Dr. | La Crosse, WI 54603 (608)783-1000

10% OFF Best Available Rates

(800) 659-2220

3060 Kinney Coulee Rd. Onalaska, WI 54650 Expires December 31, 2015

32 | explorelacrosse.com nIn Th the eheart Mighty of La Crosse’s historicMississippi downtown — COMPLETELY RENOVATED IN 2012 —

■ Featuring New Courtyard ■ New Courtyard Bistro – Open for Refreshing Business Lobby Breakfast and Dinner ■ Rooms Overlooking the Mississippi ■ We Proudly Brew Starbucks®- ■ Complimentary High-Speed Internet Available 24 Hours ■ ■ Indoor Pool/Jacuzzi and Exercise Room Meeting/Banquet Services Available Wi-Fi LOCATIONS

Best Western Riverfront Hotel Blue Moon For Reservations Call 608-782-1000 Worldwide Reservations Call 800-321-2211 Bodega www.marriott.com/LSECY Cabin Coffee Downtown on the Mississippi • 500 Front Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 Carlos O’Kellys Franklin Victorian B&B Sparta King Street Kitchen La Crosse Center Lindy’s Mt. La Crosse Pearl Street Brewery Welcome home. Pickerman’s Radisson Hotel GrandStay® La Crosse features: Rainbow Ridge B&B • Spacious suites with full kitchens Sparta Chamber of • Nightly, weekly and monthly rates Commerce • Outdoor sport court with grill area • Indoor pool, whirlpool and exercise room Westby House • Complimentary Grand Start® Breakfast Wilson • FREE wired and wireless internet Book your grand stay today! Schoolhouse Inn • Walking distance to restaurants and bars Reservation Line: 877.388.7829

525 Front Street N • La Crosse, WI 54601 • 608.796.1615 • www.grandstaylacrosse.com Bluff View House GREAT HOSPITALITY 762 North 22nd St...... 608-317-4311 Cozy Corner Cottages La Crosse, WI W8071 C.T.H. ZB...... 608 781-3792 bluffviewhouserental.com Onalaska, WI Americas Best Value Inn cozycornercottages.net 2622 Rose Street...... 608-781-3070 Brambleberry Country Come vacation on Lake Onalaska! Fully La Crosse, WI Inn & Winery N3684 Claire Rd...... 608-525-8001 furnished cabins sleep up to 6 people and L americasbestvalueinn.com Taylor, WI include: WiFi, cable, TV, a/c, full kitchen, O D G I brambleberrybandb.com charcoal grill, fire pit, picnic table and lawn AmericInn of West Salem chairs. The property has an outdoor in-ground 125 Buol Rd...... 608-786-3340 pool, play ground, dock and fish cleaning West Salem, WI Candlewood Suites building. Use of a variety of non-motorized americinnwestsalem.com 54 Copeland Ave...... 608-785-1110 La Crosse, WI boats is included in rental cost and can be NG Baymont Inn & Suites candlewoodsuites.com/lacrossenorth launched on site. Pet friendly. 3300 N. Kinney Coulee Rd...... 608-783-7191 Onalaska, WI The Charmant Hotel baymontinns.com (Opening late Summer/Fall) Crescent Moon Retreat 101 State Street...... 866-697-7300 308 Shore Acres Rd...... 507-406-0320 La Crosse, WI La Crescent, MN Best Western Riverfront Hotel thecharmanthotel.com crescentmoonretreat.com 1835 Rose St...... 608-781-7000 La Crosse, WI bestwestern.com Courtyard by Marriott Days Hotel & Conference 500 Front St...... 608-782-1000 Center La Crosse, WI 101 Sky Harbour Drive...... 608-783-1000 marriott.com/LSECY La Crosse, WI daysinn.com Econo Lodge 1906 Rose St...... 608-781-0200 GET AWAY La Crosse, WI FROM THE EVERYDAY econolodge.com Four Gables Bed & Breakfast W5648 Hwy 14-61...... 608-788-7958 La Crosse, WI HISTORIC DOWNTOWN bedandbreakfast.com/bbc/p602305.asp  Wireless High-Speed Internet Franklin Victorian Bed &  Close to attractions, unique Breakfast specialty shops and nightlife 220 E Franklin St...... 608-366-1427  Next to Riverside Park and the Sparta, WI beautiful Mississippi River franklinvictorianbb.com  Free gated parking, heated pool, whirlpool, fitness center and Three Rivers Lodge riverview restaurant and bar Private resort on 200 secluded acres in the hills of western Wisconsin. Luxurious chalets and bungalow. Bask in beautiful surroundings. Fireplaces, Reservations: whirlpools, waterfall. Indulge. 608-366-1212 Open year round. www.percheronparadise.com RADISSON HOTEL LA CROSSE [email protected] 200 Harborview Plaza La Crosse, WI 54601 +1 (608) 784-6680 +1 (800) 333-3333 westbycreamery.com radisson.com/lacrossewi

Take Home County Goodness!TM 608-634-3181

615 N. Main St. Westby, WI 54667

34 | explorelacrosse.com Job #: 36220-1-stoney Color(s): 4C Size: 4.75" x 9.65" Bleed?: Y Folded Size: NA Misc:

GrandStay Residential Suites 525 Front Street North...... 608-796-1615 La Crosse, WI grandstay.net Hampton Inn & Suites (Opening late Summer/Fall) 511 Third St. N...... 608-791-4000 La Crosse, WI hamptoninn.com Hampton Inn of Onalaska 308 Hampton Court...... 608-779-5000 Onalaska, WI hamptoninn3.hilton.com Hawks View Cottages 525 Ohio Street...... 866-293-0803 St Paul, WI hawksview.net Holiday Inn Express of Onalaska 9409 Hwy 16...... 608-783-6555 Onalaska, WI wisconsinholidayinns.com Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 200 Pearl Street...... 608-784-4444 La Crosse, WI holiday-inn.com/lacrosse Justin Trails Resort 7452 Kathryn Avenue...... 608-269-4522 Sparta, WI justintrails.com Lumber Baron Inn 421 2nd Street N...... 608-781-8938 Onalaska, WI lumberbaroninn.com Microtel Inn 3240 N. Kinney Coulee Road...... 608-783-0833 Onalaska, WI microtelinn.com Motel 6 2150 Rose Street...... 608-781-0400 La Crosse, WI motel6.com Neshonoc Lakeside Campground & Resort N5334 Neshonoc Road...... 608-786-1792 West Salem, WI neshonoclakeside.com Onalaska Comfort Inn 1223 Crossing Meadows Dr...... 608-781-7500 Onalaska, WI choicehotels.com Percheron Paradise Hideaway 12833 County Hwy XX...... 608-366-1212 Norwalk, WI percheronparadise.com For reservations in La Crosse, call 800.659.2220 Pettibone Park Resort, Inc. or visit StoneyCreekHotels.com 333 Park Plaza Drive...... 608-782-5858 La Crosse, WI pettiboneresort.com Business Insider ranked La Crosse #2 Most Exciting Small Cities in America. explorelacrosse.com | 35 Spring Hollow Cabin GREAT HOSPITALITY 29298 Spies Road...... 507-643-6218 Westby House Inn 200 W State St...... 608-634-4112 Dakota, MN Westby, WI springhollowcabin.com Quality Inn westbyhouse.com 1830 Rose Street...... 608-781-1400 Stoney Creek Inn A popular Wisconsin bed and breakfast La Crosse, WI 3060 South Kinney Coulee Rd.....608-781-3060 offering 9 guest rooms with the right levels L qualityinn.com Onalaska, WI of history. Comfort and hospitality! Private O D G I stoneycreekinn.com baths. Breakfast included. Complimentary Quiet Valley Cabins WiFi. Air Conditioned. Knowledgeable S1216 Knudson Lane...... 608-452-2086 Super 8 Motel Concierge. Enjoy Westby’s small town Coon Valley, WI 1625 Rose Street...... 608-781-8880 Norwegian heritage and shops. Explore bike quietvalleycabins.com La Crosse, WI trails, canoeing and wineries. Dine the local super8.com NG and organic cusines. Short drive from Radisson Hotel La Crosse on State Hwy 14/61-Southeast. 200 Harborview Plaza...... 608-784-6680 Welch Motel La Crosse, WI 3643 Mormon Coulee Rd...... 608-788-1300 radisson.com/lacrossewi La Crosse, WI Wilson Schoolhouse Inn welchmotel.com 4703 HWY 14-61...... 608-787-1982 Rainbow Ridge Farms B&B La Crosse, WI N5732 Hauser Rd...... 608-783-8181 wilsonschoolhouseinn.com Onalaska, WI rainbowridgefarms.com Safe Landing Motel Sept. 26 • 2015 329 N Main Street...... 608-457-2122 Stoddard, WI safelandingmotel.com Settle Inn 2110 Rose Street...... 608-781-5100 La Crosse, WI settleinn.com

On the Oktoberfest Grounds April 25th 2015 Tickets go on sale March 13

Join us Saturday, April 25th, 2015. Must be 21 or older to attend, no exceptions. Tickets include souvenir tasting glass, beer, wine and cheese samples from over 70 vendors. Live Music New this year... speciality beer Food Pavilion & More contest--aptly titled the B.E.S.T. (Beer Exhibiting Specialty Traits) Beer Competition www.betweenthebluffsbeerfest.com 800.658.9424

36 | explorelacrosse.com ● 119 Spacious Rooms ● Indoor Mini Water Park ● Full Service Restaurant & Lounge ● Outside Bar & Grille ● Private Beach & Boat Docks ● Banquet Space for Up to 350 People 608-781-7000 | 877-688-9260

1835 Rose Street • La Crosse, WI 54603 | www.bestwestern.com Enjoy history, bluff-top views, outstanding trails and charming river towns along Hwy 35, the Wisconsin Great River Road—Wisconsin’s only designated National Scenic Byway.

The Wisconsin Great River Road parallels the Mississippi River for 250 miles from Prescott in the north to Kieler in the south. Along the way, you’ll experience some of the most incredible scenery in the Midwest and 33 unique communities, some of which are the oldest in Wisconsin.

You’ll find hiking, bicycling, fishing, boating and paddling in the numerous recreational areas along the byway. Nearly two-thirds of the Wisconsin Great River Road passes along or through protected natural areas, providing endless bird-watching opportunities.

Historical markers, museums and visitor centers tell the story of the Wisconsin Great River Road and the people who live and work along the Mississippi River. Scenic overlooks along the Wisconsin Great River Road are some of the best places in North America to see bald eagles.

For an unforgettable family road trip, a great getaway or a weeklong vacation, explore the Wisconsin Great River Road.

For more information on the Great River Road, contact 1-800-658-9424.

38 | explorelacrosse.com Voted Prettiest Drive & the Ultimate Summer Road Trip In The US. Treasures Await You ... Just Minutes From Downtown La Crosse

"Big Enough To Serve For Tickets Call: Caledonia Street Small Enough To Care" Antique Mall 608-796-9553 Professional June thru Insurance Carrier Insurance August 1215 Caledonia Street Agents Agency La Crosse, Wisconsin

608-782-8443 800-236-6879 www.lacrosseloggers.com

1228 Caledonia St. • La Crosse, WI 1225 Caledonia St. • La Crosse, WI

The Jeweller With The Mark of Excellence Memorials Awards Mark Jewellers Keepsakes Real Charcoal Steaks • Seafood 608-785-0110 608.789.2386 www.markjewellers.com 608-781-7787 www.pogrebarestaurant.com 1205 Caledonia St. • La Crosse, WI 1223 Caledonia St. • La Crosse, WI 1232 Avon St. • La Crosse, WI

608-784-9555 La Crosse's first hot yoga studio offering Power Vinyasa yoga in the tradition of 54 Years Appraisal Experience Baron Baptiste, a style of yoga for everyone. Complete Line of Coins/Supplies www.rootdownyogastudio.com 1217 Caledonia St. • La Crosse, WI 1226 Caledonia St. • La Crosse, WI

Coon Valley • De Soto • Holmen • Ferryville Bangor Barre Mills N. La Crosse • S. La Crosse • Sparta Stoddard • Westby (608) 783-9141 608.784.8900 bmoharris.com www.riverbank.biz 608-782-0155 1300 Rose St. • La Crosse, WI 54603 BMO Harris Bank N.A. 1232 Rose St. La Crosse, WI 54603 1119 Caledonia St. • La Crosse, WI

Historic Old Towne North can prove to be a very unique and fun shopping experience. Many small businesses that carry a variety of products and items not found elsewhere. Easy curbside parking Cafe & Coffee Shop with lots of old fashion service. Only a few minutes from downtown Wholesome Locally Sourced Food La Crosse. Come and enjoy what Old Towne North has to offer. 608.591.5551 40 1217 Caledonia St. • La Crosse, WI ON THE BLUFFS • ON THE TRAILS • ON THE WATER

There are many fun things to do in Onalaska! Onalaska graces the shore of Lake Onalaska, a 7,700-acre pool of the Mississippi River. Here you’ll fi nd canoeing and kayaking, hiking and biking. On the trail head for the Great River State Trail which connects to 101 miles of non-stop hiking, biking, and snowmobiling!

Order your FREE information 1-800-873-1901

Whomever said money couldn’t buy happiness didn’t know WHERE TO SHOP!

Enjoy browsing two floors of unique gifts, personal accessories & seasonal décor. Sample our gourmet foods while you explore over 8,000 sq ft of gifts & goods in endless variety! RIGHT ON HWY 16, 5 BLOCKS N OF I-90 9546 HWY 16, Onalaska, WI 608-783-GIFT Mon - Fri 10-8 Saturday 10-6 Sunday 11-5 WWW.TREEHOUSEGIFTANDHOME.COM www.DiscoverOnalaska.com explore EDUCATION

isconsin is consistently among the highest-ranked Wstates in the nation with regard to education. It’s an integral part of our culture. The importance of a good education begins in preschool and continues through higher education. It is a community-wide dedication. UNIVERSITIES PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS

Catholic: Aquinas Catholic Area Schools: for more than 150 years, have served our community Western Technical College, founded in proudly through faith, service, and academic 1912, has provided area employers with excellence. Today, Aquinas Catholic Schools The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a capable workforce for nearly a century. operates five educational sites in La Crosse founded in 1909, has roots in teacher and Western currently has six locations in western and Onalaska. Each school provides excellent physical education. UW-La Crosse got its start Wisconsin that serve more than 19,000 educational opportunities, instruction as a teachers’ college. UW-L has become students annually. Known for providing quality emphasizing faith and virtues, and a vibrant more diversified in the past quarter century hands-on training, Western offers associate’s spirit. All schools are nationally accredited and and boasts an ever-growing athletic national degrees and technical diplomas in over 60 Aquinas High School has been honored as a championship tally. It has evolved into one of programs, including a new transfer degree National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the top institutions in the UW System — and in option — the Associate of Liberal Arts transfer the U.S. Department of Education. Financial the Midwest. UW-L consistently ranks among degree — where students can transfer to a aid and transportation are available at the top three public universities in the Midwest 4-year university as a junior. The college also aquinascatholicschools.org 608-784-8585 by U.S. News & World Report and is listed offers short-term certificates as well as a annually in Kiplinger’s Top 100 Best Value variety of Lifelong Learning courses. See more • Aquinas High School - grades 9-12 institutions nationwide. See more at: at: http://www.westerntc.edu. • Aquinas Middle School - grades 7-8 www.uwlax.edu • Blessed Sacrament School - grades 3-6 • Cathedral School - preschool-grade 2 • St. Patrick School - preschool-grade 6 PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Schools Public School District of La Crosse (WELS) (wels.net) (lacrosseschools.com) Viterbo University, founded by the Franciscan • First Lutheran School — grades The School District of La Crosse is a Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1890, preschool-8 composite of city and rural areas contained in remains committed to its Catholic Franciscan • Immanuel Lutheran School — grades approximately 100 square miles. The district is values and its mission to prepare students kindergarten-8 approximately 15 miles long and 7 miles wide. for faithful service and ethical leadership. • St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran School — Included within school district boundaries Today, Viterbooffers more than 50 majors grades preschool-8 are the City of La Crosse and parts of the andprograms for traditional undergraduate, • Mount Calvary-Grace Lutheran School — Townships of Medary, Shelby, Greenfield, adult and graduate students. Over the past grades preschool-8 Bergen, Hamburg, Washington and all of the 15 years, university enrollment has doubled, • Luther High School — grades 9-12 Town of Campbell. The District stretches from nearing 3,200 students. Construction of a new County Trunk B in Medary to School Section $15.8 million state-of-the-art nursing facility is Road near Stoddard. The western boundary being completed which follows several other Independent Schools: is the Mississippi River and the eastern most significant construction projects including a 608-784-6167 point is near St. Joseph’s Ridge.The district new fitness/recreation center and science has approximately 7,300 students served by: Providence Academy:Providence Academy and technology center. See more at: is an independent, private, classical academy www.viterbo.edu • Twelve elementary schools offered in fidelity to the Magisterium of the • Four middle schools Catholic Church. Our mission is to assist • Three high schools, including an parents in the intellectual and spiritual alternative, charter high school formation of their children Pre-K through 12th with campuses at each of the grades in a fun, faith-filled environment. Our other high schools. small classes allow our students to learn vast amounts of difficult material more quickly than contemporary education. At Providence, we believe a classical curriculum is the most Surround yourself with distinction. effective and proven educational philosophy. Come learn how classical education can Surround yourself with UW-La Crosse. prepare your student to succeed in a global world and to be leaders in service to God and humanity.

www.uwlax.edu

Best Performing Cities of the 96 Smallest Metros (20th Overall). explorelacrosse.com | 43 – Milken Institute

SHOPPING If you like big-name shopping centers, you can find all the largest commercial retailers in La Crosse and Onalaska. Or if you prefer to support independent, local businesses, historic downtown La Crosse has a vibrant shopping district full of the region’s finest specialty shops. Bargain hunters have their work cut out for them, with dozens of thrift and consignment stores to choose from, not to mention one of the largest antique malls in the state.

Jackson Plaza Satori Arts VARIETY IS KEY Shopping Center 201 Pearl Street...... 608-785-2779 1800 Jackson Street...... 608-386-4537 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI satori-arts-gallery.com Antique Center of La Crosse jacksonplaza.com Southwind Orchards 110 South 3rd Street...... 608-782-6533 45440 Cty Road 12...... 507-643-6225 La Crosse, WI Kwik Trip Stores 1626 Oak Street...... 608-781-8988 Dakota, MN La Crosse, WI southwindorchards.com Caledonia Street Antique Mall kwiktrip.com 1215 Caledonia St...... 608-782-8443 SSE Music, Inc. La Crosse, WI La Crescent Flea Market 2609 George St...... 608-781-2850 304 Fireside Drive...... 608-792-8193 La Crosse, WI Carpet One of La Crosse, LLC. La Crescent, MN ssemusic.com N3481 Hwy 16...... 608-784-9800 La Crosse, WI La Crosse Area Harley The Company Store carpetone.com Davidson 301 Sky Harbour Drive...... 608-783-6646 1116 Oak Forest Drive...... 608-783-6112 La Crosse, WI Cranberry Country Mall Onalaska, WI thecompanystore.com P.O. Box 848...... 608-372-7853 lacrosseharley.com Tomah, WI The Second Showing tomah.com/antiquemall La Crosse Clock 1400 West Ave. South ...... 608-785-1220 2815 Losey Blvd. So...... 608-796-0265 La Crosse, WI Crescent Jewelers La Crosse, WI thesecondshowing.com 429 Main Street...... 608-784-9275 lacrosse-clock.com La Crosse, WI TJ’S Cheddarheads singingjeweler.com La Crosse Floral Gift Gallery 2900 Floral Lane...... 608-784-7500 215 Pearl Street...... 608-784-8899 Designing Jewelers La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI 314 4th Street...... 608-782-4499 lacrossefloralshop.com pearlstreetwest.com La Crosse, WI designingjewelers.com La Crosse Olive Oil Co. Treehouse Gift and Home 515 Main St...... 608-782-6930 9546 US HWY 16 Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts La Crosse, WI East Frontage Rd...... 608-783-4438 100 South Main St...... 608-634-4414 lacrosseoliveoil.com Onalaska, WI Westby, WI treehousegiftandhome.com dregnesscandinaviangifts.com Main Street Framing & Crosse Stitchery Valley View Mall Finnottes Nut & 223 N 3rd Street...... 608-782-7008 3800 State Road 16...... 608-781-4700 Chocolate Shop La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI 417 Main Street...... 608-782-3184 crossestitchery.com myvalleyview.com La Crosse, WI finnottes.com Monsoor’s Sport Shop Village Shopping Center 517 Copeland Avenue...... 608-784-0482 2418 State Rd...... 608-788-7555 Games People Play La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI 537 Main St...... 608-785-4635 monsoorssportshop.com La Crosse, WI Westby Cooperative Creamery gppsports.com Nelson Flag & Display 615 N Main Street...... 608-634-3181 2501 South Ave...... 608-788-2990 Westby, WI Generous Earth Pottery La Crosse, WI westbycreamery.com 321 Main Street...... 608-782-3904 nelsonflag.com La Crosse, WI Wettstein’s generousearthpottery.com Old Country Cheese 215 N 3rd Street...... 608-784-6868 Route 3, Box 94A S La Crosse, WI Gerhard’s First Supply 0510 Cty HYD...... 608-654-5411 wettsteins.com P.O. Box 1028 ...... 608-791-3685 Cashton, WI La Crosse, WI oldcountrycheese.com Woodman’s Food Market 1supply.com 2631 Liberty Lane...... 608-783-2233 People’s Food Cooperative Janesville, WI Great Big Outlet 315 5th Ave. South...... 608-784-5798 woodmans-food.com 2815 Losey Blvd...... 608-796-0265 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI pfc.coop greatbigoutlet.com explorelacrosse.com | 45 WEBER CENTER for the BE INSPIRED All Glazed Up PERFORMING ARTS 205 Pearl Street...... 608-782-7248 La Crosse, WI There’s something happening all year around! allglazedup.com La Crosse Boy Choir P.O. Box 186...... 608-796-3767 La Crosse, WI lacrosseboychoir.com La Crosse Center 300 Harborview Plaza...... 608-789-7400 La Crosse, WI For a schedule of events or lacrossecenter.com more information, please visit us online! La Crosse Community Theatre 428 Front Street South...... 608-784-9292 www.webercenterfortheperformingarts.org La Crosse, WI lacrossecommunitytheatre.org La Crosse Symphony Orchestra 201 Main Street, Suite 230608-783-2121 La Crosse, WI lacrossesymphony.org Marcus Theatres 2032 Ward Avenue...... 608-791-1999 428 Front Street South La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI 54601 marcustheatres.com 608-784-9292 Photo by Roger Grant Roger by Photo Marie W. Heider Center for the Arts 405 E. Hamlin Street...... 608-786-1220 West Salem, WI heidercenter.org Minnesota Marine Art Museum 800 Riverview Drive...... 507-474-6626 Thoroughly Modern Millie (2014) Tuesdays With Morrie (2014) Noises Off (2013) The Snow Queen (2013) Winona, MN mmam.org Onalaska Omni Center 255 Riders Club Road...... 608-781-9566 Onalaska, WI omnicenter.net A Wrinkle in Time (2014) Playhouse on the Air Presents: Miracle on 34th Street (2013) Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (2014) Mary Poppins (2014) Pump House Regional Arts Center 119 King Street...... 608-785-1434 La Crosse, WI thepumphouse.org

Guys on Ice (2014) First Lady Suite (2013) The 39 Steps (2014) Our Town (2013) Weber Center for the Photos by Theresa M. Smerud, Visual Consultant and Arts Photographer Performing Arts 428 Front Street South...... 608-784-9292 La Crosse, WI Your seat is waiting. webercenterfortheperformingarts.org

Right on the river at 428 Front Street South. Call or visit us on the web for show info. www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org • 608-784-9292

46 | explorelacrosse.com ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

People who live in La Crosse can’t help but be inspired…and they express themselves in FESTIVALS a myriad of ways. The arts are alive in this river paradise. There’s always a new art exhibit at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. Check out the local thespians at one of the La Crosse Community Theatre’s quality productions at the newly constructed Weber Center Between the Bluffs Beer, for the Performing Arts. Toland Theatre at the University of La Crosse-Wisconsin and Viterbo Wine & Cheese Festival University’s Fine Arts Center are often home to excellent theatre productions or concerts 800-658-9424 betweenthebluffsbeerfest.com as well. Bicycle Festival 608-782-2366...... bicyclelacrosse.com Music enthusiasts will be mesmerized by the La Crosse Symphony, one of the finest in the Butterfest upper Midwest…and what could be finer than to spend a beautiful, summer Wednesday 608-769-9910...... spartabutterfest.com evening at Riverside Park for a free performance at the band shell by the La Crosse Concert Band? If you’re looking for something more up-tempo, La Crosse has a thriving live music Coon Creek Trout Festival scene; nearly every weekend, there’s a live band playing at one of our many clubs. From 608-787-1883...... cooncreektroutfest.com acoustic folk music to pop country to full-tilt rock and roll. Regional festivals offer fun for Festival Foods Grandad residents and visitors of all ages. Half Marathon 608-789-7593... festivalfoodsgrandadhalf.com Great River Folk Festival 608-784-3033...... greatriverfolkfest.org Irishfest-La Crosse, Inc. presents... 608-785-8153...... irishfestlacrosse.org Oktoberfest USA/La Crosse Festivals 608-784-3378...... oktoberfestusa.com Prairie Dog Blues Festival 608-326-0085...... prairiedogblues.com Riverfest 608-782-6000...... riverfestlacrosse.com Rotary Lights 608-784-9993...... rotarylights.org

©Jerry Weigel

119 King Street La Crosse, WI 5460l / 608.785.1434 / www.thepumphouse.org

Forbes Best Small Places for Business and Careers. explorelacrosse.com | 47 10 YMCA New Year’s Resolution Walk Run 2-Mar 1 La Crosse Freeze Hockey YMCA-North Green Island Ice Arena ...... 608-618-0160 AT A GLANCE www.laxymca.org/wwrs http://laxfreeze.pointstreaksites.com/

2015 CALE N DAR 1-11 Classic Images: Ansel Adams 2-Dec 4 First Fridays From stockcar races to wine tastings, baseball Photographs Gallery La Crosse ...... 608-782-4278 games to theatre showtimes, Explore Minnesota Marine http://www.gallerylacrosse.com/ La Crosse is your place to find something to Art Museum ...... 1-866-940-6626 do for a night of fun with your friends or plan http://www.mmam.org/ 3 & 17 Winter Market a week-long family getaway. Below is just a UWL Cartwright Center ...... 608-433-6708 small taste of what the La Crosse area has to 1- Mar 29 The Legendary Jack Gray http://www.cameronparkmarket.org/ offer. Visit www.explorelacrosse.com to find Minnesota Marine our complete calendar, full of arts & culture Art Museum ...... 1-866-940-6626 3-Mar 28 Coulee Region Chill Hockey events, restaurant and bar happenings, family http://www.mmam.org/ Green Island Ice Arena ...... 608-618-0160 activities, tours, game times and recreation http://crchill.pointstreaksites.com opportunities, and a full schedule 2-Dec 25 - Wee Move of community events. The Children’s Museum 6-Dec 29 Free Student Tuesday! of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 Minnesota Marine January 2015 http://www.funmuseum.org/ Art Museum ...... 507-474-6626 https://www.mmam.org/ 2-Dec 31 Sparkling Stems 2-4 Rocco Memorial Gun Show The Children’s Museum La Crosse Center ...... 608-752-6677 7-Feb 21 Dusk: Kathleen Hawkes of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 http://www.lacrossecenter.com/ Pump House Regional http://www.funmuseum.org/ Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 1-24 La Crosse Elementary School Art Exhibit http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 1-3 Arcadia Pump House Regional Pump House Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 7-Feb 21 People & Their Surroundings: Regional Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Sandra Boskamp http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Pump House Regional 1-3 Monotypes: Dirk Nelson Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 1-Dec 31 Marine, Hudson River School, Pump House Regional http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Impressionist and Modern Art Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 Minnesota Marine http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 8-15 Dark La Crosse Tour: The Radio Show Art Museum ...... 1-866-940-6626 Pump House Regional http://www.mmam.org/ 3-4 Badgerland Nationals Wrestling Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 Tournament http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 3-4 Badgerland Nationals Wrestling UW-La Crosse Mitchell Hall ...... 763-746-1720 Tournament http://www.wisportsservices.org/badgerland 9-10 Boy Scout Overnight UWL Mitchell Hall ...... 763-746-1720 The Children’s Museum http://www.wisportsservices.org/badgerland of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 http://www.funmuseum.org/

9 Mary Mack Pump House Regional Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 http://www.thepumphouse.org/

Tour La Crosse in the bright red trolley bus, a nostalgic 10 Snowflake Junior Ski re-creation of another era. Enjoy interesting narration Jumping Competition by the La Crosse County Historical Society as you Westby, WI...... 608-634-3211 tour historic La Crosse. Approximately 1.5 hours. http://snowflakeskiclub.com/ or Dare to join the La Crosse Public Library Archivists 11 Bridal World Expo for the Dark La Crosse Tour focusing on downtown La Crosse Center ...... 608-782-1062 La Crosse’s macabre past. Your narrator guides http://lacrossebridalexpo.com/ you through Prohibition, red light districts, vigilante 11-May 3 Pump House Film Society justice and small town politics in a restless river town. Pump House Regional Not recommended for ages 15 and under. Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 http://www.thepumphouse.org/

14-15 Midwest Annual Farm Show La Crosse Center ...... 715-289-4632 for more information call: http://www.northcountryenterprises.com 15-26 Winter Rec Fest (608) 782-2366 (800) 658-9424 La Crosse, WI ...... 608-789-7533 http://www.laxwinterrecfest.com/ LA CROSSE AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 410 Veterans Memorial Drive • La Crosse, WI 54601 • explorelacrosse.com

48 | explorelacrosse.com 16- Apr 26 A Life Aquatic: Don Frey 23-Apr 3 The Art of the Ship Model 7 State Dance and Cheer Competition E Retrospective Minnesota Marine La Crosse Center...... 608-789-7400 Minnesota Marine Art Museum ...... 1-866-940-6626 http://www.wacpc.com/ V E N TS AT A G LA Art Museum ...... 1-866-940-6626 http://www.mmam.org/ http://www.mmam.org/ 7 Empty Bowls 23-25 All-day Father-Son Retreat Best Western ...... 608-782-3904 16 Vocaldente A Cappella Living Waters Bible Camp ...... 608-634-4373 http://www.generousearthpottery.com/ Heider Center for the Arts...... 608-786-2550 http://www.lwbc.org http://www.heidercenter.org/ 8 Time Capsule III 24 Atomic Ice Derby Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 16-17 Johnsmith Lake Onalaska...... 608-782-5552 http://www.viterbo.edu Pump House Regional http://www.atomicicederby.com/ Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 8 The Diamonds http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 24 Coulee Classic Basketball Tournament Heider Center for the Arts ...... 608-786-2550 La Crosse Center ...... 608-780-5254 http://www.heidercenter.org/ 17 Badgerland Super Saver Basketball Tournament 30-31 Monster Trucks 9 Mt. La Crosse Cup High School Invitational La Crosse Logan High School La Crosse Center ...... 608-789-7400 608-788-0044 http://www.wisportsservices.org/ http://www.lacrossecenter.com/ http://www.mtlacrosse.com

17-May 23 Tinkertoy: Build Your Imagination 31-Feb 1 Prayers and Visions 12-15 Boat, Sport & Travel Show

The Children’s Museum Saint Rose Convent La Crosse Center ...... 952-431-9630 N CE of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 http://www.chamberchorale.org http://www.shamrockprod.com/ http://www.funmuseum.org/ 30-31 Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament 13-April 24 Night (Owl) at the Museum 17 Midwest Players Classic Basketball Westby, WI The Children’s Museum Tournament http://snowflakeskiclub.com/ of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 La Crosse Center ...... 608-784-8585 http://www.funmuseum.org/ http://www.midwestplayersclassic.com/ February 2015 13-Mar 1 Twelve Angry Men 17 The 16th Annual Rising Stars Concerto La Crosse Community Theatre ..608-784-9292 Competition 4-21 Holmen Elementary School Art Exhibit http://www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org/ La Crosse Symphony Pump House Regional Orchestra ...... 608-783-2121 Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 14 Badgerland Super Saver Basketball http://www.lacrossesymphony.org/ http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Tournament Viterbo University 17 Rave On! The Buddy Holly Experience 7 Winter Ball http://www.wisportsservices.org Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 Pearl Street Brewery...... 608-784-4832 http://www.viterbo.edu http://www.pearlstreetbrewery.com 14 Ice Duels Lake Onalaska ...... 406-249-0556 18 Z93 Wedding World 7 Justin Trails Winter Race http://www.iceduels.com/ La Crosse Center ...... 608-782-1230 Justin Trails Resort ...... 608-269-4522 http://www.mwfbroadcasting.com/ http://www.justintrails.com 14 YMCA Valentine’s Heart Throb Walk Run YMCA-North 20 Anything Goes 7 Rising Stars and Voices of the People www.laxymca.org/wwrs Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 http://www.viterbo.edu http://www.viterbo.edu

La Crosse Center • La Crosse WI February 26-28

The MOSES Conference draws more than 3,000 people for 60+ workshops, 190 exhibits, and in-depth pre-conference courses. This celebration of organic food and farming includes activities for children, organic and locally grown meals, film screenings and entertainment. For more information, see: www.mosesorganic.org

Save the Date! Next year’s 27th annual conference is Feb. 25-27, 2016

Forbes Best Small Places for Business and Careers. explorelacrosse.com | 49 14-16 Wisconsin State High School Ski & 1-8 Eat Week Downtown E Snowboard Championships Downtown Main Street, Inc ...... 608-784-0440 V E N TS AT A G LA Mt. La Crosse http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ http://wialpinechamps.org/ 1-April 26 Troop Jewelry SWAP 19-22 Stansfield Team Dart Tournament The Children’s Museum La Crosse Center...... 608-782-7181 of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 http://www.stansfieldvending.com/ http://www.funmuseum.org/

21 Old School Variety Show: The Love and 2 Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet Relationships La Crosse Center ...... 608-784-4880 Pump House Regional http://www.lacrossechamber.com Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 3 All City Orchestra Festival La Crosse Center ...... 608-789-7600 21-22 The Mikado http://www.lacrosseschools.com Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 http://www.viterbo.edu 3 Caladh Nua Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 21-22 Nagy Memorial FIS MidAm Race http://www.viterbo.edu Mt. La Crosse...... 608-788-0044

N CE 5-22 Talking With 25-March 14 Tomah School District Art Pump House Regional Exhibit Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 Pump House Regional http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 Tentative Schedule http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 6-8 God’s Country Racing Association Custom Please Call Ahead! Car Show 25-April 4 American Southwest: Chris Wood La Crosse Center ...... 608-769-8282 800-658-9424 Pump House Regional http://clubs.hemmings.com/gcra/ Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 American Queen: http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 7 Polar Bear Plunge Fri. July 24...... noon-5:00 pm Pettibone Beach Tues. July 28...... 8:00 am-1:00 pm 25-April 4 Strange Children: Kim Vaughter http://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/ Fri. Aug. 7...... noon- 5:00 pm Pump House Regional Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 7 Norskedalen’s Benefit Rummage Sale Fri. Aug, 14 ...... 8:00 am-5:00 pm http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Norskedalen Nature Tues. Aug. 18 ...... 8:00 am-1:00 pm & Heritage Center...... 608-452-3424 Fri. Sept. 4 ...... noon- 5:00 pm 26-28 MOSES: Organic Farming Conference http://www.norskedalen.org Tues. Sept. 8 ...... 8:00 am-1:00 pm La Crosse Center ...... 608-789-7400 http://www.mosesorganic.org 7-8 WIJARA / WJR Spring Championship Race Fri. Sept. 18 ...... noon- 5:00 pm 608-788-0044 Tues. Sept. 22 ...... 8:00 am-1:00 pm 27 The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise http://www.mtlacrosse.com Fri. Oct. 2 ...... noon-5:00 pm and the Hare Tues. Oct. 6 ...... 8:00 am-1:00 pm Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 12-29 Heroes http://www.viterbo.edu Pump House Regional Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 Queen of the Mississippi: 27 Catch Me If You Can http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Thur. Aug. 6...... 11:00 am-5:00 pm UW-La Crosse Toland Theatre ...608-785-8522 Mon. Aug. 10...... 7:30 am-5:00 pm http://www.uwlax.edu/Theatre-Arts/ 13-28 Badge Bonanza Overnight Thur. Oct. 1...... 11:00 am-5:00 pm The Children’s Museum Mon. Oct. 5...... 7:30 am-5:00 pm 27-28 Bald Eagle Appreciation Day of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 Prairie du Chien, WI ...... 1-800-732-1673 http://www.funmuseum.org/ Thur. Oct. 15...... 11:00 am-5:00 pm www.prairieduchien.org/visitors/eagles.htm Mon. Oct. 19...... 7:30 am-5:00 pm 14 War and Remembrance by La Crosse 28 Sweet 16 Museum Birthday Party Symphony Orchestra New in 2015!!! The Children’s Museum Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 of La Crosse ...... 608- 784-2652 http://www.viterbo.edu American Eagle: http://www.funmuseum.org/ Thur. Aug. 27...... 11:00 am-5:00 pm 14 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mon. Aug. 31...... 7:30 am-5:00 pm 28 Beth Wood http://www.irishfestlacrosse.org/ Thur. Sept. 10...... 11:00 am-5:00 pm Pump House Regional Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 15-18 Wisconsin Governor’s Conference on Mon. Sept. 14...... 7:30 am-5:00 pm http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Tourism 2015 No tours of boats available. La Crosse Center...... 608-266-3978 http://www.wigcot.org/ The La Crosse March 2015 Area Convention & 15 Michel Lauziere Master of the Unusual Visitors Bureau 1 Family Fest Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 La Crosse Center ...... 608-789-7400 http://www.viterbo.edu http://www.wlxr.com/ www.explorelacrosse.com

50 | explorelacrosse.com 18 Brit Floyd – A Tribute to Pink Floyd 28-29 Wisconsin State Invitational 13-15 Future Business Leaders of America E La Crosse Center ...... 608-789-7400 Championship Basketball Tournament State Conference www.lacrossecenter.com La Crosse, WI...... 608-788-9902 La Crosse Center...... 608-789-7400 V E N TS AT A G LA http://www.gnbl.org/ http://www.fbla.dpi.wi.gov/ 19 Downtown Trend Event The Waterfront ...... 608-784-0440 29 Teddy Bear Clinic sponsored by Gundersen 14 The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ Lutheran Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 The Children’s Museum http://www.viterbo.edu 20-29 First Baptist of Ivy Gap of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 La Crosse Community http://www.funmuseum.org/ 15-May 16 La Crosse School District Theatre ...... 608-784-9292 Art Exhibit http://www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org/ 31 ZZ Top in Concert Pump House Regional La Crosse Center ...... 608-789-7400 Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 20 Steve Marking “America, We Sing To Thee” http://www.lacrossecenter.com/ http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Heider Center for the Arts ...... 608-786-2550 http://www.heidercenter.org/ 15-May 16 Aquinas High School Art Exhibit April 2015 Pump House Regional 21-22 Badgerland State Basketball Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 Championships 2 Harlem Globetrotters http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Viterbo University La Crosse Center ...... 608-789-7400 http://www.wisportsservices.org/ http://www.lacrossecenter.com/ 17-26 A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Weber Center for the N CE 21-22 La Crosse and 3 Rivers Model 2-4 Easter EGG-stravaganza Performing Arts ...... 608-796-3100 Railroad Show The Children’s Museum http://www.viterbo.edu La Crosse Center ...... 507-894-8077 of La Crosse ...... 608-784-2652 http://laxand3riversrrclub.com/ http://www.funmuseum.org/ 18 Michael Scotts “Old School Variety Show” Heider Center for the Arts ...... 608-786-2550 22 The Great Gatsby 9-12 Stansfield Pool Tournament http://www.heidercenter.org/ Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 La Crosse Center ...... 608-782-7181 http://www.viterbo.edu http://www.stansfieldvending.com/ 18 Doggie Easter Egg Hunt Justin Trails Resort ...... 608-269-4522 24 Ducks Unlimited Banquet 10-11 Spring Fling Open House www.justintrails.com La Crosse Center ...... 608-793-5505 Downtown Main Street, Inc ...... 608-784-0440 http://www.lacrosseducksunlimited.com/ http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ 19 Red Riding Hood and the Not So Bad Wolf Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 25-April 4 Bangor School Art Exhibit 10-Aug 7 Wood Engravings of Winslow Homer http://www.viterbo.edu Pump House Regional Minnesota Marine Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 Art Museum ...... 1-866-940-6626 23 Della’s Diner http://www.thepumphouse.org/ http://www.mmam.org/ Heider Center for the Arts ...... 608-786-2550 http://www.heidercenter.org/ 27-29 Greater La Crosse Home and Builders 11 In One Basket Show UW-La Crosse Frederick 23 World’s Largest Office Party La Crosse Center ...... 515-537-2094 Theatre ...... 608-785-8522 La Crosse Center ...... 608-782-1230 http://www.jacksonexpogroup.com/ http://www.uwlax.edu/Theatre-Arts/ http://www.mwfbroadcasting.com/

27-28 NCGA Gymnastics Championships 11 Platinum Edition: Celebration 2015 24-May 2 The Tempest UWL Mitchell Hall ...... 908-785-8194 Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 UW-La Crosse Toland Theatre ...608-785-8522 http://uwlathletics.com/ http://www.viterbo.edu http://www.uwlax.edu/Theatre-Arts/

28 Mike Toomey’s TV & Me 11 Harmonious Wail 25 Annual MS Walk Viterbo University ...... 608-796-3100 Pump House Regional La Crosse Center ...... 1-800-242-3358 http://www.viterbo.edu Arts Center ...... 608-785-1434 http://walkwisconsinms.org http://www.thepumphouse.org/

DEKE SLAYTON AIRFEST IS PROUD TO HOST THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS August 8 & 9 2015 la crosse regional airport www.airfest.com

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked La Crosse 16th “Smartest Place to Live in U.S. explorelacrosse.com | 51 .. .

5 11/13/14 12:20 PM 608-785-1434 608-784-7555 608-785-1434 608-784-9292 608-526-3372 608-526-3372 608-785-1434

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...... C ...... http://www.flwoutdoors.com/ 9 Viterbo University Graduation La Crosse Center http://www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org/ http://www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org/ Fishing League - Great 9 FLW Walmart Bass Lakes Qualifier Veterans Freedom Park http://www.viterbo.edu 10 University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Graduation La Crosse Center www.uwlax.edu 15-17 Syttende Mai Festival Westby, WI http://www.westbysyttendemai.com/ 16 Riverside Family Fun Fair Riverside Park http://www.explorelacrosse.com/ 16-17 Wisconsin NAFA Travel League Tournament Erickson Softball Fields http://www.dsfastball.com/wisnafa/ 20-30 Onalaska High School Art Exhibit Pump House Regional 1-2 Festival Foods Grandad Half Marathon Marathon Half Grandad Foods Festival 1-2 http://www.lacrossefitnessfestival.com/ “Blackbeard Theatre Children’s 2 Missoula The Pirate” for the Arts Heider Center Theatre Arts Center http://www.heidercenter.org/ in Paris by La Crosse 2 Springtime Orchestra Symphony Viterbo University http://www.viterbo.edu 8-24 Jesus Christ Superstar La Crosse Community http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 22 Central High School Graduation La Crosse Center http://www.lacrosseschools.com 608-785-1434 608-796-3100 608-796-3100 608-785-9890 608-269-4522 608-784-0440 608-786-1525 608-234-5988 608-452-3424 608-452-3424 1-866-940-6626 ...... 608-782-2366 608-782-2366 ......

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...... Riverfest_15LCVB.indd 1 Arts Center May 2015 1 Willy Porter Pump House Regional 25 Between The Bluffs Beer, Wine & Cheese Cheese & Wine Beer, Bluffs The Between 25 Festival Fest Grounds Southside http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 1 Downtown Walk Around Downtown Main Street, Inc Speedway . http://www.viterbo.edu Technical College Graduation 25 Western La Crosse Center http://www.westerntc.edu 5K Trail Race 25 Lung Bustin’ Justin Justin Trails Resort www.justintrails.com Racing 26-Oct 17 Drag & NASCAR La Crosse Fairgrounds http://www.betweenthebluffsbeerfest.com/ IV 25 Time Capsule Viterbo University http://www.mmam.org/ 2 Norskedalen’s May Membership Madness Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ 1-Jul 15 Seeking the Sublime: Works by Stephen Hilyard Minnesota Marine Art Museum. http://lacrossespeedway.com/ Day/Earth Day Dash 27 YMCA Healthy Kids Myrick Park www.laxymca.org/hkd 29 North American Squirrel Association Banquet La Crosse Center http://www.nasasquirrel.org http://www.norskedalen.org | explorelacrosse.com

EVENTS AT A GLANCE 52 EVENTS AT A GLANCE

608-269-4522 608-526-4170 608-269-4522 608-269-4522 608-775-3885 608-775-3885 270-252-1593 1-800-864-1771 explorelacrosse.com | 53 explorelacrosse.com ...... August 2015 1 Rock’n the Docks Huck Finn’s www.laxymca.org/events/rockn-docks/ 3-6 Coach Z Basketball Camp La Crosse Center http://www.coachzhoopcamp.net 6-8 Country on the River Music Fest Prairie du Chien, WI www.countryontheriver.com 8 8th Annual Ride for Sight lacrosselions.org 7-9 Irishfest Southside Fest Grounds http://www.irishfestlacrosse.org/ 8-9 Deke Slayton Airfest La Crosse Regional Airport http://www.airfest.com 9 Archery Shoot Justin Trails Resort www.justintrails.com 25 FLW College Fishing – Central Conference Conference Central – Fishing College FLW 25 Tournament Park Freedom Veterans http://www.flwoutdoors.com/ Fest Health System Wellness 25 Gundersen La Crosse Center www.gundersenhealth.org 26 DoggiePalooza Resort Justin Trails www.justintrails.com Festival 31-Aug 1 Prairie Dog Blues Prairie Du Chien, WI http://www.prairiedogblues.com/ the Green 25-26 AAUW Art Fair on http://lacrosse-wi.aauw.net/art-fair 608-269-4522 608-385-7433 608-326-2721 608-784-0440 608-228-2430 1-866-940-6626 ...... Movoto Blog Movoto .

...... 608-785-1434 ...... 608-785-1434 608-785-1434 ......

...... www.justintrails.com 11 YMCA Kids Tri YMCA-North www.laxymca.org/kids-tri 18 Freedom Fest UW-La Crosse http://www.thepumphouse.org/ Trempealeau Lions 10 43rd Annual Catfish Days WI Trempealeau, http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/trempealeau/ Museum Pig Roast 10 Deke Slayton Chamber of Commerce Fundraiser with Sparta Justin Trails Resort 9-26 Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and Masha and Sonia and Vanya 9-26 House Pump Arts Center Regional https://www.freedomfestlacrosse.com/ Festival 18 Big Blue Dragon Boat Copeland Park 18-19 War of 1812 Reenactment Prairie du Chien, WI 22-Aug 22 Pulp: Roger Boulay Pump House Regional Arts Center http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 22-Aug 22 Stream of Consciousness: Kristine Johnson Pump House Regional Arts Center http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 23-25 Downtown Sidewalk Daze Downtown Main Street, Inc http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ 24-26 Wisconsin NAFA State Championship Tournament Erickson Softball Fields http://www.dsfastball.com/wisnafa/ 24-Oct 11 Ocean Soul: National Geographic Photographs by Brian Skerry Minnesota Marine Art Museum . http://www.mmam.org/ 608-782-6000 270-252-1589 608-519-2367 608-782-2366 507-895-2800 608-782-6000 608-782-2250 608-452-3424 ......

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Voted One Of The 10 Most Relaxed Small Cities In America In Cities Small Relaxed One Of The 10 Most Voted .

1-4 Riverfest Riverside Park July 2015 20 Juneteenth Day Celebration Copeland Park 18-21 40th Annual Prairie Villa Rendezvous 18-21 40th WI Prairie du Chien, http://prairieduchien.org/ 14 YMCA Got Energy Triathlon 14 YMCA Got WI West Salem, www.laxymca.org/triathlon 28 Apple Blossom Bicycle Tour and Tschumper Challenge 507-895-2800 www.appleblossomtour.org 13 FLW Walmart Bass Fishing League – Great Great – League Fishing Bass Walmart FLW 13 Qualifier Lakes Park Freedom Veterans http://www.flwoutdoors.com/ www.lacrescentmn.com 4 Fireworks Display Riverside Park http://riverfestlacrosse.com/ 25 La Crosse Area Day at Miller Park 25 La Crosse Area Day Miller Park Adventure…the 27 La Crescent Slice of amazing Challenge Downtown La Crescent http://www.aaman.us http://www.lacrosseareaday.com 4 River Vault Riverside Park http://riverfestlacrosse.com/ 5 Norskedalen’s Art Fair & Wine Tasting Norskedalen Nature http://www.explorelacrosse.com/river-vault/ & Heritage Center http://www.norskedalen.org 608-784-3378 608-784-3378 608-326-2785 920-231-8688 608-269-4522 608-269-4522 507-895-2800 608-786-1525 608-378-4200 608-378-4200 608-784-0440 608-452-3424 608-784-0440 11/13/14 12:16 PM 1-866-940-6626 ......

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...... October 2015 October 1-4 Oktoberfest Southside Fest Grounds http://oktoberfestusa.com/ 3 Dinner at the Depot La Crescent, MN www.lacrescentmn.com Run 3 YMCA Maple Leaf Walk Riverside Park www.laxymca.org/mapleleaf Fest 3-4 Shihata’s Orchard Prairie du Chien, WI 7-11 Wisconsin Sweatshirt Sale La Crosse Center www.lacrossecenter.com 8-11 46th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway . 20 Country Music Association Dance Association Music Country 20 Trails Resort Justin www.justintrails.com Cranberry Festival 25-27 Warrens . Warrens, WI http://lacrossespeedway.com/ 10 Historic Downtown Day Downtown Main Street, Inc http://www.cranfest.com http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ 10-11 Norskedalen’s Civil War Immersion Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center http://www.mmam.org http://www.norskedalen.org 11 Tour of Upper Living Downtown Main Street, Inc http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ 16-Jan 3 Surfacing: Samantha French Minnesota Marine Art Museum . 608-326-6960 608-452-3424 608-452-3424 608-782-2250 608-269-4522 608-326-2721 608-452-3424 608-785-7464 507-895-2800 270-252-1589 507-895-2800 ......

...... September 2015 September Maze Corn 25 Norskedalen’s 1-Oct Nature Norskedalen Center & Heritage http://www.norskedalen.org Area Bicycle Festival 4-7 La Crosse . Cameron Park http://www.bicyclelacrosse.com/ Sale 5 Community Wide Rummage La Crescent, MN www.lacrescentmn.com Tour 6 Norskedalen’s Twilight Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center www.justintrails.com 17-20 67th Annual Apple Fest La Crescent, MN http://www.flwoutdoors.com/ 13 10th Annual Justin Trails Open Disc Golf Tournament Justin Trails Resort www.applefestusa.com 18-19 Cannons at the Fort Prairie du Chien, WI www.carriageclassic.com 12 Steppin’ Out in Pink http://www.steppinoutinpink.org 12-13 FLW Walmart Bass Fishing League – Great Lakes Super Tournament Veterans Freedom Park http://www.norskedalen.org 11 Elvis Explosion La Crosse Center http://www.ronnycraig.com 11-12 La Crosse Storytelling Festival La Crosse, WI http://www.lacrossestoryfest.com/ 11-13 Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic Prairie du Chien, WI 608-452-3424 608-452-3424 608-785-1434 608-785-1434 608-789-7400 608-386-2766 608-785-1434 1-866-940-6626 1-866-940-6626 1-866-940-6626

...... RotaryLCVB_14.indd 1 http://www.mmam.org/ 14-16 Kornfest http://www.holmenkornfest.com/ Edge: Open to Interpretation 14-Oct 9 Water’s Marine Minnesota Art Museum . http://www.mmam.org/ 15 YMCA Kids Marathon La Crosse, WI www.laxymca.org/kidsmarathon Open Memorial Golf 22 Norskedalen’ Uff Da Outing Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center 11-Dec 11 Riverscapes: Paintings by James James by Paintings Riverscapes: 11 11-Dec D. Butler Marine Minnesota . Art Museum http://www.norskedalen.org 26-September 26 Objects and Ideas: Sarah Frydenlund Pump House Regional Arts Center Arts Center http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 26-September 26 Feeling my Whereabouts: Joan Nee Pump House Regional Arts Center http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 26-September 26 Horizontal Space: Beki Borman Pump House Regional http://sesamestreetlive.com 28-30 Great River Folk Festival Riverside Park http://www.thepumphouse.org/ 28-30 Sesame Street Live! La Crosse Center http://www.greatriverfolkfest.org/ | explorelacrosse.com

EVENTS AT A GLANCE 54 EVENTS AT A GLANCE 608-782-9622 608-782-9622 608-782-9622 608-784-0440 608-784-0440 608-452-3424 608-785-8000 608-789-7400 507-895-2800 ...... explorelacrosse.com | 55 explorelacrosse.com

...... http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ December 2015 Bell Walk Run 5 YMCA Jingle . YMCA-North www.laxymca.org/wwrs for Kids 5 YMCA Rudolph’s Dash YMCA-North. www.laxymca.org/dash Fashioned Christmas 5-6 Norskedalen’s Old Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center 28 Small Business Saturday Business 28 Small Street, Inc Main Downtown http://www.norskedalen.org Parade 11 La Crescent Winter La Crescent, MN www.lacrescentmn.com Crosse 20 University of Wisconsin-La Graduation La Crosse Center www.uwlax.edu 28-29 Bi-State Wrestling Tournament La Crosse Center http://www.bistate-classic.com 31 Skyrockers New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display Grandad Bluff La Crosse, WI http://skyrockers.org/ 608-789-7400 608-789-7400 608-784-0440 608-784-0440 608-789-7400 608-789-7400 608-787-8510 ...... November 2015 November Spectacular Fighting Riding, Bull 6-7 Bull La Crosse Center www.lacrossecenter.com Open House 13 Holiday Main Street, Inc Downtown http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ Weekend 19 Downtown Shopping Inc Downtown Main Street, http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ 19-22 Holiday Fair La Crosse Center www.lacrossecenter.com Thanksgiving Dinner 26 La Crosse Community http://www.lacrossethanksgivingdinner.com/ Trot 26 Festival Foods Turkey http://www.festivalfoodsturkeytrot.com 26-Dec 31 Rotary Lights Riverside Park http://www.rotarylights.org/ 27 Disney Playhouse La Crosse Center www.lacrossecenter.com 28 Dancing with the La Crosse Stars La Crosse Center http://www.redcross.org/wi/la-crosse 608-452-3424 608-452-3424 608-452-3424 608-784-0440 608-784-4880 608-789-7400 1-866-940-6626 ......

...... 22 Norskedalen’s Pumpkin Walk 22 Norskedalen’s Nature Norskedalen 22 YMCA Sugar Glow Away Sugar 22 YMCA Park Myrick www.laxymca.org/sga Center & Heritage 22-24 Norskedalen’s Ghoulees in the Coulees Ghoulees in 22-24 Norskedalen’s Norskedalen Nature http://www.norskedalen.org & Heritage Center 24 Downtown Trick-or-Treating Inc Downtown Main Street, http://www.mmam.org 23-Jan 10 Surfacing: Rhea Pappas 23-Jan 10 Surfacing: Minnesota Marine http://www.norskedalen.org Art Museum . 29 Chamber Business Expo 29 Chamber Business La Crosse Center http://www.lacrossedowntown.com/ 30-Nov 1 Assembly of God Conference La Crosse Center http://www.lacrossechamber.com http://www.lacrossecenter.com Community Credit Union Gerrard-Hoeschler Realtors 311 Main Street...... 608-779-2400 600 - 3rd St. No., Ste 200...... 608-782-2300 Business services La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI communitycu.com ghrealtors.com

Advanced Business Systems Computer Sign Engraving Hawkins, Ash CPAs 2003 George Street...... 608-781-5440 3314 Robinsdale Avenue...... 608-788-3547 P.O. Box 1508...... 608-793-3145 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI hawkinsashcpas.com Aramark Uniform Services, Inc. Coulee Bank 1920 Oak Street...... 608-781-2700 1516 Losey Blvd S...... 608-784-9550 Houck Transit Advertising La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI 4610 Milton Street N...... 800-777-7290 aramarkuniform.com couleestatebank.com St. Paul, MN houckads.com Arcade Pumping Services, LLC Coulee Region RSVP P.O. Box 19...... 888-525-7229 2920 East Avenue S, Suite 104...608-785-0500 Identity Works, Inc. Ettrick, WI La Crosse, WI 920 Industrial Drive, septicpumpingwi.com rsvplax.org P.O. Box 170...... 608-786-3700 West Salem, WI Associated Bank Crescent Printing productsthatpromote.com 605 State Street...... 608-793-3800 1001 Commercial Court...... 608-781-1050 La Crosse, WI Onalaska, WI InTech associatedbank.com cpcprints.com 163 East Second Street...... 507-452-2658 Winona, MN AVS Group Culligan Water Conditioning of La Crosse intechims.com 3120 South Avenue...... 608-787-1010 2956 Airport Road...... 608-781-2500 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI JFK Associates avsgroup.com culliganlacrosse.com 1717 Sunset Drive...... 608-787-5771 La Crosse, WI Band Box Cleaners and Laundry, Inc. Curtis Printing jfkassociates.com 1207-23 Superior Ave...... 608-372-5642 615 St. Cloud Street...... 608-784-2684 Tomah, WI La Crosse, WI JKHerman Design bandboxclean.com curtisprintingco.com 1323 Adams Street...... 608-784-7450 La Crosse, WI Best Kept Portables LLC Dairyland Power Cooperative jkherman.com W3085 State Rd 16...... 608-317-4232 1131 Main Street...... 608-787-1247 West Salem, WI La Crosse, WI Johns, Flaherty & Collins dairynet.com 205 5th Ave S, Suite 600...... 608-784-5678 Bluff Country Brine LLC La Crosse, WI 1711 Miller Street...... 608-782-3585 Davy Engineering johnsflaherty.com La Crosse, WI P.O. Box 1446...... 608-782-3130 bluffcountrybrine.com La Crosse, WI Johnson Litho Graphics davyinc.com 2219 Galloway Street...... 715-832-3211 Carrier-Eddy Insurance Group, LLC. Eau Claire, WI 1228 Caledonia Street...... 608-784-6879 Designz, Inc. johnsonlitho.com La Crosse, WI 1100 Kane Street...... 608-782-6701 carrierinsurance.net La Crosse, WI La Crosse Beverage, LLC. designzonline.org 2539 Commerce St...... 608-781-2400 Cary Specialized Services La Crosse, WI 1240 Clinton Street...... 608-519-3335 Details Group Tour & Event Planning lacrossebeverage.com La Crosse, WI 1611 Holley Street...... 608-797-6805 caryspec.com Holmen, WI La Crosse Graphics detailstourandeventplanning.com 3025 East Ave. South...... 608-788-2500 CenturyLink La Crosse, WI P.O. Box 820...... 608-796-7480 Don’s Towing & Repair, Inc. lacrossegraphics.com La Crosse, WI 816 Monitor Street...... 608-784-5872 centurylink.com La Crosse, WI La Crosse Radio Group donstowingandrepair.com 1407 2nd Avenue N...... 608-782-8335 Citizens State Bank Onalaska, WI 620 Main Street, P.O. Box 219....608-785-2265 Edwards Investments lacrosseradiogroup.net La Crosse, WI 901 Rose St...... 608-785-1770 citizensstatebank.us La Crosse, WI La Crosse Sign edwardsministorage.com 2450 Oak Forest Drive...... 608-781-1450 Clason Pontiac Buick GMC, Inc. Onalaska, WI 3232 Mormon Coulee Road...... 608-788-7246 Fairway Outdoor Advertising lacrossesign.com La Crosse, WI 325 N. 3rd St...... 608-784-8200 clasonpontiac.com La Crosse, WI La Crosse Tribune fairwayoutdoor.com 401 North 3rd Street...... 608-782-9710 Commercial AV Systems, LLC. La Crosse, WI 1019 2nd Ave...... 608-781-2210 Fifth Avenue Awards, Inc. lacrossetribune.com Onalaska, WI 601 5th Ave. S...... 608-782-3410 commav.com La Crosse, WI La Crosse Visitor Magazine fifthavenueawards.com P.O. Box 97...... 608-784-3999 La Crosse, WI lacrossevisitor.com

56 | explorelacrosse.com Logistics Health, Inc. River Bank Travel Leaders 328 Front Street South...... 608-782-0404 4401 Mormon Coulee Rd...... 608-788-6300 2404 State Rd...... 608-784-9820 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI logisticshealth.com riverbank.biz travelleadersgo.com

Main Street Law Office, LLC. Ron Hammes Refrigeration, Inc. Tri State Business Machines 504 Main St, Suite 200...... 608-784-1355 2424 South Avenue...... 608-788-3110 3310 HWY 157 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI P.O. Box 1807...... 608-781-2100 mainstreettitles.com ronhammes.com La Crosse, WI Marine Credit Union S & S Distributing tsbm.com P.O. Box 309...... 608-784-7329 2000 Riley Rd, P.O. Box 281...... 608-269-5071 Onalaska, WI Sparta, WI Trim Design La Crosse marinecu.com 324 3rd Street South...... 608-782-7233 SagePoint Financial La Crosse, WI Merchants Bank River Insurance Services, Inc. trimdesignlacrosse.com 3140 Market Place...... 608-779-8200 3626 East Avenue South Onalaska, WI Suite 2C ...... 608-788-2200 US Bank La Crosse merchantsbank.com La Crosse, WI 201 Main Street, Suite 100...... 608-791-7201 sagepointadvisor.com La Crosse, WI Midwest Coca Cola of La Crosse usbank.com 1630 Miller St...... 608-784-3139 Schomburg Refrigeration, Inc. La Crosse, WI 316 Second Ave South...... 608-781-6614 W.E.C. Inc. Image World Onalaska, WI 3716 Mormon Coulee Rd...... 608-788-8585 Midwest Family Broadcasting srci.biz 201 State Street...... 608-782-1230 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI Serves You Right, LLC. imageworldlacrosse.com midwestfamilybroadcasting.com 1100 Kane Street...... 608-782-8050 La Crosse, WI WalzCraft Mississippi Valley Conservancy servescatering.com 2600 Hemstock St...... 608-781-6355 P.O. Box 2611...... 608-784-3606 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI Sir Speedy Printing walzcraft.com mississippivalleyconservancy.org 146 Rose Street...... 608-783-6440 La Crosse, WI Welcome Celebrations Newcomer Greetings Noelke Distributors, Inc. sirspeedy.com/lacrosse 425 Nelson Place...... 608-785-0984 2116 Grandview Boulevard...... 608-519-1893 La Crosse, WI Sleeping Giant Studios, LLC. Onalaska, WI 738 7th Street North...... 608-788-9977 welcomecelebrations.info Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. of La Crosse La Crosse, WI 1900 West Avenue...... 608-785-0450 sleepinggiantstudios.com Wells Fargo Bank La Crosse, WI 305 5th Avenue South...... 608-784-7000 lacrosse.gillettepepsicola.com Sniffit...... 608-797-2587 La Crosse, WI sniffitdeals.com wellsfargo.com Plesha Photo Arts 929 King Street...... 608-782-1150 State Bank Financial Westland Insurance La Crosse, WI P.O. Box 159...... 608-784-4600 1844 E Main Street...... 608-784-2775 La Crosse, WI Onalaska, WI Poellinger, Inc. statebankfinancial.com 415 Nelson Place...... 608-785-1234 westlandinsurance.com La Crosse, WI Supreme Graphics poellinger.com 625 Dettloff Drive...... 608-323-3366 Wisconsin Insurance Center Arcadia, WI 1062 Oak Forest Drive,...... 608-781-6733 Pogy’s Catering supremeworks.com Suite 300 1232 Avon Street...... 608-784-2386 Onalaska, WI La Crosse, WI Terry Tobin Graphic Design Studio pogyscatering.com 320 Meadowview Lane...... 608-269-1682 Xcel Energy Sparta, WI 3215 Commerce St...... 608-789-3673 Preferred Distributors La Crosse, WI 2455 Commercial Drive...... 608-781-4070 The Big Event Company xcelenergy.com Sparta, WI W3416 Pleasant Valley Rd...... 608-786-4017 West Salem, WI Premier Catering thebigecompany.com 705 Rose Street...... 608-782-0886 La Crosse, WI The UPS Store premiercatering.org 317 4th Street South...... 608-782-6966 La Crosse, WI Quality Resource Group theupsstore.com 2845 Midwest Dr, Suite 103...... 608-779-9990 Onalaska, WI Tom’s Tent Rentals, Inc. quality-resource.com P.O. Box 1291...... 608-788-6607 La Crosse, WI Reinhart Companies 201 Main Street, Suite 800...... 608-782-4999 Trane Company La Crosse, WI 3600 Pammel Creek Road...... 608-787-2000 rfsdelivers.com La Crosse, WI trane.com

explorelacrosse.com | 57 La Crosse County & City Tavern League 1400 Caledonia Street...... 800-445-9221 CHURCHES MEDIA La Crosse, WI lctl.org

Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman News Channel 8 WKBT TV La Crosse County Historical Society 530 Main Street...... 608-782-0322 141 South 6th Street...... 608-782-4678 P.O. Box 1272...... 608-782-1980 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI cathedralsjworkman.org wkbt.com lchshistory.org Living Waters Bible Camp WXOW TV 19 La Crosse Hmong Mutual E8932 Reo Ave...... 608-634-4373 3705 CTH 25...... 507-895-1919 Assistance Association Westby, WI La Crescent, MN 1815 Ward Avenue...... 608-781-5744 lwbc.org wxow.com La Crosse, WI hmoobagency.org New Glarus Chamber P.O. Box 713...... 608-527-2095 CONVENTION SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS New Glarus, MN swisstown.com North La Crosse Business Association Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. Hendrickson Leadership Group, Inc. P.O. Box 402...... 608-792-6877 500 Main Street...... 608-784-0440 N1601 Lost Ridge Rd...... 800-557-2889 La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI northlacrosse.org pattyhendrickson.com lacrossedowntown.com Friends of McGilvray Road, Inc. Onalaska Tourism Commission JD Lake Communications, LLC P.O. Box 2976 255 Riders Club Road...... 608-781-9570 2225 Coulee Drive...... 608-792-3419 La Crosse, WI Onalaska, WI La Crosse, WI 7bridgesrd.org discoveronalaska.com jdlake.com Galesville Area Chamber of Commerce Outdoor Recreation Alliance National Association for the Humor Impaired PO Box 196...... 608-582-2868 119 N 19th Street...... 608-782-7368 3356 Bayside Court Ste 201...... 608-784-1821 Galesville, WI La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI galesvillewi.com naturesplacetoplay.com drhumor.com La Crescent Chamber of Commerce Richard Kyte P.O. Box 132, 109 S Walnut St....507-895-2800 Prairie du Chien Chamber of Commerce 1900 Main Street...... 608-796-3704 La Crescent, MN 211 S Main, P.O. Box 326...... 608-326-8555 La Crosse, WI lacrescent.com Prairie Du Chien, WI richardkyte.net prairieduchien.org La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce Roger Fish 601 7th Street N...... 608-784-4880 Town of Campbell 457 Campfire Drive...... 608-786-2873 La Crosse, WI 2219 Bainbridge Street...... 608-783-0050 West Salem, WI lacrossechamber.com La Crosse, WI frenchislandwi.com Synergy Leadership Group La Crosse Area Day at Miller Park 201 Main Street, Suite ...... 902 608-785-1520 410 Veterans Memorial Drive...... 608-782-2366 Trempealeau Chamber La Crosse, WI La Crosse, WI P.O. Box 242...... 608-534-6780 synergyleadershipgroup.com lacrosseareaday.com Trempealeau, WI La Crosse Area Development (LADCO) trempealeau.net 712 Main Street...... 608-784-5488 La Crosse, WI Westby Chamber MEDICAL SERVICES ladcoweb.org P.O. Box 94...... 608-634-4011 Westby, WI La Crosse Community Foundation westbywi.com Allergy Associates of La Crosse, LTD. 401 Main Street, Ste 205...... 608-782-3223 2727 Midwest Drive...... 608-782-2027 La Crosse, WI WI Restaurant Association Onalaska, WI laxcommfoundation.com La Crosse Area Chapter lacrosseallergy.com 2526 Rose Street...... 608-781-3464 A regional philanthropic leader, assisting La Crosse, WI Gundersen Health System donors and their families in supporting 1900 South Avenue...... 608-775-5476 area charitable efforts that make La Crosse La Crosse, WI the great region it is. Foundation grants, gundersenhealth.org from endowment earnings, support local environmental, educational, social, cultural and Mayo Clinic Health System economic not-for-profit organizations. Recent 700 West Ave. South...... 608-785-0940 grants have been issued to the Mississippi La Crosse, WI Valley Conservancy, The Pump House, City mayoclinichealthsystem.org Parks, WisCorps, Dive & Rescue Unit and Habitat for Humanity. The Foundation meets River City Chiropractic all community foundations standards set by the 205 Green Street, Suite 102...... 608-406-2488 Council on Foundations. Onalaska, WI rrchiropractors.com

58 | explorelacrosse.com Electric: Train: Xcel Energy...... 800-895-4999 Amtrak’s Empire Builder is located at RELOCATION Dairyland Power...... 608-788-4000 601 St. Andrew St. in La Crosse and makes Riverland Energy Cooperative.....800-411-9115 two daily stops with links to the Twin Cities, Milwaukee and Chicago, Natural Gas: amtrak.com...... 1-800-872-7245 God’s Country. Two words are all it takes to Xcel Energy...... 800-895-4999 describe the La Crosse area. The bluffs hold the Midwest Natural Gas...... 608-781-1011 Interstate Highway 90 runs east/west right city in their hands, while the Mississippi, Black through the area with four exits to La Crosse. and La Crosse rivers provide nourishment and Water & Sewer: growth to the community. City of La Crosse...... 608-789-7536 Exit 2 — Airport, Town of Campbell Exit 3 — Hwy. 35 & 53S – Old Towne North You could travel the world over, and be hard and Historic Downtown La Crosse pressed to find a community as beautiful as Telephone/Cable: Exit 4 — Hwy 157 & 53N La Crosse. Being able to experience all four CenturyLink...... 608-796-5000 Exit 5 — Hwy 16 seasons in this natural grandeur is enough in Charter Communications...... 888-438-2427 itself. Add the “small town” feel to the advance in technology, healthcare and education and our Transportation: cup overflows with opportunity. Located on French Island (Town of Campbell), Newspapers: the La Crosse Municipal Airport services air La Crosse Tribune La Crosse is home to two nationally renowned traffic passengers in the greater La Crosse area. healthcare systems, Mayo Clinic Health Delta and American Airlines have daily flights System-Franciscan Healthcare employs out of the airport. Both of these carriers provide approximately 3,000 people, and Gundersen direct flights to and from Minneapolis, Chicago Health System (the largest employer in the and Milwaukee. When booking your flight, enter area) with approximately 5,000 employees. In LSE as the airport identifier code. With a short Radio: addition, the La Crosse Medical Health Science walk to the parking lot and a friendly, hometown Consortium is located here. The consortium staff, you will enjoy your flight in and out of FM Stations: AM Stations: acts as an education and training facility for La Crosse. WLSU 88.9 WKTY 580 students as well as allied health professionals. WHLA 90.3 WKLJ 1290 The consortium also provides research Airlines: WIZM 93.3 WIZM 1410 opportunities and assists in the technological Delta, delta.com...... 800-225-2525 KHTW 94.7 WLFN 1490 advances in the area. American Airlines, aa.com...... 800-433-7300 WQRV 95.7 WKBH 1570 Private air service WCOW 97.1 Population: Colgan Air Service...... 608-783-8359 KQYB 98.3 Television: Wisconsin (2013) ...... 5,742,713 WKBH 100.1 La Crosse County (2013) ...... 116,713 Car rental service available at airport: KQEG 102.7 WXOW - (ABC) La Crosse City (2013) ...... 51,522 Alamo...... 608-781-5624 WLXR 104.9 WKBT - (CBS) Avis...... 608-781-7700 WFBZ 105.5 WEAU - (NBC) Hertz...... 608-781-7550 WQCC 106.3 WLAX - (FOX) Realtors/Rental: KQEG - (UPN) Apartment ConNeXTion.com...... 608-785-7368 National...... 608-781-5678 Gerrard-Hoeschler Realtors...... 608-782-2300

explorelacrosse.com | 59 2015 SURVEY

Participate for a chance to win a weekend getaway in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Prizes are drawn quarterly with a Grand Prize drawing at the end of the year.

1.. For your travel plans, what sources do you use? 10. Did you stay overnight? o Local Visitor Center o Newspaper o Yes, How many nights? ______o Convention & Visitors Bureau o Travel Guide o No o Chamber of Commerce o Brochure o Friends/Relatives o Radio 11..What nights did you stay? (check all that apply) o Internet o Television o Monday o 1-800 number o AAA o Tuesday o Magazine o Wednesday o Other ______o Thursday o Friday Did you visit La Crosse? 2. o Saturday o Yes, if yes, what month? ______o Sunday o No 12.. How many miles is La Crosse from your home? 3. If no, Why not? o 1-49 o Not enough time o Illness o 50-99 o Will visit in future o Lack of funds o 100-200 o Poor weather o Visited elsewhere o 200-300 o Other ______o 300-400 o Over 400 4. What was your primary reason for your visit? (check one) Will you visit La Crosse again? o Sightseeing o Biking/Hiking 13. o Shopping o Kayak/Canoe o Yes o Meeting/Convention o Visiting family/friends o No If no, why? ______o Attending events, please list ______o Visit college o UW-L o Viterbo o WTC 14.. How can La Crosse make your next visit more enjoyable? o Other ______5. .How many people were in your travel party? # ______6. What type of party did you come with? o Single o Family- 12 or older 15.. What is the likelihood of you recommending La Crosse to a friend/family member? o Couple o Small group-10 and under o Couple 55+ o Large group-11 or more o Absolutely o Family-kids under 12 o Very Likely o Maybe 7. Age Category: o Probably Not o No Way o Under 18 o 36-45 o 18-25 o 46-55 o o 26-35 55-64 Please share your Email address & Zip code for your chance to be o 65+ entered into our quarterly & annual giveaway. o Male o Female 8. Email Address: ______9. Household Income Zip Code: ______o < $15,000 o $75,000-$99,999 Return completed survey to: Explore La Crosse, o $15,000-$25,000 o $100,000-$199,000 410 Veterans Memorial Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601 Or o $25,000-$35,000 o $200,000+ o $50,000-$75,000 o Prefer not to answer complete this survey online at explorelacrosse.com/survey

60 | explorelacrosse.com MEET ON THE MISSISSIPPI

Voted "Most helpful CVB in Wisconsin", by Midwest meeting planners in Wisconsin Meetings Resource Guide.

• 100,000 square foot Convention Services Convention Center on the Mississippi and The Convention Services Department is committed to making your job eas- located in the center of ier and your conference a success by providing full-service planning assis- historic Downtown tance. Registration, visitor information, referral services, development and La Crosse planning as well as media and promotion are some of the services we • Premier hotels and provide. Passkey® powered by GroupMax® is available to planners with motels with a website customized to your event, offering online hotel reservations for 2,000 plus rooms your guests in your contracted block as well as mobile web booking, live event tracking with event dashboards and reports. Our Speaker’s Bureau • Spacious, convenient includes La Crosse based speakers who appear at events nationally and and affordable internationally. Our services are free to groups that utilize a minimum of meeting spaces 50 sleeping rooms on a given night. • Historic setting • Attractive winter rates • Spouse/guest programs Sports • Golf courses With multiple state-of-the-art sport complexes, any tournament can make its home here. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University, • Hiking and biking trails Western Technical College, and the La Crosse Center provide multi-sport • Great venue for reunions, complexes and an abundance of collegiate playing fields car and motorcycle clubs with a variety of surfaces. Annually, La Crosse hosts a multitude of regional and national events; some of which include fishing, baseball, softball, and wrestling tournaments, as well as the WIAA State Track and 800-658-9424 Field Championships.

explorelacrosse.com • 410 Veterans Memorial Drive • La Crosse, WI 54601 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LA CROSSE, WI PERMIT NO. 126

410 Veterans Memorial Drive • La Crosse, WI 54601