La Crosse isn't just cheese and college. It offers many
options for entertainment—not just high-life options, but also student-budget
options. From Black River Beach to Bluffview Park, people have free options of
beautiful places to bike or walk to. Enjoy the view from Granddad's bluff or
find your inner child at Kids Coulee.
Other parks in La Crosse include Copeland Park, Erickson
Park, Green Island Park, Hickey Park, Houska Park, Lueth Park, Myrick Park,
Pettibone Park, Poage Park, Powell Park, Red Cloud Park, Riverside Park and
Weigent Park.
People can hike the Hixon Forest Trails which offers
wildlife-watching. One can go through the woods, the marsh, the prairies and up
to the top of the bluff. NOTE: The off-road trails are temporarily closed while the ground is muddy and erodes easily.
Few people seem to know that La Crosse has one of the
largest skate parks in Wisconsin. It includes a quarter pipe, wall ride, pool,
multi-levels, half pipe, and a pyramid. Just head on down La Crosse street to Leuth Park.
Pettibone offers a disc golf course, only $5 for four disks
on weekdays, and $10 for four disks on weekends.
On 7th street, the Green Island Ice Arena offers skating for
$3, plus a rental fee of $3. Some people choose to buy a punch card, with 30
punches for only $25. The ice arena also offers beginner classes for those who
want to learn to skate. The figure skating club of La Crosse meets here. Green
Island also offers open curling for anyone of any level.
As the weather warms, people may find themselves wanting to visit
the Pearl Street walking mall, looking in the unique shops and stopping in the
businesses.
At Myrick park on April 21, people can go to the Earth fair.
It is free to attend, and people will learn about sustainability. April 26
brings NASCAR to the La Crosse Fairgrounds.
May is always an active month in La Crosse. From the Fitness
Festival to the Fun run to the 5K, there are plenty of reasons to get active
now to be ready in May. May also signals the return of the La Crosse Queen and
the paddle-boat cruises. The Riverside Museum is just nearby, with admission
only $2.
The Syttende Mai in Westby is a Norwegian Folk Festival with
ethnic food, costumes and dances on May 16-18.
May 24-25 brings Barre Fest, with cornhole tournaments,
wiffle ball tournaments, chicken-Qs, live music and games in Barre, Wisconsin.
Starting June 15 and going through August 14, Pettibone
offers rental of canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and fishing poles.
Myrick also offers children's movies in the park on June 21,
July 6 and August 2 for free.
