5 Best Museums to Check Out in La Crosse

February 19, 2021 · 3 min read

An hour or two spent at a museum is one of the best ways to make for a full, thoughtful day. La Crosse County, Wisconsin, has plenty of museums to explore, whether you're looking for a fun day out with the kids or a quieter reflection of the area's history. Here are a few of our favorite museum destinations in the area:

1. Children's Museum of La Crosse

If you want to trick your children into learning through play, head over to the Children's Museum of La Crosse. This fun destination has been around since 1999, in large part due to the entertaining learning opportunities it offers through its hands-on exhibits. Let your kids run loose in the newsroom exhibit to let them create their own television newscast. Have them operate a safe miniature version of a crane to see what a construction site is like. These a just a couple of the many exhibits that your kids can spend hours exploring and learning in.

2. Hixon House

Transport yourself over 100 years into the past by visiting Hixon House. This expertly maintained home, built in 1858, is fully furnished with Victorian furniture and decor. Take a guided tour of the preserved Hixon House for a unique insight into how La Crosse residents used to live in the early years of the city. Those interested in 19th-century architecture and antique furniture may find the tour particularly fascinating.

3. La Crosse Area Heritage Center

Those who are interested in learning about La Crosse's history should make their way to the La Crosse Area Heritage Center. This small local museum is a great place to gain insight into the events that made La Crosse into the city it is today. After opening its doors in November 2020, this new museum has become a home to quality exhibits that display artifacts from Hmong immigrants, the early Native Americans that called the area home, storied antiques, and more.

4. Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center

For those who want to learn about the area's natural environment and the regional cultural history of La Crosse County, the Norskeldealen Nature & Heritage Center is unbeatable. The beautiful property alone is worth the visit, and the learning experiences are just icing on the cake. Explore homesteads, walk the nature trail, and visit the arboretum — there is plenty to do at this nature and heritage center.

5. Onalaska Historical Society Museum

This museum focuses on neighboring Onalaska's history and has many artifacts to explore. Head to the Onalaska Public Library to visit this museum, which dives deep into the area's past between the Ice Age and the first railroads in the area. You'll find Native American weapons and fossils. If you're interested in archeological finds, the Onalaska Historical Society Museum is certainly worth checking out. Best of all, admission to this museum is free to all visitors.

If you're traveling through the area, pick the one or two of these museums that piques your interest the most. If you're lucky enough to call the La Crosse area home, be sure to give each of these destinations a visit to experience some of the city's best learning experiences.

Image by Kerstin Herrmann from Pixabay | CC BY 0

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Jun 25, 2021 in Things to Do in La Crosse

5 of the Best Golf Courses Near La Crosse, WI

There is so much to appreciate about La Crosse, WI, from the breathtaking bluffs to the riverfront restaurants and shopping. The city is home to just over 50,000 residents, but plenty more visitors come to this standout spot in southwestern Wisconsin to explore everything the region has to offer. Golf lovers have a lot of options in La Crosse too, with some amazing golf courses for fresh-air fun. more 1. Forest Hills Public Golf If you want to sign up for golf just minutes from the heart of the city, Forest Hills Public Golf Course is a good option. The parkland golf course has welcomed players for over 100 years, and the freshly renovated grounds include an exciting 19th hole to play off in style. Gorgeous bluff views and elevated heights make this course fun and slightly adventurous, with a driving range and a pro shop to stock up on all your golf goods. 2. Walsh Golf Center Another awesome option for local golf is Walsh Golf Center, just a 10-minute drive from the city. The golf course boasts 10 grass-hitting areas and 20 artificial tee stations, with a practice bunker and practice green to help golfers of all levels get more comfortable. Lessons, golf leagues, and mini-golf are also available, ensuring everyone can play. 3. La Crosse Country Club One of western Wisconsin's premier recreation destinations, La Crosse Country Club offers fabulous golf for the whole family, situated in the Emerald Valley's rolling hills. It's only an eight-minute drive from the city center and close to the La Crosse River Conservancy Area in Onalaska. The club is known for its strong junior and couples golf program, as well as pool, tennis, and special events. 4. Fox Hollow Golf Course Located off of County Road O in La Crosse, Fox Hollow Golf Course is just 10 miles east of the city's vibrant downtown area. Nestled between lush green rolling hills, the par 70 course covers 120 acres and has one of just two island greens in the entire state. Public memberships are available and the course is home to the golf team from West Salem High School. 5. The Golf Club at Cedar Creek Last but definitely not least, there's also Cedar Creek in nearby Onalaska, where the La Crosse County Amateur Championship takes place every year. It's within 20 minutes or 10 miles of La Crosse, and the golf club opened in 1990 under the watchful guidance of designer Bob Lohmann. Cedar Creek quickly gained popularity and a nomination as one of the best new courses according to Golf Digest. This is a great club with views of the Mississippi River Basin. Life in Lacrosse is pretty sweet for golf lovers who have no shortage of terrific courses nearby. Whether you want a quick session at the driving range or a full day out on the links, you can do it all in western Wisconsin. Visit Pischke Motors Nissan today for an impressive selection of new and used vehicles to get you to and from your favorite golf course.

Jun 04, 2021 in Things to Do in La Crosse

3 Amazing Day Trips You Can Take From La Crosse, WI

Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River, along the state line between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the city of La Crosse, WI has a population of over 50,000 and is not far from several interesting destinations that can be visited as part of day trips or weekend escapes. Whether you are looking for the culture, bustle, and nightlife of Minneapolis or some beautiful landscapes in a state park, these are some excellent places for a visit with friends or family. more 1. Minneapolis, MN The most populous city in the state of Minnesota is located a little over two hours away from downtown La Crosse by car, driving along routes US-52 S and I-90 E. Minneapolis boasts a population of more than three and a half million in its expansive metropolitan area, and is known for its past as a major timber market in the area, as well as its vibrant cultural life, its excellent gastronomy, and its exciting nightlife. Once you make your way to Minneapolis, the first thing you should do is find a parking spot close to the downtown area. From here, you can explore most of the city's attractions and must-see spots on foot. Start your tour with a walk along Central Minneapolis, checking out the Fifth Street Towers, the Minneapolis City Hall, and other famous sites before crossing the Mississippi River to the twin city of St. Paul. 2. Buckhorn State Park, WI Located on a small peninsula on Castle Rock Lake, the Buckhorn State Park boasts an area of a little under 7,000 acres and is an excellent day trip destination for water sports enthusiasts and visitors looking for a place to enjoy different activities, including hiking, camping, and mountain biking. This place is located right along the shores of Castle Rock Lake, which is home to enormous specimens of muskellunge and other fish species. In order to access the Buckhorn State Park, visitors need to have an annual vehicle admission sticker or purchase a daily pass at the entrance of the park. This place is located just 70 miles east of downtown La Crosse, making it possible to reach it in a little over an hour by car, driving along route I-90 E. Once in the area, make sure to check out its hiking trails and Castle Rock Lake's shoreline. 3. Madison, WI The capital city of the state of Wisconsin is a great urban day trip destination for La Crosse residents wanting to check out some historical monuments, famous landmarks, and good restaurants. Getting to the city takes a little over two hours by car from La Cross, driving along route I-90 E. Once here, some of the places you should not miss include the Wisconsin State Capitol, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. If you are looking for a new set of wheels to go on exciting road trips and adventures with your family or friends, visit us at Pischke Motors Nissan and check out the variety of new and used vehicles we have available for you.

Apr 16, 2021 in Things to Do in La Crosse

6 Kid-Friendly Activities for Families in La Crosse, WI

There are plenty of ways that families in La Crosse, WI can get out of the house and enjoy some quality time together. Here are some kid-friendly activities your children will surely love! more A Day at the Ball Park If your kids love America's favorite pastime, take in a ball game and watch the La Crosse Loggers hit the field. This summer college baseball team plays in the Northwoods League, with the season starting in July and ending in September. All of the team's home games are featured at the nearby Copeland Park, so be sure to pack something to eat and cheer them on. Jump Start Adventure Park This indoor entertainment complex has won several awards for its diverse range of activities. There are plenty of exciting games that will make you work up a sweat, like a trampoline park and even a ninja warrior course. There's also a parkour area for high flyers and a toddler area to keep the young ones entertained. People of all ages will find something to enjoy at Jump Start Adventure Park and get a workout in while doing it. International Owl Center At the International Owl Center, visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic birds and learn all about their habits, hunting methods, and more. Their knowledgeable staff will give you insight on how you can identify different species of owls simply by listening to the sounds they make. It also features a section of owl art, sent in from children around the world. Island Outdoors If you're looking for some outdoor recreation, Island Outdoors features an array of activities on water and land. You can paddle away and rent a canoe, kayak, or water bike, with access to the water directly from the parking lot. They've even got plenty of fun waiting for you in the winter with activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. You don't have to bring anything with you besides the appropriate attire, you can rent everything on site. Children's Museum of La Crosse The Children's Museum of La Crosse is more than just an educational center for children, it's a place where they can have fun and celebrate special occasions while learning too. It was voted the second-best place in La Crosse for kid's birthday parties and third best for entertainment, by Best of La Crosse County. Its fun and interactive exhibits are geared towards kids up to 12 years old, and adults will find many interesting things to learn about as well. Creative Canvas and Board Creative Canvas and Board give children a chance to connect with their inner DaVinci or Picasso. This art studio provides visitors with canvases to paint whatever their imagination can come up with. They also sell high-quality art supplies, so you can continue to practice at home and let your talent reveal itself. Stop by Pischke Motors Nissan today for all of your automotive needs!