La Crosse Travel OverviewLa Crosse is a small city (pop. 55;000) located in southwest Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. There is an old Native American legend that says there will never be a tornado where three rivers meet; and La Crosse welcomes the Black River and the La Crosse River along with the Mississippi at Riverside Park. Whether or not this is true; there has been no major reported damage by a tornado in recent history. Aside from the quaint river scenery; La Crosse has some of the most beautiful; natural bluffs and hills in the midwest. Granddad's Bluff sits above the city at approx. 580 ft. Autumn is spectacular when the bluffs overlooking the city are ablaze in yellows; browns; and reds. Hiking; skiing; and boating in the area are very popular. Riverfest is held each July at Riverside Park; with a wonderful fireworks display over the 4th of July. Each year; during the first week of October; La Crosse hosts the Oktoberfest. There are things to do for everyone; with several large parades; an amusement park; beer tents; and musical attractions. Mount La Crosse is the ski hill located on the SE edge of the city. There are several universities in town; including the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Viterbo University. Western Wisconsin Technical College is the local two-year college. The town was settled by German and Scandinavian pioneers; however today there is also a large population of resettled Hmong refugees who have adjusted quite well to the community. | 