La Crosse, Wisconsin - Incredible little city on the bank of the mighty Mississippi

Once upon a time my flight got delayed out of La Crosse, Wisconsin so I called a cab, and went downtown for a city hike. La Crosse has a population of about 52,000 and is the largest city win Western Wisconsin. La Crosse is located in the Mississippi River valley in what is known as the "driftless" area. It is a very interesting setting because it's downtown fronts the mighty Mississippi River and about a mile to the east, a 500 foot high ridge of bluffs, cut by coulees hems in the city. One of the most prominent bluffs is Grandad bluff. There is a park on the top of it and a series of trails there too, not to mention great views of the city to the West. 

Across the river from downtown is "Pettibone Park" where there is a beach with sand and an old 1920's or so bath house. I saw this little dude on a log in the riparian area along the edge of the river. 


This little guy was downtown in a park. 

Typical cityscape - La Crosse, Wisconsin
JDJ Photo

Old bridge over the Mississippi River that takes you over to Minnesota. JDJ Photo

Not much of a name but it was a pretty cool bridge with good pedestrian walkways. I walked over this bridge....up river to Pettibone Park, and then back across the newer span of the bridge to downtown. JDJ Photo

It was pretty cool to see these "River Shacks" where people moor thier boats, have bbqs, parties and basically chill for the summer on the bank of the Mississippi River. Boats are all gone because it was late fall and the River freezes in this area. JDJ Photo

Leaves on the Mississippi bank. JDJ Photo


Explored some woods along the riverbank opposite down town La Crosse, WI. JDJ Photo

Old Log in woods. JDJ Photo

Little bit of green hanging in there on the forest floor. JDJ Photo

Heading back east across the Mississippi on the newer span.JDJ Photo

For some reason bridges iron & steel work and engineering fascinates me. JDJ Photo

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The "Great River Road" is a series of roads that follows the Mississippi River over 2,000 miles through 10 States from Louisiana to Minnesota. This route passes through La Crosse. I like to think of the Great River Road as a motorized Appalachian Trail.  JDJ Photo

This amazing painting is on the side of a brick building near the river. It is a painting of the Steamboat "War Eagle" which ferried troops down river to participate in the Civil War. Due to an accident, the ship burned at its mooring and its hulk is still visible in the Black River north of town. I like to imagine dozens of these ships belching smoke from their stacks lining the water front. What a sight that would have been. 

For some reason, throughout the downtown area, there are dance move instructions in the sidewalk.  JDJ Photo

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 La Crosse waterfront. Probably depicting children waving goodbye to their soldier dad or Steamboat crew. JDJ Photo

At Riverside Park along the downtown waterfront there is an amazing 30 foot tall perch with a giant metal eagle (12 foot wingspan) sitting on top. I stood for awhile and admired this statue.  JDJ Photo

People of La Crosse seem to be very patriotic. There is much evidence of this over the last 100 years in Riverside Park.  JDJ Photo

Bridge #300 over the Mississippi River - La Crosse, Wisconsin JDJ Photo


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Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman. I went inside this spectacular structure and sat for a moment of reverent contemplation.  JDJ Photo

Stained glass shout out to early French priest and explorer in the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman.  JDJ Photo

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Totally enjoyed my city walk in La Crosse. Way better than sitting in the airport for 4 hours.  JDJ Photo

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