Riverside Museum | La Crosse

The Riverside Museum in La Crosse, Wisconsin, was a dedicated local history museum located at 410 E. Veterans Memorial Drive, near Riverside Park along the Mississippi River. Its primary focus was to preserve and present the rich river heritage and cultural history of the La Crosse area and surrounding region. The museum provided visitors with a comprehensive look at the city’s relationship with the Mississippi River, as well as the natural, industrial, and indigenous history connected to the river and its environment.

Historical Context and Mission

The Riverside Museum was established to showcase La Crosse’s historical identity tied to the river. It was operated under the auspices of the La Crosse County Historical Society, which took over management in 1990. The museum aimed to educate the public on a variety of subjects related to the riverfront, including the ecological significance, transportation history, and Native American heritage.

The Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center (MVAC), affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, collaborated with the museum to curate exhibits related to Native American cultures, particularly the Ho-Chunk Nation, which has a deep and ongoing connection to the region.

Exhibits and Collections

The Riverside Museum featured diverse and carefully curated exhibits, which included:

Steamboat and River Transportation History: One of the museum’s highlights was the extensive collection of artifacts from the era when steamboats were the dominant mode of transportation and commerce along the Mississippi River. The museum featured items recovered from the wreck of the War Eagle, a notable steamboat that sank near La Crosse. These artifacts offered a tangible link to the past, illustrating the importance of river navigation in the city’s development.

Native American Artifacts: Exhibits highlighted the cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples of the region, focusing particularly on the Ho-Chunk Nation. Artifacts, tools, and interpretive displays provided insight into their traditional ways of life and continued presence in the area.

Logging and Lumber Industry: The museum also documented La Crosse’s significant role in the logging and lumber industries, which flourished due to the city’s river access. Exhibits included tools, photographs, and narratives related to timber rafting, sawmills, and the economic impact of logging on the region.

Pearl Button Industry: A unique industrial history aspect showcased was the pearl button manufacturing that thrived in La Crosse, made from freshwater mussels harvested from the river. This industry was an important part of the local economy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Closure and Transition

Despite its rich offerings, the Riverside Museum closed permanently on December 31, 2019. The closure was due to multiple factors including the expiration of the museum’s lease at the historic Fish Hatchery building and evolving city plans for the site. The La Crosse County Historical Society and community leaders decided to consolidate historical resources and continue public education through a new, expanded facility.

La Crosse Area Heritage Center

In November 2020, the La Crosse County Historical Society opened the La Crosse Area Heritage Center at 506 Main Street in downtown La Crosse. This new center serves as the modern successor to the Riverside Museum, housing many of its collections and continuing its mission to preserve and promote the history of the region.

The Heritage Center offers expanded exhibits covering:

The continuous presence and culture of the Ho-Chunk Nation.

The impact of early European settlement in the La Crosse area.

The history of logging on the Black River and its economic significance.

The brewing industry in La Crosse County.

Life and commerce along the Mississippi River, including steamboats, mussel harvesting, and fishing.

The center provides educational programs, special events, and rotating exhibits, making it a dynamic hub for regional history.

Visitor Information

The La Crosse Area Heritage Center is open Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the last entry at 3:30 PM. Admission fees are $5 for adults, $4 for students, and free for members of the La Crosse County Historical Society.

The center is designed to engage visitors with interactive displays, educational materials, and artifacts, offering a comprehensive narrative of La Crosse’s multifaceted history tied to its river and surrounding environment.

Summary

The Riverside Museum was a key institution preserving La Crosse’s river-related history and cultural heritage for nearly three decades. Although it closed in 2019, its legacy continues through the La Crosse Area Heritage Center, which expands upon its mission to tell the story of the region’s indigenous peoples, industrial growth, and connection to the mighty Mississippi River. For those interested in understanding La Crosse’s past and its relationship with the river that shaped it, the Heritage Center remains the premier destination.