Riverside Park | La Crosse

Riverside Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a prominent 14-acre public park located along the western bank of the Mississippi River, just a few blocks from downtown La Crosse. It is widely regarded as a central community gathering space that combines natural beauty, recreational facilities, cultural landmarks, and a venue for numerous popular events and festivals throughout the year. The park's riverfront location offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

Location and Setting

The park sits between the downtown area and the Mississippi River, providing easy access from the city while offering a tranquil natural environment. Its proximity to the river not only provides scenic vistas but also creates opportunities for water-related activities such as riverboat cruises. The landscape features well-maintained green spaces, walking paths, gardens, and benches positioned to maximize enjoyment of the river views.

Major Features and Amenities

Riverside International Friendship Gardens

One of the park's distinctive attractions, the International Friendship Gardens celebrate La Crosse’s sister-city relationships. The gardens showcase a variety of themed areas representing the culture, art, and horticulture of several sister cities around the world. Visitors can experience unique sculptures, flowering plants, and a koi pond that add to the park’s tranquil ambiance.

Wendell A. Anderson Memorial Bandstand

This historic bandstand is an iconic structure within Riverside Park, serving as a focal point for live music and community events. Its classic open-air design allows it to accommodate a variety of performances, ranging from orchestras and jazz bands to local cultural celebrations. The bandstand is especially active during the warmer months, hosting free concerts and festivals.

La Crosse Queen Riverboat

Docked at the northern end of Riverside Park, the La Crosse Queen is a paddlewheel riverboat that offers scenic cruises along the Mississippi River. These cruises provide visitors with a unique perspective of the river’s natural beauty, wildlife, and historic river towns. The boat hosts themed cruises, dining events, and sightseeing tours, making it a popular attraction linked closely to the park.

Historic Weather Gauge Shelter

A noteworthy historical feature within the park is the weather gauge shelter, which dates back to the 1930s. It was originally built to house instruments used by the National Weather Service to monitor river levels and weather conditions. Today, the shelter stands as a small historical monument, symbolizing the city’s long relationship with the Mississippi River and river management.

Recreation and Facilities

The park is equipped with paved walking paths that meander along the riverbank and through landscaped areas. These paths provide an accessible route for pedestrians, joggers, and casual strollers. Numerous benches and picnic areas allow visitors to rest, enjoy the scenery, and have outdoor meals.

Riverside Park has restrooms available for public use and is supported by adjacent parking facilities within downtown La Crosse, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.

Events and Community Activities

Rotary Lights

One of the park’s signature annual events is the Rotary Lights, a holiday light display that transforms Riverside Park into a winter wonderland. With over 3 million lights illuminating the park from late November through December 31, the event draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. The display includes elaborate light sculptures, tunnels, and holiday-themed scenes, making it a festive destination during the holiday season.

Fourth Fridays

Throughout the summer months, Riverside Park hosts the Fourth Fridays event series, which features live music performances, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. This monthly gathering fosters community spirit and offers a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Jazz in the Park

During the summer, the Wendell A. Anderson Bandstand becomes home to the Jazz in the Park concert series. Organized by the La Crosse Jazz Orchestra, these free outdoor concerts showcase local and regional jazz musicians, attracting audiences who appreciate live music in a scenic riverside setting.

Moon Tunes

Another popular summer concert series held at Riverside Park is Moon Tunes, which offers weekly free performances across diverse musical genres. The relaxed ambiance and beautiful surroundings make it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Accessibility and Policies

Riverside Park is designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, with paved paths and open green spaces. The park is well-maintained and operated by the City of La Crosse Parks and Recreation Department.

For the comfort and safety of all visitors, Riverside Park enforces a no-dogs policy, which helps maintain cleanliness and a peaceful environment, especially during crowded events.

Summary

Riverside Park is an essential green space and cultural heart of La Crosse, blending the city’s natural landscape with rich community traditions. Its location along the Mississippi River offers stunning scenery and outdoor enjoyment, while its gardens, historic features, and bandstand provide cultural and educational experiences. With a full calendar of public events including holiday light displays, music festivals, and family gatherings, Riverside Park plays a vital role in the social and recreational life of La Crosse, welcoming visitors year-round.