2014 Onalaska Visitors Guide

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • CATEGORY

1

WELCOME TO ONALASKA

Dear Traveler – On behalf of the citizens of Onalaska, I welcome you to our beautiful community on the banks of the Mississippi River. We invite you to experience all this charming river town has to offer.

Onalaska is blessed with abundant natural resources and scenic beauty. The Great River State Trail follows the course of the Mississippi River, connecting you with some of the best birdwatching and scenery in the state. Lake Onalaska provides vast stretches of open water and beckons anglers with pike, walleye, bass, catfish and, of course, sunfish. Tremendous views of the river can be enjoyed from places like Green Coulee Park, Sunny the Sunfish Overlook and the spillway on the Black River. In the winter, Onalaska is a haven for bald eagles. Onalaska truly is a place where you can connect with nature.

But, Onalaska offers more than just outdoor recreation. The community is the shopping hub for a nine-county region, drawing people from three different states to Onalaska’s shops, restaurants and hotels. People come to Onalaska for the wide array of businesses and the outstanding service they receive. You won’t find a friendlier, more hardworking community.

Onalaska isn’t just a great place to visit—it’s also a wonderful place to live. We offer a thriving business community and excellent healthcare. Our community’s educational offerings, from kindergarten to college, are top notch. Few places in the Midwest offer the high quality of life you’ll find in Onalaska.

Thank you for considering Onalaska for your next vacation or getaway. The community has a lot to offer, and we’re ready to serve you and your family.

See you in Onalaska!

Sincerely,

Joe Chilsen Mayor

2

WELCOME • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Lake Onalaska, a pool on the Mississippi River, offers outstanding paddling, great fishing and incredible views. Photo by Rachel Nyman

DISCOVER ONALASKA Onalaska on the Mississippi River is one of the Midwest’s most affordable getaway destinations. It’s also convenient— Onalaska is situated along I-90 between Chicago and the Twin Cities. You’ll find a number of quality hotels and the largest shopping district in a nine-county region. For complete information about all that Onalaska has to offer, visit discoveronalaska.com or call the Center for Commerce and Tourism at 1-800-873-1901. You can also visit us at 1101 Main Street in Onalaska. Plan your trip today!

Like us at Facebook.com/OnalaskaWI Follow us at Twitter.com/OnalaskaWI Follow us at Pinterest.com/OnalaskaWI Cover: Having fun on the Great River State Trail. Photo by Ashley Oldenburg We have done our best to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information in this guide. We apologize for any inaccurate information or errors.

TABLE OF CONTENTS RECREATION & ATTRACTIONS .............. 4-9 LODGING .......................................... 10-12 HISTORY ................................................ 13 RETAIL .............................................. 14-15 TRIP PLANNER ................................. 16-17 AREA MAP ....................................... 18-19 DINING ............................................. 20-22 MEETINGS .............................................. 23 SERVICES ......................................... 24-26 RELOCATION, SCHOOLS & CHURCHES .... 27 FESTIVALS & EVENTS ........................ 28-29 HOLMEN ........................................... 30-31 WEST SALEM ................................... 32-33 WEEKEND ITINERARY ............................ 34 ADVERTISER’S INDEX ........................... 35

Produced by: Pilch & Barnet, Inc., 608-242-8895 • pilchbarnet.com

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • WELCOME

3

RECREATION & ATTRACTIONS

Onalaska has been awarded the Bronze Level as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists.

BICYCLING Onalaska is an outstanding biking destination. It is one of only 12 communities in Wisconsin designated as Bicycle Friendly. The community lies along 101 miles of interconnecting state bike trails. The 24-mile Great River State Trail follows the course of the Mississippi River for a time north from Onalaska. The trail traverses 18 different waterways and travels over a 287-foot former railroad trestle over the Black River. You’ll enjoy great views of Lake Onalaska and see trains running along the BNSF railway.

The Great River State Trail is perfect for all riders.

Photo by Ashley Oldenburg

The La Crosse River State Trail follows the La Crosse River east from Onalaska to Sparta. The trail passes over crystal-clear trout streams and runs through beautiful farmland. Throughout the Onalaska area, you’ll also find quiet country roads that are perfect for cycling.

Guidance for Geocachers

Tips for Cyclists Just a mile from the Great River State Trail you’ll find the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Visitor Center, N5727 County Road Z. The center offers interactive exhibits, trails and wildlife observation.

On the La Crosse River State Trail near West Salem, follow a short trail link to Veterans Memorial Park. The scenic park features a four-acre fishing pond and stone bridge.

SWIMMING The Onalaska Aquatic Center is located at 250 Riders Club Road. The facility features a zero-depth entry pool, six lap lanes, three waterslides, a sand play area and concession stand. The center is open June through August. A fee is charged for admission.

For more information, visit discoveronalaska.com.

4

BICYCLE RENTALS ARE AVAILABLE IN ONALASKA.

GEOCACHING Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game played with a handheld GPS unit. Search for hundreds of caches hidden throughout the Onalaska area, including many caches maintained by Onalaska Parks & Recreation.

On geocaching.com, you’ll find a fun list of historical caches in Onalaska called “Sawmills to Sunfish.”

Caches can be found up and down the Great River and La Crosse River State Trails.

Bring trinkets to swap or just look at what is cached and sign your name.

AUTO RACING Races are held May through early October on Saturdays and most Fridays at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway. Take the whole family—it’s one of the most fun and affordable activities available in the area. For a complete race schedule, visit lacrossespeedway.com.

The La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem is Wisconsin’s only NASCARsanctioned asphalt track.

RECREATIO N & ATTRACTIONS • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

GOLF Onalaska is surrounded by more than a dozen golf courses. Many of these courses offer low greens fees.

Couple this with Onalaska’s outstanding hotels, large retail district and convenient location, and you have the perfect golf getaway. Learn more about golfing opportunities in Onalaska by visiting discoveronalaska.com or by calling 1-800-873-1901.

CANOEING AND KAYAKING You’ll find a number of paddling opportunities in Onalaska. Onalaska sits at the confluence of the Black River, Mississippi River and the vast 7,700-acre Lake Onalaska.

Paddling Suggestions The Onalaska waterfront and spillway offers an opportunity to canoe and kayak Mississippi River backwaters. Turn west on Irvin Street off of Highway 35, one block south of Main Street.

Canoe access points for the La Crosse River can be found near the Holiday Heights subdivision off Highway 16 and behind Stoney Creek Inn, 3060 South Kinney Coulee Road.

Additional information is provided on a kiosk near the inn.

For easy paddling, put in at Brown’s Marsh Canoe Area at Lytle’s Landing. Parking is available, along with a canoe ramp and a concrete pad for fishing, particularly for bass and northern pike. The area is closed year-round to motorized watercraft.

CANOEING AND KAYAKING ARE THE IDEAL WAYS TO ACCESS THE AREA’S BEST BIRDWATCHING AND WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES.

Catching a little serenity. Photo by Anthony Larson

FISHING Lake Onalaska’s big sunfish have earned the lake the title, “Sunfish Capital of the World.” This 7,700-acre pool on the Mississippi River also offers great fishing for catfish, walleye, bass and northern pike. Easy access for anglers and hunters can be found at numerous public boat launches. For maps of Onalaska’s Pool 7 and Pool 8, visit www.fws.gov/refuge/upper_mississippi_river.

Advice for Anglers Wisconsin/Minnesota boundary water fishing license rules are tricky, especially if you are not a Wisconsin or Minnesota resident. Visit the Wisconsin DNR at dnr.wi.gov to learn about the fishing regulations.

Paddling on 7,700-acre Lake Onalaska. Photo by River Alliance of Wisconsin

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • RECREATION & ATTRACTIONS

5

BIRDWATCHING

Birding Recommendations

Onalaska is one of Wisconsin’s finest birdwatching destinations. The community is located on the Mississippi Flyway, North America’s most important migratory route. During the fall, see tundra swans, diving ducks, mergansers, cormorants, pelicans, shorebirds, raptors and songbirds. The eagle watching in Onalaska during the late winter can be phenomenal.

Thousands of swans congregate near Brownsville on the Minnesota side of the Mississippi River from November to first ice. The Brownsville observation area is only 20 minutes from Onalaska.

HIKING

State Bike Trails No trail pass is required to hike on any of the state bike trails. The Great River State Trail can be accessed at the trailhead off of Irvin Street or at Sunny the Sunfish Overlook above Lake Onalaska on Highway 35. There are steps beside the giant sunfish sculpture going down to the trail.

Hikers, walkers and joggers will find miles of excellent trails in Onalaska. Run along the Mississippi River.

Take a walk through a peaceful bottomland forest. Hike through a lush green river valley past farms and trout creeks. Here are some of the top trails.

WISCONSIN

Trempealeau Co. Buffalo Co. P

Marshland Access Future Trail 35 Extension

35

Great River State Trail

54

93

K

54

.

Co . au Co Trempealeau pealerosse m C Tre La

Halfway Creek Trail

35

Midway

XX

53

Z

55

USFWS Lytle’s Landing Center Mis siss ippi Riv er

MINNESOTA

Trempealeau National Fish & Wildlife Refuge

Holmen

53

Perrot State Park

54

See pelicans on the Onalaska waterfront when they stop in the area in the spring and fall. They enjoy hanging out above the spillway off Irvin Street.

16

Onalaska

Ranger Station

157

Parking Trail Head

Lake Onalaska

16

La Crosse

90

Picnic Areas Restrooms

53 35

Drinking Water Camping Telephone

C 108

53

Lake Onalaska 35

157

Onalaska

16

B

B

35

16

La Crosse

O

M

Trail

Sparta

Borderline

21

Paved Roads

West Salem Bangor

B

La Crosse River State Trail Rockland

162

Three Rivers Trail

La Crosse River 90

U

McGilvray Bridges The Van Loon Wildlife Area is located north of Onalaska outside the community of Holmen. This bottomland forest along the Black River is home to six historic bridges built between 1905 and 1908. The bridges can be viewed along a scenic walking trail.

6

J

16

B

53

Elevations

27

16

La Crosse River

90 Mississippi River

162

La Crosse

M

Z

Co. Monroe Co .

Information

Midway

J

71

27

Y

McGilvray Bridges Trail Tips During certain times of the year, the trail can become inaccessible due to high water.

To get to the bridges, travel north on Highway 53, left on Old 93, then right on Amsterdam Prairie Road.

This is a walking trail only—no bikes please.

RECREATIO N & ATTRACTIONS • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Savannah Oaks Part of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, the 24 acres of Savannah Oaks is open to the public for hiking, hunting and birdwatching. The land borders Green Coulee Park.

Clearwater Farm

Stonebrid ge Ave

Gre en C oule e Rd

Sunnm ers Da y

Glads ton CV e Cobb lesto ne C V

Green Coulee Park Hike along two miles of trails running through a 67acre park that includes the highest elevation in the area. The trails run through wetlands and an oak savanna and continue to a rock quarry at the summit of a bluff that overlooks a portion of Onalaska. During deer hunting season in late November, the trails are closed to hikers.

746’

748’

Harmony Point PL

Green Coulee Park

1074’

Boats & Bait LLC Rental of Pontoons Fishing Boats Canoes • Kayaks • Live Bait Ice Fishing Tackle • Motor Repair

1174’ 1088’

760’

Qu arr y

Clearwater Dr. Maplewood Dr.

938’

Schafer’s

996’

1014’ 1212’

Ln

000’ Elevation

918’

16

Old Country Buffet & Kwik Trip

Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center

Gundersen Clinic

Critter CT

.

Rd lle Pra

Gundersen Dr.

All elevations are shown as feet above sea level

Humane Society

0.42 Mile Trail

Gundersen MVC Trail

Mississippi Valley Conservancy Holdings

1.45 Mile Hiking Loop

“Our bait is guaranteed to die trying.”

Mississippi Valley Conservancy (MVC Trail) This 373-acre conservancy is a unique river valley that includes forests, wetland prairies, tamarack swamps and open wetlands. The conservancy’s low impact recreational trails are easily accessible. Access to the conservancy can be found behind Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center, 3060 South Kinney Coulee Road.

There is a kiosk on the front lawn of Stoney Creek, and the trailhead begins behind the hotel.

www.schafersboats.com 608-781-3100 W7221 North Shore Lane Onalaska, WI 54650

Email: schafers@charter.net

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • RECREATION & ATTRACTIONS

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Golfing, camping, fishing, history—there’s so much to see and do. Rent a bicycle for a trail ride. Go on a riverboat cruise. Visit interesting museums. Spend an exciting evening at the speedway. Having fun is easy in Onalaska.

Featured Recreation and Attractions

Types of Activities Offered

Hours of Operation

Center for Commerce & Tourism 1101 Main St., Onalaska 608-781-9570 • 1-800-873-1901 discoveronalaska.com

Tourist information and bike trail passes available. Apparel, postcards and Onalaska magnets.

Winter: Nov.-Apr. Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm Summer: May-Oct. Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm, Sat. 9 am-3 pm, Sun. 9 am-2 pm

Children’s Museum of La Crosse 207 5th Ave. S., La Crosse 608-784-2652 • funmuseum.org

Three floors of hands-on exhibits and related programming for ages 1-12 and adult companions. "Ta-Da!" gift shop, plus meeting rooms available for 20 to 75 people.

Tues.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Sun. Noon-5 pm

Yes

Coulee Golf Bowl 100 Green Coulee Rd., Onalaska 608-781-1111 • Fax: 608-783-3490 couleegb.com

Nine-hole public golf course, practice greens, golf shop, bar & grill, eight-lane bowling center, birthday packages available.

Golfing Season 7 am-10 pm Bowling Season 10 am-11 pm Bar open later on weekends

Yes

Coulee Region Adventures 1421 Franklin St., Onalaska 608-769-7809 coulee-region-adventures.com

Fishing guide and ecotourism.

Full-day and half-day guide services. Appointments needed.

Yes

La Crosse County Facilities (Goose Island/Veterans Memorial) 400 4th St. N., Rm. 1370, La Crosse 608-785-9770 • lacrossecounty.org

Parks, campgrounds, picnic shelters, hiking, biking, birdwatching, boat landings, fishing, canoeing, mini-golf, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling.

Recreational areas: Goose Island, Veterans Memorial, Neshonoc, Neshonoc South, Mindoro, Bice Forest, Hoeth Forest.

Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4:30 pm

No

La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway N4985 County Rd. M, West Salem 608-786-1525 • lacrossespeedway.com lacrossespeedway@yahoo.com

Races are held from May through Oct. with races every Sat. night. Sat. night race divisions include Late Models, Sportsmen and Thunderstox, plus unique novelty races sure to thrill and entertain even the most seasoned race fan. Street Drags, where you drive your street car, are held the second Fri. of every month. Take your family to the races - it’s one of the most fun and affordable activities around.

Gates open at 5:45 pm Qualifying at 6 pm Racing begins at 7:30 pm

Yes

La Crosse Queen Cruises 405 Veterans Memorial Dr., La Crosse 608-784-8523 • lacrossequeen.com

A modern day replica of the grand riverboats of the 1900s. The La Crosse Queen is one of the few “true” paddlewhelers operating today. Offering sightseeing, pizza, dinner, brunch and three-hour lunch cruises. Snacks and beverages available on all cruises. Handicap accessible and free parking.

Daily excursions during the summer season; visit website for details.

Yes

Mississippi Explorer Cruises Riverside Park, La Crosse 877-647-7397 ext. 2 • 507-895-4026 mississippiexplorer.com info@mississippiexplorer.com

Explore more and see more with Mississippi Explorer Cruises! Unique riverboat cruises that take you within feet of beautiful backwater riverbanks, bald eagle nests, beaver lodges, turtle-filled logs, muskrat huts, blooming lotus, water lilies and more. Fully and professionally narrated on a specially-designed "backwater" riverboat. On-board restroom. Carry-on food and drink allowed.

Apr.-Oct.: Wed.-Sun. See website for complete schedule.

Yes

Onalaska Area Historical Museum 741 Oak Ave. S., Onalaska 608-781-9568

Museum showing how Onalaska became a town. Log cabin with different displays changed quarterly, displays of the railroad, lumber history, arrowheads, etc.

Open year-round: Wed.-Fri. 2-4 pm, Sat. 9 am-noon Open Oct 1-Mar 31: Mon. 6 pm-8 pm

No

Pearl Street Brewery 1401 Saint Andrew St., La Crosse 608-784-4832 • pearlstreetbrewery.com

See the brewery. Enjoy a beer in our Tasting Room at our handmade bar.

Sat. tours. Available for banquets. Carryout cases, growlers and six-packs.

Live music every Fri.

Tues.-Thurs. 4-8 pm, Fri. 4-10 pm, Sat. Noon-5 pm Sat. tours Group tours by appointment

Yes

River Trail Cycles 106 Mason St., Onalaska 608-519-5757 • rivertrailcycles.com

Road, trail and comfort bikes for adults and children. Full-service repair shop.

Bike and snowshoe rentals. Huge selection of clothing and accessories for biking, running and swimming. Open seven days a week year-round!

Mon. & Wed. 10 am-7 pm, Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 10 am-5:30 pm, Sat. 9 am-5 pm, Sun. 11 am-4 pm

Yes

River View Winery 32882 County Rd. 1, La Crescent, MN 608-385-1209 • riverviewwinery.com

Enjoy wine tasting and tours of River View Vineyard and Winery. Nestled in the scenic Minnesota bluffs above the beautiful winding Mississippi River Valley.

This small country winery produces native blends of wine from choice selected grapes.

Sat. & Sun. 1-6 pm

Yes

Schafer’s Boats and Bait, LLC W7221 North Shore Ln., Onalaska 608-781-3100 • schafersboats.com schafers@charter.net

Pontoon, fishing boat, canoe and kayak rentals. Full line of fishing tackle and live bait. Fishing and hunting licenses available.

Summer: 6 am-8:30 pm Winter: 7 am-5 pm 7 days a week

Yes

Information in this grid is subject to change. Contact the business for up-to-date hours and information.

8

Credit Cards Accepted

RECREATIO N & ATTRACTIONS • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

No

Cruise the

Mississippi

River

Daily Sightseeing Cruises - 3-Hour Cruises - Pizza Cruises Lunch Cruises - Sunday Brunch Cruises Weekend Dinner Cruises with Entertainment Charters and Group Tours from April through October for Conventions, Receptions, Reunions or Group Events

Call for complete schedule and prices: 608-784-8523 405 Veterans Memorial Dr., PO Box 1805 La Crosse, WI 54602 (Located at boat dock, west end of State St. in Riverside Park downtown La Crosse.)

w w w. l a c r o s s e q u e e n . c o m

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9

LODGING Several Onalaska hotels offer swimming pools. Photo by Anthony Larson

Groups • Motor Coach • Conferences • • •

Full-service Hotel • 147 Guest Rooms

Free “Daybreak” Continental Breakfast

Large Heated Indoor Pool • Recently Renovated • • •

Heroes Bar & Grill • Onsite Catering

Over 5000 sq. ft. of Flexible Meeting Space

Great Location (just off Interstate 90, Exit 2) •

Free Parking

101 Sky Harbour Drive • La Crosse, WI 54603 www.daysinnlacrosse.com facebook.com/daysinn.lacrosse

Phone: 608-783-1000 • Fax: 608-783-2948 • Email: sales@dayshotellacrosse.com

• High Speed Internet • Free Continental Breakfast • Meeting Room • Refrigerator, Microwave, Coffee Maker & Queen Beds in Every Room

(608) 781-4490 • Toll Free (888) 841-3480 • Hwy 53 & OT • 3913 Circle Dr., Holmen 10

LODGING • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Room Rates

Continental Breakfast

Pets Welcome

Handicap Accessible

Whirlpool Suites

Fridge/ Micro

Baymont Inn & Suites 3300 Kinney Coulee Rd. N., Onalaska 608-783-7191 • Toll-Free 1-877-392-7950 Reservation Center 1-877-392-7950 • baymontinns.com/lacrosse 67-room property with 24-hour pool, whirlpool and fitness center. High-speed Internet.

Suites with kitchens with sink, refrigerator and microwave. Truck and RV parking available.

Within one mile of shopping and several restaurants. Hot complimentary breakfast. * Only small pets welcome

$69$179

Yes

Yes*

Yes

Yes

Yes

Comfort Inn 1223 Crossing Meadows Dr., Onalaska 608-781-7500 • Toll-Free 1-800-424-6423 • choicehotels.com 69 rooms. Indoor pool, free high-speed wireless Internet, continental breakfast, 24-hour coffee and tea.

$69$119

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Upon request

Holiday Inn Express 9409 State Road 16, Onalaska 608-783-6555 • hiexonalaska.com

$119$159

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Lake Motel 926 2nd Ave. N., Onalaska 608-783-3348 • lakemotelonalaska.com Nine clean, quiet units overlooking Lake Onalaska, ample boat parking, fish-cleaning facilities, low rates, grill and picnic area. Free high-speed wireless Internet and cable TV. Half mile from OmniCenter.

$37$60

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Lumber Baron Inn Bed & Breakfast 421 2nd Ave. N., Onalaska 608-781-8938 • lumberbaroninn.com Enjoy a full five-course breakfast, choose from seven rooms with private baths and Jacuzzi suites. The Lumber Baron Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places.

$109$159

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham 3240 N. Kinney Coulee Rd., Onalaska 608-783-0833 • Toll-Free 1-888-818-2359 • microtelinn.com 63 rooms. Microtel offers quality, comfort, safety and value. Continental breakfast, free local calls and in-room movies. Guest laundry facilities.

$59$99

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Upon request

$70$300

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Featured Lodging

Hampton Inn Onalaska 308 Hampton Ct., Onalaska • 608-779-5000

Onalaska Inn 651 2nd Ave. S., Onalaska • 608-783-2270 Shadow Run Motel 710 2nd Ave. N., Onalaska • 608-783-0020 • Toll-Free 1-800-566-0798 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 3060 S. Kinney Coulee Rd., Onalaska 608-781-3060 • staysci.com 157 sleeping rooms and conference/banquet space available. Conveniently located off I-90. Free hot breakfast, indoor/outdoor swim-through pool, fitness room and complimentary high-speed Internet access.

Onalaska room tax contributions from the above lodging establishments assist in promoting tourism in the area.

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • LODGING

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Lake Onalaska Fully Furnished Cabins

ASSOCIATE LODGING MEMBERS Americas Best Value Inn 608-781-3070 La Crosse AmericInn of West Salem 608-786-3340 1-800-396-5007 West Salem

Vacation with all the comforts of home at Cozy Corner Cottages!

• • • • • •

Full Kitchen WIFI/Cable TV Air Conditioned Linens Provided Campfire Pits Playground

• • • • • •

Swimming Pool Variety of Boats Dock On-Site Fish Cleaning Pet Friendly Open All Year

Candlewood Suites 608-785-1110 1-800-950-0424 La Crosse Cozy Corner Cottages 608-781-3792 Onalaska Days Inn Hotel & Conference Center 608-783-1000 La Crosse

Grandstay Residential Suites Hotel 608-796-1615 La Crosse Neshonoc Lakeside Camp Resort 608-786-1792 1-888-783-0035 West Salem Prairie Inn & Suites 608-781-4490 1-888-841-3480 Holmen Quality Inn – Brookstone Inn 608-781-1400 La Crosse

Whether you want to lounge by the pool, fish on the lake or gather around a campfire, you are sure to find relaxation and fun at Cozy Corner Cottages!

W8071 County ZB, Onalaska, WI 54650 www.cozycornercottages.net

608-781-3792

12

Onalaska is a great shopping destination.

LODGING • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

HISTORY

Don’t miss the historical museum’s interesting collection. Photo by James Steinhoff

THE STORY OF ONALASKA Native American tribes lived in the Onalaska area for countless centuries. By the 1800s, Onalaska was a booming lumber town. European settlers Thomas G. Rowe and John C. Laird named the picturesque community Onalaska after a poem written by Thomas Campbell entitled “The Pleasures of Hope.” William Carlisle settled in Onalaska and loved it so much he went on to found Onalaska, Washington, and Onalaska, Texas. Visit the Onalaska Historical Museum in the Onalaska Public Library and see artifacts that tell the

The museum’s exhibits appeal to all ages. Photo by R.J. Miller

story of the community from the Ice Age to modern times. For more information on exhibits and viewing hours, visit discoveronalaska.com.

THE ONALASKA HISTORICAL MUSEUM IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND WED-FRI 2-4 PM, SAT 9 AMNOON. IT IS ALSO OPEN FROM OCT 1- MAR 31, MON 6-8 PM.

Onalaska celebrates the past. Photo by R.J. Miller

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RETAIL

Onalaska is a great place to shop. The city boasts the largest retail district in a nine-county area. You’ll find big-name retailers as well as dozens of unique shops and galleries. The Valley View Mall features more than 80 specialty shops and four major department stores. From best-selling books to stylish apparel, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Onalaska.

Featured Retailers

Type of Store

Hours of Operation

Online Ordering

Blue Heron Bicycle Works 213 Main St., Onalaska 608-783-7433 • blueheronbikes.com

Bicycle sales, repair and rental.

Hours may vary

Yes

No

Mainstream Boutique 1125 Main St., Ste.180, Onalaska 608-519-5522 onalaska.mainstreamboutique.com

Stop by today for women’s fashion apparel, accessories and jewelry that’s out of the ordinary.

Mon.-Fri. 9 am-6 pm, Sat. 9 am-5 pm

Yes

Yes

Olive Juice Quilts 1258 County Rd. PH, Onalaska 608-782-3257 • olivejuicequilts.com

Fabric, sewing machine sales and repairs.

Mon.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm, Thurs. 10 am-8 pm

Yes

Yes

Treehouse Gift & Home 9546 E. 16 Frontage Rd., Onalaska 608-783-GIFT • treehousegiftandhome.com

Two floors featuring 8,000 square feet of unique gifts, art, home accents, personal accessories and gourmet foods.

Mon.-Fri. 10 am-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-6 pm, Sun. 11 am-5 pm

Yes

Yes

Valley View Mall 3800 State Rd. 16, La Crosse 608-781-4700

80+ stores you will love including Macy’s, Sears, Herberger’s, JC Penney and Barnes & Noble. Style. Your way.

Mon.-Sat. 10 am-9 pm, Sun. 11 am-6 pm Department stores and holiday hours may vary

Yes

No

Information in this grid is subject to change. Contact the business for up-to-date hours and information.

BERNINA & Baby Lock Sewing Machines Over 3,000 Bolts of Fabric Notions • Books • Patterns • Classes All Model Machine Repair mon - sat 10-5 | thurs 10-8 | Closed Sundays 1258 County Rd PH | Onalaska, WI 54650 (608) 782-3257 | www.olivejuicequilts.com

14

Credit Cards Accepted

RETAIL • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

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15

TRIP PLANNER

Winona 4

WISCONSIN MINNESOTA

Mindoro

16 15 Trempealeau 8

35 10

Museums & Interesting Attractions 1 Onalaska Historical Museum – Onalaska 2 Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe – La Crosse 3 Norskadalen Nature & Heritage Center – Coon Valley 4 Minnesota Marine Art Museum – Winona, MN

Holmen 53 14

61

Scenic Overlooks & Panoramic Views 5 Sunny the Sunfish Overlook – Onalaska 6 Green Coulee Park – Onalaska 7 Grandad Bluff – La Crosse 8 Brady’s Bluff in Perrot State Park – Trempealeau 9 Settler’s Overlook – Genoa

20

24

23

Hiking & Biking 18 Great River State Trail – Onalaska 19 La Crosse River State Trail – Onalaska 20 Halfway Creek Trail – Holmen 21 Three Rivers Trail – La Crosse

16

West Salem

35 13 29 12 5

22

Onalaska 18

53

1

19 53 21

La Crescent

25

6 90

16

61

11

14

35 28 26 29 7 27 La Crosse

33 14

Auto Tours 10 Mindoro Cut – Popular drive northeast of Onalaska on Hwy 108 11 Apple Blossom Scenic Drive – 17-mile drive around La Crescent, MN (across the Mississippi River) 12 Driftlessdestinations.com – Get more area motorcycling and auto tour routes For Nature Lovers 13 Black River Spillway – Onalaska 14 Van Loon State Wildlife Area/McGilvray Bridges – Holmen 15 Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge – Trempealeau 16 Perrot State Park – Trempealeau 17 Genoa National Fish Hatchery – Genoa

108

2 35 22

9

Genoa 17

Fishing, Canoeing & Kayaking 22 Black River – Onalaska 23 Lake Onalaska – Onalaska 24 Mississippi River – Onalaska Family Activities 25 Observation Deck at Lock & Dam #7 – La Crescent, MN 26 Children’s Museum – La Crosse 27 Boat Cruises on the Mississippi – Riverside Park, La Crosse 28 Friendship Garden – La Crosse

29 Historic Walking Tours Info – Onalaska and La Crosse

TRIP PLANNER • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

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Miles to Onalaska from: Chicago. . . . . . . 273 Duluth. . . . . . . 234 Eau Claire. . . . . . 87 Green Bay. . . . 196 Madison . . . . . 126 Milwaukee . . . 204 Minneapolis . . 153 Wausau. . . . . . 144

Onalaska is the ideal hub for exploring the Mississippi River region. This region is home to museums, scenic overlooks and numerous recreational opportunities— all within minutes of Onalaska.

M IS S ISS IPPI

R IV E R

Wisconsin Great River Road

EXPLORE THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER REGION IN ONALASKA.

The Wisconsin Great River Road is nestled between the river and towering bluffs. The 250-mile byway is part of the 10-state Great River Road, which runs for more than 3,000 miles along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. For more information about the Wisconsin Great River Road, visit wigrr.com.

Onalaska offers many wildlife-viewing opportunities.

From ice fishing our beautiful Lake Onalaska and Black River, to being on a guided kayak tour, to trout fishing on a crystal clear coulee creek; Coulee Region Adventures will take you into the driftless region and provide you with a hands on adventure!

A certified adventure guide, Anthony has over 30 years of experience and can customize your outdoor adventure.

• Ice Fishing • Silent Sport Fishing • Guided Kayak Tours • Trout Fishing Group and corporate rates available.

608-769-7809

www.couleeregionadventures.net

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • TRIP PLANNER

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18

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To Trempealeau

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gh Hu Mc oad R

AREA MAP • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com 33

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36

34

14

38

Van Riper Park

21

3 1

2nd Avenue N.

4

29

19

14

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State Street

20 14 5 28 22

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8

Onalaska Center For Commerce & Tourism

Lake Motel ................................... 19 Lindy’s Subs & Salads ................ 20 Lumber Baron Inn Bed & Breakfast 21 Mainstream Boutique ................... 22 Mayo Clinic Health System ............ 11 Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndman 23 Mississippi Explorer Cruises ......... 24 Olive Juice Quilts .......................... 25 Onalaska American Legion ........... 26 Onalaska Historical Museum ....... 27 Onalaska/Holmen/West Salem Public Transit .............................. 28 Onalaska OmniCenter .................. 29 Pearl Street Brewery ..................... 30 Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Center .... 31 Prairie Inn & Suites ....................... 32 Red Pines Bar & Grill...................... 33 River Trail Cycles .......................... 34 River View Winery .......................... 35 Schafer’s Boats & Bait, LLC............ 36 School District of Onalaska .......... 37 Seasons by the Lake ..................... 38 Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center .. 39 Treehouse Gift & Home ................ 40 Trempealeau Hotel ....................... 41 Valley View Mall ........................... 42

ONALASKA AREA MAP Angelini’s ................................... 1 Baymont Inn & Suites ................ 2 Blue Heron Bicycle Works .......... 3 Blue Moon Saloon & Roadhouse .. 4 Center for Commerce & Tourism ...... 5 Children’s Museum of La Crosse .... 6 Comfort Inn ............................... 7 Coulee Golf Bowl ........................ 8 Cozy Corner Cottages ................9 Days Inn Hotel & Conference Center ................... 10 Gundersen Health System.........12 Holiday Inn Express .................. 13 Kwik Trip ...................................14 La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau ....................... 15 La Crosse County Facilities (Goose Island/Veterans Memorial)........ 16 La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway 17 La Crosse Queen Cruises ........... 18

12 Aven

35

10

24

15

18

6 20

30

14 27

7

16

14

16

17

31

25 42

11

13

14 39 12

Garland Street

Oak Avenue

rive

rest D

o Oak F

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Leonard Street

2th nue S.

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • AREA MAP

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Angelini’s 214 Main St., Onalaska 608-783-5566 • angelinis.com Blue Moon Saloon & Roadhouse 716 2nd Ave. N., Onalaska 608-781-6800 Lindy’s Subs & Salads 225 Sand Lake Rd., Onalaska 608-783-7827 • lindyssubsandsalads.com

Onalaska American Legion 731 Sand Lake Rd., Onalaska 608-783-3300 • onalaskapost336.org Red Pines Bar & Grill W7305 County Rd. Z, Onalaska 608-779-2800 • redpinesbarandgrill.com

Seasons by the Lake 910 2nd Ave. N. (Hwy 35), Onalaska 608-781-4848 • seasonsonalaska.com Trempealeau Hotel 150 Main St., Trempealeau 608-534-6898 • trempealeauhotel.com

Information is subject to change.

Limousine pick up and drop off available.

214 Main Street Onalaska 608-783-5566

angelinis.com 20

DINING • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Wireless Access

Vegetarian Options

Senior Menu

Salad Bar

Reservations Accepted

Outdoor Dining

Lunch

Lounge

Friday Fish Fry

Ethnic

Dinner

Delivery

Carry-out

Featured Dining

Breakfast

Banquet Facilities

DINING

Finding a great place to eat is easy in Onalaska. Choose from more than 40 restaurants offering everything from juicy burgers to steak dinners. Relax with a hearty meal in a friendly local hangout or enjoy a candlelit dinner. In Onalaska, you have lots of options for great food.

Serving Breakfast 7 Days a Week Starting at 6:00am Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Specials Daily Close at Bar Time 7 Days a Week

Moon Light Lounge for Intimate Parties or Meetings

Bring In Your Room Key Mon.-Fri. For 1/2 Price Breakfast Or Lunch With Purchase of One Of Equal Or Greater Value

11 Big Screen TVs NFL Package & Big Ten Saturday & Sunday Bloody Mary and Screwdriver Breakfast Specials

608-781-6800

716 2nd Avenue, Onalaska, WI 54650 (Across from the Big Sunfish Overlooking Lake Onalaska) discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • DINING

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DINING • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Facility Size

Food

Lodging

MEETINGS

Featured Meeting Venues

Other

Holiday Inn Express 9409 State Rd. 16, Onalaska 608-783-6555 hiexonalaska.com

Meeting room seating up to 40 people

Allows outside catering

75 rooms

Adjacent to Valley View Mall and numerous restaurants

Onalaska American Legion 731 Sand Lake Rd., Onalaska 608-783-3300 • onalaskapost336.org

Banquet facility—250 people Meeting room—up to 200 people Bar area—100 people Outdoor activity center—40,000 sq. ft.

In-house catering and bar

No rooms on-site

Perfect for weddings, anniversaries and all special events

Onalaska OmniCenter 255 Riders Club Rd., Onalaska 608-781-9566 • omnicenter.net

Two arenas—more than 55,000 sq. ft.

Two conference rooms Two full kitchens/concession areas 4,000 sq. ft. outdoor shelter Convenient parking

Kitchen facilities available, welcomes outside catering services

No rooms on-site

Versatile venue that can be adapted to suit groups of all sizes

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 3060 S. Kinney Coulee Rd., Onalaska 608-781-3060 • staysci.com

Banquet seating up to 500 people Meeting room seating up to 750 people

Catering service available

157 rooms

Adjacent to Gundersen Health Systems

Information in this grid is subject to change. Contact businesses for up-to-date hours and information.

Choose Onalaska for your next meeting. Conveniently located on I-90 between Chicago and the Twin Cities, Onalaska is the perfect choice for group gatherings of all kinds. You’ll find the venues and lodging options you need to make your meeting a success. The area also offers your attendees fun activities, interesting attractions and beautiful scenery.

The OmniCenter has been designed to meet the needs of a wide array of events. The state-of-the-art facility can be configured in a variety of ways and includes two arenas, large conference rooms, two full kitchens and a large outdoor picnic shelter. Order your free meeting guide—visit discoveronalaska.com or call 1-800-873-1901.

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • MEETINGS

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SERVICES

Onalaska is part of a metropolitan area that serves a nine-county region. You’ll have no trouble finding the services you need in Onalaska.

Type of Service

Featured Services

Hours of Operation

Appt. Credit Cards Accepted Needed

Center for Commerce & Tourism 1101 Main St., Onalaska 608-781-9570 • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Tourist information and bike trail passes available.

Apparel, postcards and Onalaska magnets.

Open Nov.-Apr.: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm Open May-Oct.: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm, Sat. 9 am-3 pm; Sun 9 am-2 pm

No

No

Gundersen Health System 3111 Gundersen Dr., Onalaska 608-775-8100 • gundersenhealth.org

The area’s most comprehensive Women’s Center plus acupuncture, primary care, urgent care, vision services, pharmacy and many specialty services.

Mon.-Fri. 7 am-9 pm, Sat.-Sun. 9 am-5 pm

No

Yes

Kwik Trip Onalaska (multiple locations) kwiktrip.com

Gas stations offering fresh food selections.

Hours may vary

No

Yes

La Crosse Area Convention & Vistors Bureau 410 Veterans Memorial Dr., La Crosse 608-782-2366 • 1-800-658-9424 • explorelacrosse.com

Tourist information.

Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm

No

Yes

Mayo Clinic Health System 191 Theater Rd., Onalaska 608-392-5000 • mayoclinichealthsystem.org

Primary and specialty healthcare services. Retail services include a pharmacy, optical shop and hearing aids. Same-day appointments available.

Mon.-Fri. 7 am-5 pm Urgent Care: Mon.-Fri. 5-9 pm, Sat.-Sun. 9 am-5 pm

No

Yes

Onalaska/Holmen/West Salem Public Transit 318 West Decker St., Viroqua 608-784-0000 • runninginc.net/onalaska.html

Low-cost, fixed-rate, shared-ride public transit serving Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem and surrounding areas.

6:30 am-7 pm Seven days a week

No

No

Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Center 1845 E. Main St., Ste. 2, Onalaska 608-781-THIN (8446) onalaskaweightloss.com

Health, weight loss and nutrition programs.

Mon.–Thurs. 7:30 am–6 pm, Fri. 7:30 am–2 pm, Sat. 8 am–noon.

Yes

Yes

School District of Onalaska 1821 E. Main St., Onalaska 608-781-9700 • onalaska.k12.wi.us

Education.

District office Mon.-Fri. 7 am-4 pm

No

Yes

Information in this grid is subject to change. Contact businesses for up-to-date hours and information.

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SERVICES • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Relax on the Grand Mississippi River

Our natural setting makes it easy! Feeling more active? Bike on groomed trails & scenic roads ...

Call 1-800-658-9424 | explorelacrosse.com

~internet~gifts~carryouts~ Have your next event here!

Open Tuesday-Thursday 4:00-8:00 Fridays 4:00-10:00 and Saturdays Noon-5:00 (608) 784-4832

Need A Taxi?

Call 784-0000

6:30am-7pm—Seven-Days-A-Week

ONALASKA • HOLMEN • WEST SALEM PUBLIC TRANSIT Low-cost, fixed-rate, shared-ride public transit serving Onalaska, Holmen, West Salem and surrounding communities.

Airport Service • Discounts for Senior Citizens – Students – Disabled

Destination or Origin must be in Onalaska, Villages of Holmen or West Salem

di scoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • SERVICES

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SERVICES • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

RELOCATION, SCHOOLS & CHURCHES

RELOCATION Residents and businesses relocate to Onalaska for many of the same reasons visitors are drawn to the area: a friendly community, incredible scenic beauty and unmatched natural resources. Plus, Onalaska offers some of the region’s best schools, a high quality of life and a relatively low cost of living—the community is an ideal place for young families. Onalaska boasts the largest retail district in a nine-county area.

Community resources include numerous parks, a firstclass aquatic center, a skate park and a family YMCA. Combine all this with the community’s location on the Mississippi River and you have one of the best places to live in the Midwest.

SCHOOLS The Onalaska area provides excellent educational opportunities at every level. The school districts of Onalaska, Holmen and West Salem are proud of the high quality of education they provide. The nearby University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Viterbo University and Globe University offer opportunities in a number of undergraduate and graduate programs. Western Technical College also offers degree programs in a variety of fields.

CHURCHES

NERDWALLET.COM NAMED ONALASKA ONE OF THE STATE’S TOP 10 TOWNS FOR YOUNG FAMILIES.

Onalaska is home to a number of churches serving a wide variety of denominations. For information on Onalaska area congregations, visit discoveronalaska.com.

Onalaska in full bloom. Photo by R.J. MIller

Onalaska boasts some of the best schools in the state. Photo by R.J. MIller

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • RELOCATION, SCHOOLS & CHURCHES

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FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Onalaska offers festivals, races, fishing tournaments and other special events. There’s always something fun happening in and around Onalaska. Below, you’ll find some of the events happening throughout the year. For complete up-to-date event information, visit discoveronalaska.com.

FARMERS’ MARKETS Farm-fresh goodness awaits you at the area’s excellent farmers’ markets. Meet local growers and sample an incredible diversity of fruits, vegetables, artisan cheese, honey, herbs and an ever-changing array of other seasonal products.

A parade in Onalaska.

ONALASKA

JANUARY

Festival Foods 1260 Crossing Meadows Dr. Sundays, 8 am-1 pm June through October

4

YMCA New Year’s Resolution Run/Walk - Onalaska

10-11 Onalaska Show Choir Invitational - Onalaska 25 Operation Homefront Chili Cookoff - Onalaska 25 Taste of Onalaska - Onalaska

HOLMEN Festival Foods 600 N. Holmen Dr. Wednesdays, 3-7 pm June through October

WEST SALEM Corner of Jefferson and Mills St. Wednesdays, 3-6:30 pm June through October For more information on area farmers’ markets, visit discoveronalaska.com.

FEBRUARY 1

Brice Prairie Conservation Association Fishing Derby - Lake Onalaska

6-9 Boat, Sport and Travel Show - La Crosse 8

YMCA Valentines Heart Throb Run/Walk - Onalaska

15 Onalaska Lions Club Fishing Derby Lake Onalaska

MARCH 1

Polar Plunge - La Crosse

7-9 LABA Home & Garden Show - Onalaska 13-15 Bob Pucci Memorial Gun Show - Onalaska 30 CPC Family Fun Expo - Onalaska

APRIL 12-13 Spring Gift & Craft Show - Onalaska 19 Children’s Miracle Network Cornhole Tournament - Onalaska 25 Fleis Nightfall Frolic 5K - Onalaska 26 Between the Bluffs Beer Wine and Cheese Festival - La Crosse 26 Opening night at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway - West Salem

28

FESTIVALS & EVENTS • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

MAY 2-3 La Crosse Fitness Festival - La Crosse 4

Mayfair Art Fair - West Salem

9-10 LABA Do It Yourself Expo - Onalaska 10 Hip Breaker Bicycle Tour - Trempealeau 17 Reggaefest - Trempealeau 26 Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - Onalaska 30-6/1 June Dairy Days - Village Park, West Salem 31 Blues Bash - Trempealeau

Having fun at the fair. Photo by R.J. MIller

31-6/1 Airfest (feat. the Blue Angels) - La Crosse

SEPTEMBER

JUNE

5-6 Storytelling Festival - La Crosse

6-7 WIAA State Track & Field Championship -

7

La Crosse

7

Wisconsin Free Bike Trail Day - Statewide

7-8 Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend - Statewide 8

Wisconsin Free State Park Day - Statewide

8

YMCA Triathlon - West Salem

14 Minds in Motion Bike Tour - Onalaska 19-22 Dairyland National Tractor Pull - Tomah 28 Festival Foods Salute to the Fourth - Onalaska

28-29 Y30 Road Race Weekend - Onalaska

5-7 Spanferkel - Mindoro 2nd Annual Wedding Event - Onalaska

12-14 Garland Days - West Salem 18-20 Tremptoberfest - Trempealeau 18-21 Applefest - La Crescent 21 Tri-Quest - Holmen 25-28 Oktoberfest - La Crosse 31 Corn Maze - West Salem

OCTOBER 2-6 Oktoberfest Car Races - La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem

10-11 Hmong New Year Celebration - La Crosse

JULY

10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31 Jaycees Haunted House Onalaska

3-6 Riverfest - La Crosse 11-13 Catfish Days - Trempealeau 16-20 La Crosse County Interstate Fair -

La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem

19 All City Garage Sale - Onalaska

AUGUST

10-12 Mississippi Fandango, Wild West Shootout Holmen Rod & Gun Club

11-12 Fall Gift & Craft Show - Onalaska 19, 26 Enchanted Forest - La Crosse

NOVEMBER 22 UW-L Turkey Trot - La Crosse

8-10 Irishfest - La Crosse

27 Onalaska Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Onalaska

9-10 Annual Corn Broil - Melrose 15-17 Holmen Kornfest - Holmen 15-17, 21-24 Parade of Homes - Coulee Region

28-12/31 Holiday Lights Display - Riverside Park, La Crosse

22-23 Onalaska Community Days - Onalaska

DECEMBER

22-25 Great River Folk Festival - La Crosse

6

29-31 Western Wisconsin High School Rodeo -

31 Skyrockers New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display -

Coulee Region Riders Club, Holmen

Holiday Parade - Trempealeau Grandad Bluff, La Crosse

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • FESTIVALS & EVENTS

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HOLMEN

The High School Regional Rodeo is held Labor Day weekend.

Photo by R.J. MIller

HEAR CONCERTS IN THE PARK, SUNDAYS DURING THE SUMMER.

Enjoying the flavors of Kornfest. Photo by R.J. Miller

BEAUTIFUL BLUFFS AND SMALL-TOWN CHARM Visit the charming Village of Holmen. It is a thriving community, growing from 2,400 residents to nearly 10,000 in the past 30 years. The village is located along Highways 53 and 35, just 10 minutes from I-90.

Holmen sits at the western foot of La Crosse County’s picturesque bluffs and offers wonderful views. It’s a great place to live and a fun place to visit.

There’s a lot to do in Holmen. Take a walk or bicycle ride along the Halfway Creek Trail. This 3.4-mile trail connects to the 24-mile Great River State Trail. Take a plunge down the waterslide at the 12,000-squarefoot Holmen Area Aquatic Center. The aquatic center

30

features a zero-depth pool, six competitive lap lanes, a 200-foot water slide, a drop slide, water riders and a water play structure.

A number of special events take place in Holmen each year. The annual YES Holmen brings in various businesses throughout the area and occurs on the last Sunday in February. On Sundays during the summer, catch free Concerts in the Park at the Halfway Creek Park Band Shell. Party in the Square is a free family festival that takes place in June.

Holmen Kornfest, held the third weekend in August, draws crowds from around the region, offering food, live music, fireworks, races, sports competitions and a big car show. Over Labor Day weekend, Holmen hosts the High School Regional Rodeo.

HOLMEN • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • HOLMEN

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WEST SALEM La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem. Photo by Mary Schill

LIVING HISTORY AND NATURAL BEAUTY West Salem is a community that takes great pride in its history. The story of West Salem can be seen today in a number of historic sites located throughout the community, including three important homes on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hamlin Garland Homestead was the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hamlin Garland. He was born in West Salem in 1860 and returned there each summer from 1893 to 1915. Garland wrote about pioneer life and Wisconsin history. The home is open for tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. West Salem is also home to two octagonal homes.

The first is the Palmer-Gullickson Octagon House. The home has an attached barn, as Dr. Horace Palmer was a pioneer doctor and needed quick access to his horses. The home was sold to Dr. Mary Lottridge, who was the second female doctor in the United States. The West Salem Historical Society owns the home, which is open to the public.

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The second octagonal home is the Palmer-Lewis Octagon House. The home was owned by Monroe Palmer and today houses the West Salem Tourist Center and Museum. It is open Monday through Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors to West Salem will find a number of recreational options. Lake Neshonoc offers anglers and boaters 606 acres of open water. Boat launches are available at Swarthout Park and the South Neshonoc Boat Ramp. A public beach is located at Swarthout Park. Fish species include crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike and catfish. It is one of the area’s best fishing lakes. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Friends of Lake Neshonoc tag 200 fish.

Each tag is worth between $25 and $500. Catch a fish and you might win some cash.

Camping is available at Veterans Memorial Park as well as Neshonoc Lakeside Camping Resort. The La Crosse River State Trail passes through West Salem, linking visitors with more than 100 miles of interconnected state trails, with a spur into Veterans Memorial Campground.

WEST SALEM • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Find history, trails, fishing and more in West Salem. · Hamlin Garland Homestead · La Crosse River State Trail · Palmer-Gullickson Octagon House · Fishing and boating on Lake Neshonoc · Palmer-Lewis Octagon House · La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway Don’t miss Dairy Days – 1st weekend in June!

Learn more about West Salem and plan your visit.

WestSalemWI.com Each September, the community celebrates the life of author and favorite son Hamlin Garland during Garland Days. Dairy Days is held the first full weekend in June and celebrates West Salem’s deep connection to the dairy industry. From May through early October, the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway features races on Saturday nights. In January, there is an Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Neshonoc with cash prizes in three categories and for tagged fish.

TOURS OF THE HAMLIN GARLAND HOME OCCUR DAILY, MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY, 1-5 PM.

Find area information at the Tourist Center. Photo by Mary Schill

A beautiful evening scene.

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • WEST SALEM

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WEEKEND ITINERARY

Kids love Onalaska. Photo by R.J. MIller

AN ONALASKA FAMILY GETAWAY

DAY 2

Onalaska is the ideal family destination. You’ll find attractions and activities for the whole family, plus affordable hotels, lots of restaurants and plenty of shopping. Here’s what a family getaway to Onalaska might look like.

Morning—Have breakfast at the hotel or choose a local restaurant. Then, go bicycling along the Great River State Trail and enjoy spectacular views of the Mississippi River. Or, head up to the bluffs and hike the scenic trails at Green Coulee Park.

DAY 1

Afternoon—Have lunch in Onalaska, then hop in the car for a driving tour of the beautiful countryside. Stop at the McGilvray Bridges, located north of Onalaska just off the Great River Road, and see six rare iron bridges over the Black River. Then, hit the road and drive through the Mindoro Cut on your way back to Onalaska.

Afternoon—Arrive in Onalaska and check into your hotel. You’ll find a variety of family-friendly lodging options, including hotels with swimming pools. Then, stop by the Center for Commerce & Tourism, 1101 Main St., and get complete information on area activities and attractions.

Evening—Choose from more than 40 Onalaska restaurants for dinner. At sunset, head over to Sunny the Sunfish Overlook and watch the western sky blaze with color over Lake Onalaska. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with the giant sunfish!

Climbing at the Children’s Museum. Photo by Leanne Poellinger

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Evening—After dinner, do some shopping. Later, catch a movie or head back to the hotel for a dip in the pool.

DAY 3

FIND MORE KID-FRIENDLY

Morning— ACTIVITIES AT Say farewell DISCOVERONALASKA.COM. to beautiful Onalaska.

Consider heading to La Crosse to visit the Children’s Museum or embark on a cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer riverboat or the La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler.

On your way home, take the Great River Road, a National Scenic Byway that runs through Onalaska.

WEEKEND ITINERARY • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com

Mayo Clinic Health System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 26 Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham. . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 11 Mississippi Explorer Cruises. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Olive Juice Quilts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Onalaska American Legion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 22, 23 Onalaska Area Historical Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Onalaska Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Onalaska OmniCenter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Onalaska/Holmen/West Salem Public Transit. . 24, 25 Pearl Street Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 25 Physicians WEIGHT LOSS Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Prairie Inn & Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 12 Red Pines Bar & Grill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 22 River Trail Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9 River View Winery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Schafer’s Boat & Bait, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 8 School District of Onalaska. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 25 Seasons by the Lake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 22 Shadow Run Motel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center. . . . . . 11, 23 Treehouse Gift & Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15 Trempealeau Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 22 Valley View Mall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15 Village of Holmen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 31 West Salem Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32, 33

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

Angelini’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Apartment Connextion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Baymont Inn & Suites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Blue Heron Bicycle Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15 Blue Moon Saloon & Roadhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 21 Center for Commerce & Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 24 Children’s Museum of La Crosse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Comfort Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Coulee Golf Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Coulee Region Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cozy Corner Cottages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Days Inn Hotel & Conference Center . . . . . . . . . . 10, 12 Gundersen Health System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 26 Hampton Inn Onalaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Holiday Inn Express. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 23 Kwik Trip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 La Crosse Area Convention & Visitor Bureau. . . . 24, 25 La Crosse County Facilities (Goose Island/Veterans Memorial). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9 La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9 La Crosse Queen Cruises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9 Lake Motel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Lindy’s Subs & Sandwiches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Lumber Baron Inn Bed & Breakfast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Mainstream Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 15

A quiet ride along the Great River State Trail.

discoveronalaska.com • 1-800-873-1901 • ADVERTISER’S INDEX

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Onalaska Center for Commerce and Tourism 1101 Main Street Onalaska, WI 54650 discoveronalaska.com

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CATEGORY • 1-800-873-1901 • discoveronalaska.com