La Crescent Area Historical Society

06/08/2026

📚🏛️ The La Crescent Area Historical Society is now OPEN on Saturdays from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM through Labor Day and during Applefest!

Our museum spaces are typically open during posted days and hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as well as throughout Applefest season. Whether you're interested in local history, family connections, or simply exploring the stories that shaped our community, we invite you to stop by and visit!

Our organization is staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers who help preserve and share La Crescent's rich history.

Need assistance with local or family research, or interested in arranging a group tour? Please give us a call or send us an email to schedule an appointment.

📌 Please note: We will not be open on Saturday, July 4th. 🇺🇸

Come explore the past and discover the stories that make La Crescent such a special place. We look forward to seeing you!

06/04/2026

06/02/2026

🕰️ Throwback Thursday – La Crescent

This week we’re taking a look back at Harris Grocery Store, once located on the northeast corner of Walnut and Main Streets. This black-and-white photo from the 1960s captures a familiar corner that has seen many changes throughout the years.

While the building still stands today and is now home to Kaddy’s Kafe, it has housed a variety of businesses over time, including a RE/MAX First Choice Realty office, a gas company, the Amish Store, and a travel agency.

It’s always fascinating to see how one location can tell so many stories and serve generations of our community in different ways.

Do you remember Harris Grocery Store or any of the businesses that later called this building home? Share your memories below!

📸 Photo Credit: La Crosse Public Library Archives, Howard Colvin/La Crosse Tribune Photo Collection
Thanks to the La Crescent Area Historical Society for providing this photo and the history.
https://lacrescenthistory.org/

06/02/2026

🇺🇸 Step inside history this June! 🇺🇸

The Freedom 250 Truck Mobile Museum is rolling into La Crosse June 11–14, bringing an interactive, hands-on experience that explores America's founding and the fight for freedom.

This family-friendly traveling museum features self-guided exhibits designed for visitors of all ages. Best of all, admission is FREE!

🇺🇸 Step inside history this June! 🇺🇸

The Freedom 250 Truck Mobile Museum is rolling into La Crosse June 11–14, bringing an interactive, hands-on experience that explores America's founding and the fight for freedom.

This family-friendly traveling museum features self-guided exhibits designed for visitors of all ages. Best of all, admission is FREE!

📍 Located behind the La Crosse Center
(200 Front Street South, La Crosse, WI)

🗓 Hours:
• Thursday, June 11: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Friday, June 12: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday, June 13: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday, June 14: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Gather your family and friends and experience this unique museum on wheels as America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence!

05/07/2026

🕰️ Throwback Thursday – La Crescent

🕰️ Throwback Thursday – La Crescent

This week, we go back with this black-and-white photo of Herb Krage’s Sportsman’s Bar, once located at 25 N. Walnut Street. A familiar gathering spot in its day, this building has long been part of the heartbeat of downtown La Crescent.

The space has seen several owners over the years, starting with Mark “Happy” Hill, then Herb Krage, followed by Marlene & Bob Butzman, and later Andy McCulloch. Beyond the bar itself, the building was a hub of activity, with a pizza place on the alley side owned by John Gittens and an upholstery business operating in the back.

Today, the building still stands and is home to the Sport Hub, carrying on its tradition as a local spot to relax, grab a drink, and catch up with friends.

📸 Photo credit: Taken by La Crosse Tribune manager Howard Colvin, La Crosse Public Library Archives, Howard Colvin/La Crosse Tribune Photo Collection

Do you remember the Sportsman’s Bar or any of the businesses that once called this building home? Share your memories with us!

La Crescent Area Historical Society

04/30/2026

Today's Throwback Thursday!

🕰️ Throwback Thursday – La Crescent

Take a step back to the early 1960s with this black-and-white snapshot of Bob’s IGA, owned by Bob Bacon. Located just off the northwest corner of Walnut and Main Street, this spot was once a bustling neighborhood grocery store, complete with its parking lot right on the corner.

Over the years, this building has seen quite the transformation. After Larry Monge purchased it, the space became a Ben Franklin Store, and today it’s home to a variety of local businesses, including Sterling Pharmacy, State Farm – Honor DiDonato, Connected Family Chiropractic, Bartsch Tax & Accounting, Clinical Massage Therapy, New Image Electrolysis La Crescent, and Mundt & Associates.

📸 Photo credit: Taken in the early 1960s by La Crosse Tribune business manager Howard Colvin. La Crosse Public Library Archives, Howard Colvin/La Crosse Tribune Photo Collection

It’s always amazing to see how spaces evolve while continuing to serve our community in new ways. Do you remember shopping at Bob’s IGA or the Ben Franklin days?

La Crescent Area Historical Society

04/09/2026

- What a fun trip down memory lane! 🍕✨

🍕✨ Throwback Thursday – A Taste of La Crescent History from the 1980's ✨🍔

This week, we’re looking back at a familiar spot with a delicious past! This building at 319 South 3rd Street in La Crescent has seen quite the evolution over the years.

Originally home to Dominic’s Pizza and The Village Chef Restaurant, it was a go-to destination for great food and gathering with friends and family. 🍕❤️

Over time, the location transitioned into a Hardee's, and today, many recognize it as Kwik Trip - still serving the community in a different way!

It’s always fun to see how one location can hold so many memories across generations.

Do you remember grabbing a bite at Dominic’s or The Village Chef? What was your favorite order? Share your memories below! 👇

📸PC: La Crescent Area Historical Society
https://lacrescenthistory.org/

03/25/2026

📸✨ Throwback Thursday – La Crescent circa 1900 ✨📸

📸✨ Throwback Thursday – La Crescent circa 1900 ✨📸

Take a look at this incredible aerial view of La Crescent around the year 1900, a community already rich in history and natural beauty.

La Crescent was founded even before Minnesota became a state, but the land itself tells an even older story. Over 10,000 years ago, glaciers shaped the plateau, carving out the limestone bluffs and the sweeping Mississippi River landscape we still enjoy today. 🌄

It’s amazing to see how both the landscape and the spirit of the community have stood the test of time. ❤️

What stands out to you in this early view of La Crescent? Drop your thoughts or family connections in the comments!

📸PC: La Crescent Area Historical Society
https://lacrescenthistory.org/

11/08/2025

08/28/2025

📸 Thursday Throwback ⚾️
La Crescent has a rich history of town baseball—this photo shows the town team all the way back in 1908!

Today, that tradition is carried on by the Apple Jacks Baseball Club of La Crescent, a vintage baseball team sponsored by the La Crescent Area Historical Society. Founded in 2004, the Apple Jacks are proud members of the Vintage Base Ball Association (VBBA), playing by the rules of 1860. It’s energetic, authentic, and fun for both players and spectators alike!
📅 Want to see the Apple Jacks in action? Check out their schedule on their website: https://sites.google.com/site/lacrescentapplejacks

👕⚾️ The Apple Jacks’ uniforms and equipment are on display at the La Crescent Area History Center, along with so much more of our community’s rich history. Stop in for a visit—the History Center is open Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm.



📸PC: La Crescent Area Historical Society
https://lacrescenthistory.org/