La Crescent Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism

06/25/2026

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

📚🏛️ 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!

06/25/2026

🕰️ Throwback Thursday – La Crescent ⛽

This week we're cruising back in time to Rudy's Skelly Service Station, owned and operated by Rudy Newhouse along Old Highway 61 near the former Commodore location.

This 1960's black-and-white photo captures a bygone era when full-service gas stations were a vital part of every community. Whether you needed fuel, a tire repaired, lubrication service, or simply a friendly conversation, Rudy's Skelly Service was there to keep travelers and local residents moving.

While the building is no longer standing today, many longtime residents may remember stopping in for gas or service before heading down the highway.

Do you remember Rudy's Skelly Service Station or have any stories about Rudy Newhouse? We'd love to hear your memories in the comments!

📸 Photo Credit: La Crosse Public Library Archives, Howard Colvin/La Crosse Tribune Photo Collection
📸PC & Historical Information provided by La Crescent Area Historical Society
https://lacrescenthistory.org/

06/23/2026

La Crescent Live's most updated schedule! 🎶

Updated schedule!

06/23/2026

La Crescent Farmers Market day in La Crescent! 🍎🍊🍋🥒🫐🍆

Market Day!!! Join us from 4 to 7 next the La Crescent Area Event Center!!

Photo is of a pumpkin patch with a thick bed of white clover to spread over. Stop in at the info both and ask why?

06/18/2026

🕰️ Throwback Thursday – La Crescent 🏢

This week we're highlighting a building that has served La Crescent in a variety of ways over the decades.

Our first photo, taken in the 1960s, shows Vonderohe's Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning at 106 S. Walnut Street. The business was a familiar part of downtown La Crescent before being sold to Bill Proksch, who later relocated the business to the Old Hickory's Barn area.

The second photo, from the 1970s, captures the building during its next chapter when it was owned by Samuel Jandt and housed the law offices of Samuel Jandt & Ross Phelps.

Today, this historic downtown building is home to Thorson Graphics, continuing its long tradition of serving the La Crescent community.

It's fascinating to see how our downtown buildings have evolved through the years while remaining an important part of the city's story.

Do you remember Vonderohe's, the law offices of Jandt & Phelps, or any other businesses that have called this location home? Share your memories in the comments!

📸 Photo Credit: La Crosse Public Library Archives, Howard Colvin/La Crosse Tribune Photo Collection
📸PC & Historical Information provided by La Crescent Area Historical Society
https://lacrescenthistory.org/

06/16/2026

❤️ Is your business Heart Safe? ❤️

Congratulations again to the local businesses recognized through the La Crescent Heart Safe Business Initiative at the Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet! These businesses have taken important steps to prepare employees and volunteers to respond during a cardiac emergency through training, planning, and AED readiness.

Every minute matters during a cardiac arrest emergency, and being prepared can save lives.

We encourage all La Crescent area businesses to learn more about becoming a Heart Safe Business Partner and joining this growing community effort.

Interested in getting started or learning what it takes to earn recognition? Reach out to learn more about the program and how your business can participate.

Together, we can make La Crescent a safer and more prepared community for everyone. ❤️

06/16/2026

Love seeing programs like this back for another summer! ☀️🥪

For 13 seasons, the Lunch Wagon has helped make sure local kids and families have access to free summer meals while creating connection and community along the way. We’re excited to see this incredible program continue serving the La Crescent area and making a positive impact each year.

Thank you to everyone who helps make this happen, from organizers and volunteers to community partners supporting local families. ❤️

Check out the story from News 8 and learn more about this season’s Lunch Wagon! 👇

LA CRESCENT, Minn. (WKBT) -- Free lunches are hitting the road in La Crescent this summer as the Lunch Wagon returns for its 13th season.

06/16/2026

🚴‍♀️Big things are rolling forward for active transportation in our region! A recent bike ride with the mayor helped shine a spotlight on the vision of creating stronger connections between La Crescent and La Crosse through future trail and transportation improvements. Check out the story to learn more!

Bicyclists joined La Crosse Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey for an annual ride through the city to discuss infrastructure improvements.