Lock 5 Park
Rate this placeNearby: Magnolia Grove Lion Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Lock 5 Park is a charming park located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
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Summary
The park is situated at Lock and Dam No. 5 on the Mississippi River and is a popular destination for visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors. There are several good reasons to visit Lock 5 Park, including its beautiful scenery, recreational activities, and historical significance.
One of the main points of interest at Lock 5 Park is the impressive Lock and Dam No. 5, which was built in 1935 as part of a series of locks and dams on the Mississippi River. Visitors can watch the locks in action as boats pass through, and there are also several informational displays about the history and operation of the locks. Additionally, the park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Lock and Dam No. 5 was one of the first lock and dam systems built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve navigation on the Mississippi River. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including bald eagles, river otters, and white-tailed deer.
The best time of year to visit Lock 5 Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is bustling with activity. However, the fall months can also be a great time to visit when the leaves on the trees change color and the park is quieter.
Overall, Lock 5 Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to La Crosse, Wisconsin. With its beautiful scenery, recreational opportunities, and historical significance, it's a great place to spend a day or two exploring the outdoors.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
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Lock 5
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Belmont Park
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Forkland/McConnico Creek
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Foscue
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