River Side Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Riverside Park is a popular tourist destination in the state of Wisconsin, offering visitors a wide range of activities and attractions.


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Summary

Some of the most compelling reasons to visit Riverside Park include its serene natural beauty, abundance of recreational opportunities, and rich cultural history.

One of the most notable points of interest in Riverside Park is the La Crosse River, which runs through the heart of the park and provides visitors with opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Other popular activities include hiking, picnicking, and camping, with plenty of scenic trails and campgrounds available for visitors to explore.

In terms of cultural attractions, Riverside Park is home to a number of historical landmarks and museums, including the Hixon House Museum, the Swarthout Museum, and the Riverside International Friendship Gardens. These attractions offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region, showcasing everything from Native American artifacts to early settler architecture.

Interesting facts about Riverside Park include its designation as a National Natural Landmark, as well as its status as the site of numerous major events and festivals throughout the year. These events include the annual La Crosse Riverfest, the Oktoberfest celebration, and the Riverside Music Festival, among others.

The best time of year to visit Riverside Park depends largely on the activities and attractions that interest you most. Summer is the most popular season for outdoor recreation, while fall and spring are ideal for exploring the park's cultural and historical offerings. Winter visitors can enjoy a variety of winter sports and activities, including ice fishing, snowmobiling, and sledding.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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.
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