Riverside Park (La Crosse) facts for kids
Riverside Park is a wonderful public park located right on the riverfront in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. It's a popular spot for families and friends to gather, enjoy nature, and have fun. The park offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and is a central place for many exciting events throughout the year. You can also find nice walking and running trails here.
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Discover Riverside Park
Riverside Park is a special place where the community comes together. It's designed for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. The park is known for its green spaces, lovely fountains, and easy access to the river. It's a perfect spot to watch boats, have a picnic, or simply relax by the water.
Fun Events All Year!
Riverside Park is a busy hub for many popular events in La Crosse. These events bring people from all over to celebrate and have a great time.
- Riverfest: This is a big summer festival celebrating the river with music, food, and fun activities.
- Fourth of July Fireworks: Every year, the park is the best place to watch spectacular fireworks light up the night sky over the Mississippi River.
- Oktoberfest: La Crosse has a famous Oktoberfest celebration, and parts of it take place right here in Riverside Park. It's a fun German-themed festival with music and traditions.
- Moon Tunes: During the summer, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts called Moon Tunes. People bring blankets and chairs to listen to live music under the stars.
- Rotary Lights: In winter, the park transforms into a magical display of millions of twinkling lights for the Rotary Lights event. It's a wonderful holiday tradition.
Boats on the River
The park's location on the Mississippi River makes it a perfect stop for famous steamboats. These large, historic boats often dock at Riverside Park, allowing visitors to see them up close.
- American Queen: This is one of the largest steamboats in the world, offering luxury cruises along the river.
- La Crosse Queen: A smaller, local paddlewheel boat that offers scenic tours of the Mississippi River right from La Crosse.
- Julia Belle Swain: Another beautiful steamboat that has visited the park, adding to its historic charm.
Exploring the Park
Beyond the events and river views, Riverside Park offers great ways to stay active.
- Walking and Running Trails: There are paved trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or a brisk run. These trails offer scenic views of the river and the park's features.
- Green Spaces: Plenty of open grassy areas are available for playing games, having picnics, or just relaxing on a sunny day.
Images for kids
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A Simpler Time Statue in Riverside Park at sunset.
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A Simpler Time Statue and Riverside Park levee.
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American Queen at Riverside Park.
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Riverside Park La Crosse band shell prior to the 2019 renovations.
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New riverside park bandshell
