Historic Hixon House Museum

Updated September 11, 2025

Description

The Historic Hixon House Museum in La Crosse feels like stepping back into the late 19th century without the dust and creaky floorboards you might expect. Built in 1859, this Italianate-style home belonged to Gideon and Ellen Hixon, two of the city’s earliest movers and shakers. They weren’t just wealthy lumber barons—they helped shape La Crosse itself, funding schools, hospitals, and even parks that locals still enjoy today. The house remains filled with original furnishings, ornate décor, and personal artifacts that make it feel more like a family home than a sterile museum. And that’s the charm: you can almost imagine the Hixons still living there, hosting guests in the parlor or sipping tea in the sunroom.

Unlike many historic homes that have been stripped and refurnished, Hixon House has a rare authenticity. The wallpaper, the silverware, the portraits staring down from the walls—they’re the real deal. For anyone who loves architecture, history, or simply the feeling of being transported into another era, this museum is a gem. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply human. And maybe that’s why it resonates so strongly with visitors.

Key Features

• Authentic period furnishings and décor from the mid-to-late 1800s
• Guided tours led by knowledgeable docents who share family stories and local history
• Original art glass windows and ornate woodwork unique to the era
• Summer-only public access, adding a sense of exclusivity to the experience
• Family-friendly atmosphere that keeps kids engaged without overwhelming them
• Connection to La Crosse’s early development, including ties to Riverside Park and Grandad Bluff

One of the most surprising things is how personal the tours feel. The guides don’t just rattle off dates—they weave in anecdotes about the Hixon family’s quirks, habits, and contributions. It makes the house feel alive rather than frozen in time. I remember being told about Ellen Hixon’s role in preserving natural spaces around La Crosse, and it struck me how ahead of her time she was. Those small details stick with you long after you’ve left.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, which means summer is the only chance you’ll get to step inside. If you’re planning a trip, aim for June or early July. The weather in La Crosse is warm but not unbearably humid then, making it easier to combine a visit here with a stroll along the Mississippi River or a hike up Grandad Bluff. Weekdays tend to be quieter, giving you more space to really soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Personally, I think late morning tours are the sweet spot. There’s something about the way the sunlight filters through the stained-glass windows that makes the rooms glow. And if you’re traveling with kids, that timing keeps them engaged without pushing into nap or snack meltdown territory.

How to Get There

La Crosse is well-connected by road and rail, and the Historic Hixon House Museum sits close to downtown, so you won’t have to venture far. If you’re driving, parking is straightforward in the surrounding neighborhood. Coming from the Amtrak station or the regional airport, it’s just a short ride by car or rideshare. Many visitors pair a stop at the museum with exploring downtown shops, cafés, and the riverfront, so it fits neatly into a day of sightseeing.

I once made the mistake of trying to squeeze in the museum after a long afternoon hike, and let me tell you—wandering through ornate Victorian rooms while sweaty and tired isn’t ideal. Plan your visit earlier in the day so you can appreciate the details without feeling rushed or worn out.

Tips for Visiting

A few practical notes can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable:

• Book ahead: Private tours must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance, and they come with an extra fee. Worth it if you want a more personalized experience.
• Bring curious kids: Children are welcome, and the guides do a good job of keeping younger visitors engaged. Just remind them not to touch the antiques—it’s tempting!
• Ask questions: The docents love sharing stories, and some of the best nuggets of history come out when you show genuine curiosity.
• Pair it with other attractions: Since it’s a short visit (most tours last about an hour), you’ll want to plan nearby stops like Riverside Park or Pearl Street for ice cream afterward.
• Check seasonal hours: Because the museum is only open in summer, don’t assume you can drop by in fall or winter. Always confirm before making the trip.

One last thing: don’t rush through the house. It’s easy to skim past the little details, but if you pause to look closely at the wallpaper patterns, the hand-carved furniture, or even the old kitchen tools, you’ll notice layers of history that make the visit richer. I remember staring at a set of glassware and thinking about how many family dinners it must have seen—it’s those quiet moments of connection that make the museum memorable.

So if you’re heading to La Crosse in the summer months, carve out an hour for the Historic Hixon House Museum. It’s not the biggest attraction in town, but it’s one of the most heartfelt. And honestly, sometimes those are the places that stay with you the longest.

Key Highlights

• Authentic period furnishings and décor from the mid-to-late 1800s
• Guided tours led by knowledgeable docents who share family stories and local history
• Original art glass windows and ornate woodwork unique to the era
• Summer-only public access, adding a sense of exclusivity to the experience
• Family-friendly atmosphere that keeps kids engaged without overwhelming them
• Connection to La Crosse’s early development, including ties to Riverside Park and Grandad Bluff

Location

Places to Stay Near Historic Hixon House Museum

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