Riverside Park

Updated June 4, 2026

Riverside Park is a highly acclaimed park located in La Crosse, United States of America. With a rating of 4.7 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated parks in the area.

Location

You can find Riverside Park at 100 State St, La Crosse, WI 54601.

What to Expect

Riverside Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of La Crosse, United States of America. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk, a picnic spot, or simply a place to relax outdoors, this park provides a welcome green space.

Planning Your Visit

The park is located at 100 State St, La Crosse, WI 54601. GPS coordinates: 43.816944, -91.255833. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

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Riverside Park sprawls across 14 acres in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. It’s best known for its Mississippi River waterfront and year-round festivals like Riverfest and Rotary Lights.

The park has the Wendell A. Anderson bandstand, International Friendship Gardens, and docks for the La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler. Families, couples, and festival lovers all find something to enjoy here.

You’ll spot Riverside Park stretching along State Street, wedged between downtown and the river. It’s the city’s go-to spot for big events—think July 4th fireworks, Oktoberfest, and the free Moon Tunes summer concerts.

The park opened in 1911 as Levee Park, built on material dredged from the Mississippi. Later, it was renamed to reflect its prime riverfront location.

If festivals aren’t your thing, you can wander the Friendship Gardens, check out local sculptures (including Elmer Petersen’s 1986 eagle), or hop on a riverboat tour. There’s fishing access, kayak launches, and even an ice rink in winter when the Rotary Lights show takes over.

Key Takeaways

• Riverside Park is La Crosse’s main riverfront venue, hosting major festivals and free concerts throughout the year.
• You can access the Mississippi for fishing and kayaking, stroll the Friendship Gardens, or board the La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler.
• Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 100 State Street, with free parking and facilities.

Key Details and Quick Facts

Riverside Park covers 14 acres along the Mississippi at 100 State Street in downtown La Crosse. It’s open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., year-round.

Park History

• Created in 1911 through dredging and landfill
• Originally called Levee Park, later renamed Riverside Park
• Designed by landscape architect John Nolen of Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Built next to the former Spence Park area

Notable Features

The Wendell A. Anderson bandstand has been around since 1930 and got a new band shell in 2020. You’ll spot sculptures by Elmer Petersen (eagle, 1986) and Mike Martino (children in 2006, dog in 2009).

The La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler docks here for river tours. The International Friendship Gardens showcase La Crosse’s sister cities.

Events and Activities

Riverfest has been a July 4th tradition since 1983. The Rotary Lights winter display kicked off in 1995. In summer, thousands come for concerts, Moon Tunes, Oktoberfest, and more.

Amenities

You’ll find canoe and kayak access, fishing spots, an amphitheater, ice rink, indoor bathrooms, drinking fountains, off-street parking, shelter space for rent, and trail connections. The park sits where the Black, La Crosse, and Mississippi Rivers meet.

What to Expect at Riverside Park

There’s a network of paved paths and open lawns hugging the Mississippi’s edge. Views open up where the La Crosse, Black, and Mississippi Rivers all come together.

The park opens daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. There are restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, and off-street parking at 100 State Street.

Key features you’ll run into:

• La Crosse Queen – Paddlewheel boat docked at the park, offering river tours
• Wendell A. Anderson bandstand – Home to summer concerts and community shows
• International Friendship Gardens – Themed gardens for La Crosse’s sister cities (some spots can be reserved)
• Eagle sculpture – Elmer Petersen’s 1986 bronze, perched at State Street near the water
• Children and dog sculptures – Mike Martino’s works from 2006 and 2009, overlooking the river

The park is a hub for Riverfest (July 4th celebration since 1983) and Rotary Lights (holiday light show since 1995). Canoe and kayak launches, fishing, and trails are scattered throughout. In winter, there’s an ice rink.

The flat, paved loop is great for walking, no matter your fitness level. You’ll pass a fountain donated by Jake Hoeschler in 1981 and memorials for USS Maine and World War I vets.

Steamboats sometimes dock at the levee. Always fun to watch from the shore.

Plan Your Visit

Riverside Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 100 State Street. Summer festivals and the winter light display are the big draws.

You can get there on foot from downtown hotels, or by car—there’s free off-street parking.

Best Time to Go

Summer’s the busiest, especially during Riverfest over July 4th. Expect live music at the bandstand, food vendors, and fireworks over the river.

If you’re into quieter vibes and twinkling lights, late fall and winter are all about Rotary Lights. This free show usually runs late November through early January.

Spring and early fall are mild and perfect for walking the riverfront or fishing. It’s less crowded, but you still get all the park’s 14 acres and those river views.

Getting There

The park’s at 100 State Street, right between downtown and the riverfront. Staying downtown? It’s a 5-10 minute walk.

Free off-street parking is inside the park. Enter from State Street and follow signs along the river. There’s also street parking on downtown blocks next to the park’s southern end.

The La Crosse River State Trail connects here if you’re biking or walking from elsewhere. Canoe and kayak paddlers can pull up at the designated launches from the Mississippi.

Insider Tips for Visitors

Best photo spots:

• Eagle sculpture by Elmer Petersen at the river’s edge on State Street
• Mike Martino’s children and dog sculptures looking out across the water
• The International Friendship Gardens at the park’s north end

On hot days, the Jake Hoeschler fountain at the south end is a lifesaver. It’s been running since 1981.

The La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler docks here for river tours. Double-check departure times if you want to catch a cruise.

Parts of the Friendship Gardens can be reserved for private events. Book through the City of La Crosse Parks Department if you need a spot with river views.

Nearby Attractions and Explore More in La Crosse

Downtown La Crosse is right next to Riverside Park. You can wander to restaurants, breweries, and shops on Pearl and 3rd Streets in just a few minutes.

The downtown is walkable, so it’s easy to grab food to-go or explore local spots after hanging out by the river.

The La Crosse River State Trail and Great River State Trail both connect near the park, with biking and hiking routes along the Mississippi and inland. These paved trails link up with a broader network throughout La Crosse County.

Cultural and outdoor sites close by:

• Riverside Amusement Park – Historic carousel and rides by the river
• La Crosse Public Library – Main branch downtown
• Cameron Park – Bluff-top park with views of the Mississippi valley
• Grandad Bluff – Scenic overlook about 10 minutes by car from downtown
• The Pump House Regional Arts Center – Arts center in a former water pumping station along the river

You can hop on the La Crosse Queen paddlewheel boat for river cruises right from the dock at Riverside Park. The boat runs seasonal tours from the north end of the park.

Pearl Street has several breweries and restaurants within three blocks of the park. Some have outdoor seating with river views when it’s warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often ask about the best times for festivals, where to park on busy days, and which trails have the best river views. There are also questions about dining within walking distance and how to host special events here.

What are the best times of year to visit for festivals, live music, or other seasonal events along the riverfront?

Riverfest takes over the park around July 4th with live music, food, and fireworks—a tradition since 1983. Oktoberfest brings German music and beer tents in late September or early October.

Moon Tunes runs Thursday evenings in summer at the bandstand, with free concerts. Rotary Lights transforms the park from late November through December, with thousands of light displays you can walk through for free.

Spring and early fall are quieter, with nice weather for walking the trails and watching riverboats.

Where can I find a clear, easy-to-follow map that shows the gardens, monument areas, boat docks, and nearby attractions?

The City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department website has downloadable maps showing all the main features at Riverside Park. You’ll see the International Friendship Gardens near the southern end, the eagle sculpture at State Street by the river, and the bandstand in the center.

The boat docks for the La Crosse Queen and other boats are marked along the eastern riverfront. Visitor kiosks near the State Street entrance at 100 State St have physical maps during busy seasons.

What are the most scenic walking and biking routes, and how long do the popular loops typically take at a relaxed pace?

The riverfront path runs the full length of the 14-acre park along the Mississippi, taking about 15-20 minutes to walk end to end at a relaxed pace. This paved trail links with La Crosse’s 27-mile trail system, stretching north and south past downtown.

A loop including the riverfront, Friendship Gardens, and the bandstand is about a mile and takes 25-30 minutes to walk. Biking it takes maybe 8-10 minutes.

The best views? Definitely along the eastern edge—riverboats, bridges, and the Wisconsin bluffs across the water.

Where are the most reliable parking areas on busy weekends, and what’s the smartest strategy to avoid circling for a spot?

Off-street parking lots sit at both the north and south ends of Riverside Park along State Street. The south lot near the Hoeschler fountain fills first during festivals and concerts.

If you’re heading to a big event, try to get there at least 30-45 minutes early. Otherwise, you might find yourself looping around with everyone else.

Street parking along State Street and Front Street provides a few more options. These spots vanish fast during Riverfest and Rotary Lights.

Parking structures in downtown La Crosse—just a couple blocks away—work as overflow if you’re willing to walk a bit. Sometimes it’s just easier to park there and stroll in.

Weekday visits and early mornings on weekends are usually pretty relaxed for parking. For evening concerts at the bandstand, showing up before 6 p.m. is your best bet.

Which nearby restaurants are genuinely walkable from the riverfront, and what are the standout local dishes worth ordering?

Downtown La Crosse restaurants are all within a three-block walk west of Riverside Park. Most sit along Pearl Street, 3rd Street, and Main Street.

You’ll find brewpubs, pizza joints, and the kind of supper clubs locals actually go to. The walk from the park’s western edge to Pearl Street is maybe 5-7 minutes.

A lot of places have outdoor seating in the warmer months, which is always a plus. Fish fries on Friday nights are a big deal here.

Several spots serve Mississippi River fish when it’s available. During Oktoberfest, you’ll notice more German-inspired dishes popping up on menus.

If I’m planning a riverside wedding or photoshoot, what permits, best viewpoints, and golden-hour spots should I know about?

You’ll need to reserve space through the City of La Crosse Parks Department if you’re hoping to host a wedding or set up a professional photoshoot. This is especially true if you’re eyeing the International Friendship Gardens or the Wendell A. Anderson bandstand.

Some parts of the Friendship Gardens can be reserved, but the details—like fees and deadlines—aren’t always straightforward. Honestly, it’s best to call or email the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department and get the specifics directly from them.

If golden hour is your thing, the eastern riverfront path is hard to beat. The Mississippi stretches out behind you, and the setting sun does wonders for lighting.

There’s a spot near Mike Martino’s children sculptures that gives you a higher vantage point over the river. It feels a bit tucked away, which can be nice if you want a quieter moment.

People also love the eagle sculpture at State Street—it’s kind of iconic. The fountain at the south end is another favorite for backdrops, though it can get busy.

One thing to watch out for: big festivals. When those are happening, the crowds get wild, and it’s almost impossible to get a clear shot or any privacy.

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