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Home >  United States  >  Wisconsin  >  La Crosse  >  

Pettibone Park

Pettibone Park

United States, Barron Island, La Crosse 

Sandee

Pettibone Park

United States, Barron Island, La Crosse 

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Pettibone Park is a 230-acre public park located on Barron Island in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, featuring a beach on the Mississippi River, a disc golf course, walking trails, and fishing docks. The park's history is fascinating, having been originally part of Minnesota before being transferred to Wisconsin in 1919. It was gifted to the city by Albert Wells Pettibone, a former mayor, and is known for its scenic views and diverse amenities.

The park is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, and volleyball. Its proximity to downtown La Crosse makes it an ideal destination for those looking to combine outdoor recreation with urban exploration.

Pettibone Park's rich history and natural beauty make it a standout attraction in the region, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Near Pettibone Park, there are several excellent dining options. The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern offers upscale American cuisine with river views, featuring a piano bar and outdoor seating. Another popular spot is The Crow, known for its hearty pub fare and extensive craft beer selection. For those interested in Creole and Cajun flavors, Buzzard Billy's is a great choice, offering a lively atmosphere with a 1950s-style cocktail lounge. Additionally, Piggy's Restaurant and Lounge provides a historic setting with smoked meats and blues music. Lastly, Lovechild offers a stylish supper club experience with seasonal American cuisine.

For accommodations near Pettibone Park, several hotels offer convenient and comfortable stays. The Hampton Inn & Suites La Crosse Downtown provides upscale rooms with an indoor pool and fitness center. The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson offers a relaxed atmosphere with free breakfast and an indoor pool. For a more luxurious experience, The Charmant Hotel features refined rooms in a converted candy factory with French dining and a rooftop terrace. Additionally, the Radisson Hotel La Crosse offers down-to-earth accommodations with river views and an indoor pool.

Pettibone Park offers a wide range of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. These include indoor and portable bathrooms, showers, drinking fountains, and picnic shelters. The park also features a beach house with volleyball courts and canoe/kayak rentals, providing plenty of opportunities for water activities. Additionally, there are open green spaces, walking trails, and a disc golf course, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's scenic views and memorial areas add to its charm, offering a peaceful environment for relaxation and recreation.

Visitors can also enjoy the park's reservable spaces, making it suitable for events and gatherings. The presence of power outlets and programming facilities further supports these activities.

Overall, Pettibone Park is well-equipped to cater to diverse interests and needs, ensuring a satisfying visit for all.

Pettibone Park is a hub for various activities that cater to different interests. Swimming and sunbathing are popular at the beach, while kayaking and canoeing offer a chance to explore the Mississippi River. The park's disc golf course is another major attraction, providing a fun and challenging experience for golf enthusiasts. Fishing is also a common activity, with several fishing platforms available. Additionally, visitors can enjoy volleyball games on the beach or explore the park's walking trails, which offer scenic views of the surrounding area.

The park's open spaces are perfect for picnics or simply relaxing in nature. During events, the park's programming facilities can be utilized, making it a versatile venue for community activities.

Overall, Pettibone Park offers a mix of leisure and adventure, making it a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pettibone Park strives to be accessible to all visitors. The park includes amenities such as wheelchair-accessible restrooms and drinking fountains. However, specific details about ramps or wheelchair rentals are not readily available. Generally, public parks aim to provide accessible pathways and facilities to ensure that everyone can enjoy the surroundings. For those with mobility needs, it may be beneficial to contact the park administration in advance to confirm the availability of specific accessibility features.

The park's open spaces and scenic views are designed to be enjoyed by all, making it a welcoming environment for visitors of all abilities.

Overall, Pettibone Park offers a natural and recreational setting that is accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Pettibone Park provides ample parking options, including off-street parking areas that are conveniently located near the park's amenities. The parking facilities are designed to accommodate a large number of visitors, ensuring that there is usually sufficient space available. The proximity of the parking areas to the beach and other attractions within the park makes it easy for visitors to access their desired activities without having to walk far. However, during peak seasons or special events, parking may become more challenging, so arriving early is recommended.

The park's parking is generally free, adding to the convenience and affordability of visiting Pettibone Park.

Overall, the parking facilities at Pettibone Park are well-suited to meet the needs of its visitors.

Pettibone Park has a fascinating history, having been originally part of Minnesota before being transferred to Wisconsin in 1919. The park was gifted to the city by Albert Wells Pettibone, a former mayor of La Crosse, who spent $80,000 on its development. The park's unique location on Barron Island, now part of Wisconsin, adds to its historical significance. The island was once intended to be developed into an 'Island City' but never materialized.

The park's infrastructure includes a beautiful gazebo constructed from native Minnesota sandstone and a bathhouse designed in the Mediterranean Eclectic Revival style, reflecting its rich architectural heritage.

Pettibone Park's transformation over the years, from its swampy beginnings to its current status as a vibrant recreational space, is a testament to the vision of its benefactor and the efforts of the community.

Pettibone Park is surrounded by several attractions that complement its natural beauty. One of the nearby attractions is the Riverside Park, which offers additional recreational spaces and scenic views. The Dahl Auto Museum is another nearby attraction, showcasing a collection of vintage cars. For art enthusiasts, the Pump House Regional Arts Center offers a variety of exhibits and performances.

These attractions enhance the overall experience of visiting Pettibone Park by providing a mix of outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

Additionally, the nearby downtown area of La Crosse offers shopping and dining experiences, making the area around Pettibone Park a comprehensive destination for travelers.

Basic Details

INParking

IN24/7

INBeige

INPettibone Park, 700 N Pettibone Dr, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Restrooms

  • Shops

  • Showers

  • WiFi

  • Picnic Table

  • Activities

  • Bike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Fishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Surfing

  • Tours

  • Volleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Bikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Bars

  • Food Snacks

  • Local Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Restaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Disabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Parking - Paid

  • Parking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Pettibone Park - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Pettibone Park have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides free parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Pettibone Park have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Pettibone Park a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Pettibone Park good for swimming?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered a good swimming beach.

    Does Pettibone Park have restrooms?

    No, this Beach does not have restrooms on or near the beach.

    Is Pettibone Park a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Pettibone Park?

    No, this Beach does not have nearby food options - please plan your beach day accordingly.

    What are the activities at Pettibone Park?

    No, this Beach is not known for any activities in particular.

    Does Pettibone Park have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    No, this Beach does not have accommodations for people with disabilities.

    Is Pettibone Park a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Pettibone Park good for surfing?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

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