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Farm is also known for its blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins, sunflowers, zinnias, corn maze, vegetables, wedding barn, seasonal events

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Blues on the Chippewa will be held from July 31-Aug. 2 in Durand, Wisconsin. Visit the Blues on the Chippewa festival website online to learn more about the event lineup and new announcements.

https://www.bluesonthechippewa.com/

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Ken Notes: Please See our events calendars below or HERE for complete list of the events in your community.

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Wisconsin`s Department of Tourism announced Tuesday that the state`s tourism industry reached a new high in 2024.  

In 2024, tourism generated a historic $25.8 billion in total economic impact for the Badger State.

"I think more people are discovering Wisconsin. They enjoy the outdoor activities and what we have for outdoor recreation," said Explore La Crosse Executive Director A.J. Frels. "A lot of people love the fresh air, the water, the woods and what we have to offer."

The same can be said about La Crosse County, which saw a $12 million increase in direct visitor spending.

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Ken Notes: Our other counties did well also. Please support tourism marketing efforts in your communities -- it does pay dividends.

LA CROSSE (WKBT) – Moon Tunes celebrated the start of its 14th season at Riverside Park in La Crosse, bringing together community members for an evening of free live music and family entertainment.

People gathered with their lawn chairs, beverages, and snacks to hear music from local musicians at no cost. The popular summer concert series takes place Thursday evenings throughout the summer season.

"It`s a great family night outing. If you`re a biker, you bike down, park your bike, walk around, and just enjoy the music and the evening," said Terry Bauer, co-founder of Moon Tunes...

Click for lineup...

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Ken Notes: Summer is here!

A new La Crosse housing development which will offer apartments to both people with disabilities and able-bodied tenants has started a public fund-raising campaign. The Haven on Main is seeking $500,000 in donations from the community to help build 70 housing units.

Lansing, Iowa native Michael Rea and his wife Brandy attended a fund-raising meeting in La Crosse on Monday, and announced they have already donated a million dollars to the Main Street housing project. The Reas live in the Kansas City area, and they head a foundation that helps families with special needs, mostly in that metro region. They have a teenage son with special needs, and Brandy Rea says her interest in the Haven arises from concerns about how to help him live more independently...

See Also:

City of La Crosse to begin affordable housing development that will also serve those with disabilities 

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Federal officials have recommended removing nearly 2 dozen flood-control dams in the region. But Vernon County is pursuing other ways to remove the high-risk structures.

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Ken Notes: Very interesting program and the first of its kind in the nation!

After three weeks of closure due to safety precautions, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has reopened the Black Hawk Bridge across the Mississippi River connecting Lansing and Crawford County, WI. The bridge was opened back up to traffic starting at approximately 10 a.m. Monday, June 9.

The Iowa DOT District 2 office had closed the Black Hawk Bridge late Saturday, May 17, when the sensor system being used to help monitor the bridge detected movement in the area of the third pier as one travels east across the bridge. Following a detailed inspection and engineering analysis over the past three weeks, Iowa DOT has determined that the bridge is safe for motor vehicle traffic with the same size and weight restrictions that were in place prior to the May 17 closure. The extensive analysis and inspection process determined that no repairs were deemed necessary from the detected movement, and the Iowa DOT will continually monitor the bridge to ensure continued safety....

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – Turtles are on the move! You have probably seen them when out and about in the La Crosse region.

It is nesting season for Turtles across Wisconsin. The state`s 11 species of turtles breed in late May through the month of June.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said this year looks like a sustained event.

Usually, there is a push for about a week, and then you are likely to not see many turtles after that. This year, however, turtles have been on the move for about three weeks straight—and it`s not because we had a mild winter, the DNR said.

The slight increase proves to be a positive.

The DNR`s Andrew Badje said the La Crosse region has actually seen a decline in the amount of turtles over the last 50 years...

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Stockholm farm offers a variety of lavender-, hemp- and honey-infused products

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Mississippi River Regional Planning Commision SouthWest NorthWest State Coulee Regional Business Center THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE Vernon Co. Economic Development La Crosse Area Development Corporation SBDC La Crosse Economic Development Community Development Economic Development Economic Development Trempealeau County Economic Development The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) Vernon Economic Development Association Workforce Connections, Inc. The Pierce County EDC Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council Job and Business Development (JBD) Program Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority USDA Rural Development Wisconsin Xcel Energy Economic Development Economic Development

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LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Developers are looking to build two five-story apartment buildings on La Crosse`s north side.

Plans are set to be reviewed by the City of La Crosse`s Commercial/Multi-Family Design Review Committee on Friday for new buildings that would add roughly 200 housing units at the site of La Crosse`s Bridgeview Plaza.

Plans show the two structures occupying the space between the existing Blue Zone Pickleball and Harbor Freight buildings.

Each would feature a mix of studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments across five floors, per the concept designs. Each would also include more than 90 underground parking stalls.

In addition, developers would also revamp the existing structures at Bridgeview, featuring a courtyard with multi-use paths between the new apartments.

No price tag is currently attached to the plans, which were submitted by Knothe-Bruce Architects, a Middleton, Wisconsin-based firm. The design review committee meets Friday at 9:00 a.m...

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Helps Protect, Preserve Local Farmland

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Ken Notes: A very interesting program...

LA CROSSE, Wis. — The Outdoor Recreation Alliance is launching a new initiative to boost support for trail maintenance and development in the Driftless Area.

The group is encouraging sustainable monthly contributions to its "Powered by People" campaign to assist with projects like the new Community Trail Farm in South La Crosse.

"We`re asking a lot of our community to show up in different ways, and we don`t always love to ask for money, but we do love to ask for people to be involved and show up and support the things that they love," Willow Pecha, Development Director of ORA Trails, said.

The Powered by People initiative is running alongside the ongoing Trail Farm Capital Campaign. The efforts aim to ensure that outdoor activities remain enjoyable and accessible for all...

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VIROQUA, Wis. (WXOW) – Vernon Trails is getting a major upgrade thanks to a $48,390 grant from a T-Mobile initiative aimed at funding small-town community projects.

According to a news release, the Viroqua-based nonprofit plans to install seven trailhead kiosks and 80 wayfinding signs across three of the county’s most-used trail networks and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Organizers say the project will improve safety, accessibility, and navigation while reinforcing the region’s identity as an outdoor recreation destination.

"We`re thrilled T-Mobile recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation access in rural communities,” Vernon Trails Executive Director Alycann Taylor said in the release. “The new kiosks and wayfinding signs will enhance safety, welcome newcomers, and showcase the natural beauty of Vernon County`s Driftless Area."...

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – As soon as it was announced that La Crosse was getting a Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers franchise, the Coulee region was all aflutter.

“Have you ever had it?” “Where is it going?” “When is it opening?” “They only serve chicken fingers?” “Are they hiring?”

In order, yes, 3740 State Road 16, August 19th, yes… well… and sides, and yes!

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Chris Holtkamp, associate professor of community and environmental planning at UW-River Falls, has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award. Beginning in January, he’ll spend five months in Reykjavik, Iceland developing a graduate course at Agricultural University.

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Ken Notes: Congrats Chris! But Iceland in January? I would have thought a sustainable regional plan for Hawaii...

The Prescott Chamber of Commerce usually holds their monthly "Coffee and Chat" at Ptacek`s IGA in Prescott.

"It`s a time to come and chat with members and have some donuts and coffee,” said Chamber Coordinator Trisha Huber. "It`s very casual and very informal."

Huber and company broke the norm and held the June "Coffee and Chat" at River City Stitch last Tuesday.

"Kim (French, owner) was nice enough to let us have it here today," said Huber. "We also had their ribbon cutting, so we killed two birds with one stone."

River City Stitch screen prints and embroiders apparel and promotional items. Owner Kim French started her business in 2007 in a 750 square-foot building in Prescott. They moved down the street to their current location after a few years into a 2,400 square-foot building. The Prescott Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was for a brand new 4,700 square-foot addition to the current location. The ceilings are high enough to fit an airplane...

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ELLSWORTH — Every summer, the streets of Ellsworth come alive with the sights, sounds, and irresistible smells of one of the Midwest’s most beloved hometown events: the Cheese Curd Festival. Held June 27–28 in Ellsworth’s East End Park and business district, the festival celebrates the town’s claim to fame, the fresh, squeaky cheese curds produced by Ellsworth Creamery, the festival’s presenting sponsor and a cornerstone of the local economy.

Named the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin in 1984, Ellsworth takes pride in its rich dairy tradition. The Ellsworth Creamery processes more than 160,000 pounds of cheese curds each day, distributing them across the world and building a brand that’s synonymous with quality and flavor. But once a year, Ellsworth brings it all home, inviting visitors to experience the curds in their finest form: freshly made, beer-battered, fried, and paired with regional beer, wine, and hard cider.
The festival`s national appeal continues to grow. Since 2023, USA Today has recognized the Cheese Curd Festival as one of its 10Best Specialty Food Festivals in the country, placing Ellsworth on the map as a must-visit destination for food lovers from across the U.S.

"The Cheese Curd Festival is more than a food event," says Chamber Executive Director Kim Beebe. "It’s a celebration of everything that makes Ellsworth special. Our agricultural heritage, our tight-knit community, and the small-town pride that puts our cheese curds on the map."

The two-day event draws nearly 30,000 visitors and is organized by the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce. Festival proceeds directly benefit local nonprofits, volunteer groups, and community projects.

This year’s festival kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday, June 27, and runs through 10 p.m. Saturday June 28. Admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase, with ticketed specialty tasting events. Free parking and a free shuttle service will also be available to help guests make their way to the festival grounds without the need to search for parking...

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This Saturday July 12th

VIROQUA, Wis. (WXOW) — The Driftless Music Festival is set to return to Eckhart Park in Viroqua, offering free family fun this weekend. The festival promises a blend of music and community spirit.

"It`s super family-friendly and there`s just music all day long," Christina Dollhausen said. "There`s something about being under those oak trees in Eckhart Park in Viroqua and along with the community and visitors that come. It`s just there`s smiles everywhere from the way back of the park all the way to the road."

Dollhausen highlighted the diverse lineup of performances that attendees can expect.

"That`s the beauty of the Driftless Music Festival," Dollhausen said. "We bring in five different eclectic bands, all different genres. So you may hear something that you`ve never really heard before."...

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MAP		Discover Wisconsin Great River Road Video

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In the rolling fields of Western Wisconsin, there`s a town where cheese curds are a way life. Ellsworth, with a population of just over 3,000, proudly claims the title of Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin. The designation was made official in 1983 by former Governor Anthony Earl. This vibrant village in Pierce County draws visitors from across the country, thanks to a cooperative creamery that transformed a humble dairy product into a regional icon.

The Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery began in 1910, when local dairy farmers banded together to process their milk with purpose and precision. More than a century later, 200 farms supply the creamery with milk, which is converted into over 160,000 pounds of curds daily. Considering the surprising amount of milk it takes to make cheese (10 pounds of milk per pound of cheese), that`s an impressive yield of rich, comforting goodness. The golden bites — mild, squeaky, and lightly salted — are best savored when their signature bounce is at its peak. The distinctive squeak comes from elastic proteins that briefly resist the bite, a sign of impeccable freshness.

Each curd is a marvel of Midwestern agriculture. The milk travels only a short distance from farm to vat, where it`s swiftly shaped into its final form. From production to packaging, the process moves quickly to ensure every curd retains its signature quality. Devoted fans often eat them straight from the bag — slightly chilled, subtly salty, and full of charm...


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Ken Notes: Worth the trip! The cheese store is also fantastic! MMMMMMMMMMM...

That’s why the 7 Rivers Alliance is once again accepting applications for strategic planning services and plans to continue offering the assistance. We invite communities and organizations within our region to apply to develop a strategic plan to focus on a specific project involving community-wide economic growth or organizational goals with the support of experienced professionals and engaged citizens....   ...Full Story Here

Ken Notes: Lot of data in their newsletter...

Southwest Wisconsin is seeing a surge in clean energy, emerging as a hotbed for large-scale renewable projects proponents said are economically benefiting the community.

About 10% of Wisconsin’s electricity is from renewable sources. The industry employs about 6,500 people and invests $15.5 million a year in property, state and local taxes, and more than $15 million annually in land lease payments.

Kaden Crapp, field representative for the Wisconsin Land and Liberty Coalition, said along with the economic benefits, clean energy has the potential to provide the state with autonomy.

“One of the biggest benefits that including these renewable energies into the state grid can bring is that we can start becoming a net exporter,” Crapp explained. “By being able to create our own Wisconsin-grown energy and be able to distribute it to other states as well.”

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VIROQUA, Wis. – A public input meeting will be held Wednesday on a plan to replace one of the most beloved landmarks for the residents of Viroqua, the park that most locals refer to as “Dragon Park”. The park is a popular destination, not just for kids and families, but for visitors and tourists as well.

Meeting – Wednesday, June 11, 2025
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Viroqua City Hall Lower-Level Community Room
124 W Decker St.

Located inside the city’s Eckhart park, the playgrounds official name is Eckhart Enchantment, but the large green dragon silhouette in the side caused most people to simply call it Dragon Park.

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Ken Notes: These "Wooden Parks" were great but they do have a shorter shelf life...

IVER FALLS — A local partnership turned comfort food into campus impact this spring, raising $3,715 for student support at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls through the “Cheese Curds for a Cause” campaign.

The effort—led by Junior’s Restaurant and Taphouse during UWRF’s Giving Days—pledged $5 for every basket of cheese curds sold from mid-March through April. Proceeds from the campaign go directly to the UWRF Impact Fund (formerly known as the Falcon Annual Fund), which provides flexible, unrestricted dollars to meet urgent student needs, enhance academic programming and support underfunded areas across campus.

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LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - The La Crosse County Historical Society will soon be giving community members a trip down memory lane with a new exhibit.

“Reflections of La Crosse” will show 27 paintings created by local document painter Marion Biehn.

A majority of the pictures show historical buildings that are not around anymore. Others are paintings of local iconic landscapes.

Historical society officials say the exhibit is a tribute to the nostalgia of La Crosse.

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LA CROSSE (WXOW) - Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region has launched the "Pave the Way" fundraiser to support ReNew the Block in the Logan Northside Neighborhood. Community members are encouraged to buy customizable permeable pavers, which will fund various neighborhood improvements.

Funds raised will support critical home repairs, the planting of a food forest, and stormwater management solutions along Avon Street. Notably, a permeable paver pathway will be installed outside Logan Middle School to prevent over 500,000 gallons of stormwater runoff annually...

"This is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a way for people to leave a lasting legacy in a neighborhood that’s working hard to adapt to climate challenges and build community resilience," Stefanie Kline, Sustainability Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity, said.

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Stoddard family of seven’s ‘hidden gem’ has family friendly entertainment, haunted house

June 23, 2025 -- STODDARD – Farm animals, paintball players, commerce, a battle course, a haunted house and a murder mystery game – Deb Bolstad said her family of seven takes care of all of the above and more at Hidden Hills on their property in Stoddard. 

Yet the hardest part, Bolstad said, isn’t necessarily managing the attractions – it just might be the marketing. 

“People ask, ‘Who is (Hidden Hills) for?’” she said. “I tell them, ‘We’ve got something for everyone.’” 

Open annually May through October, Bolstad said Hidden Hills offers the following: 

• A petting farm, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, or by reservation during the week for field trips and private parties 
• Paintball, by reservation 
• Poultry, eggs, pork, beef and lamb raised on non-GMO feeds and pastured in non-GMO fields, available either in Hidden Hills’ shop or by order 
• Baked goods and handmade crafts, also available at the shop 
• A haunted house, operating in October 
• A fully original murder mystery, available by appointment ...

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Ken Notes: Many more details at the link. ALL applications are now submitted online.

Wisconsin takes the cake in a national pie competition — with the winner of the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.  

Every week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest across a wide range of categories. Editors vet nominations, select final nominees and ask the public to decide in a four-week voting period. For the second consecutive year, Stockholm Pie and General Store has been voted America`s Best Pie Shop. Another Wisconsin favorite, Norske Nook, took fourth place this year...

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VERNON COUNTY, Wis. – Following a series of meetings between Vernon County officials, state legislators and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, it appears Vernon County may have a little wiggle room on the timeline for state approval to expand their facility, but they could also run out of space before they get that approval.

Vernon County’s Landfill is running out of space and the county started the process of getting DNR approval about five years ago, that seemed like plenty of time to get state approval for about a five acre expansion to the existing 10 acre facility. At last months Vernon County Infrastructure Committee meeting, Solid Waste Administrator Stacie Sanborn said their recent assessment of space at the facility estimated they have about one year worth of “air space” left before they are full based on current volumes...

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Monroe County Events Calendar	Crawford County (Driftless Wisconsin) Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Vernon County Events Calendar Visitor Guide
La Crosse County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Trempealeau County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Buffalo County Events Calendar
Pepin County Events Calendar Visitor Guide	Pierce County Events Calendar	Jackson County Events Calendar Visitor Guide

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Working together to make the Mississippi River Region a great place to live and work.

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Buffalo County, WI

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Crawford County Wisconsin

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Jackson County, WI 

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Home (lacrossecounty.org)

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Monroe County, WI | Home

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Pepin County, WI

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Pierce County, WI

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Trempealeau County

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Vernon County, WI

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Regional Guides

		2023 Wisconsin Campground Directory

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