Wis. firehouse turned private home added to National Register of Historic Places

LA CROSSE, Wis. — The National Register of Historic Places, the country’s official list of culturally important sites, recently added a beloved La Crosse building. La Crosse’s Fire Station No. 4, listed in late August, was originally constructed in 1941 to blend into the existing residential neighborhood — so much so that it was reused as a single-family residence.

Oktoberfest parade participants celebrated at awards ceremony

Readstown Public Library to dedicate flagpole and trees in memory of John Henry Sime, Helen “Janie” Fortney and David G. Dregne

READSTOWN, Wis. — On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 6 p.m., the community will gather at the Readstown Public Library to honor three ordinary people who made an extraordinary impact on the community they loved through their care and contributions. Their enduring legacies remind us that the gifts of those who came before can shape what is possible for those who come next.

Oktoberfest wraps up final day with pancake breakfast

La Crosse City Plan Commission recommends former North Side Library rezoning proposal

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- La Crosse's City Plan Commission recommended an ordinance Monday that would rezone the North Side Library property into a public district.

For a big Oktoberfest, you need a big bratwurst, and they served one at the La Crosse Legion Hall

Before you tap the Golden Keg at Oktoberfest, you have to slice the Golden Brat. The early Friday morning tradition at La Crosse’s Oktoberfest is serving a very large bratwurst, 8 feet long and 80 pounds and covered in sauerkraut, during a breakfast at the American Legion Post 52 on 6th Street. New Festmaster Jon Erickson and Frau Jane made the first cut to the big brat, using a large sword.

Torchlight Parade for Oktoberfest carries on through rain on Thursday

It may have rained a bit on the parade, but the Torchlight Parade through north La Crosse went on as planned, as the highlight for the first night of Oktoberfest. The hour-long parade was led off by several groups of past and present Fest royalty, followed by dignitaries from other area festivals. Many of the marching bands, including visitors from West Salem and Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, wore lights on their heads or their uniforms as part of the festivity. The parade was followed by an Oktoberfest party at Copeland Park.

Turned Leaf Festival offers sober Oktoberfest alternative in La Crosse

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Families gathered at Myrick Park Saturday for the 44th annual Turned Leaf Festival, a substance-free and family-friendly Oktoberfest celebration hosted by the Coulee Recovery Center.

Oktoberfest day 1 offers something for everybody

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- Oktoberfest celebrations got underway early this morning with the annual Senior Breakfast, where the 2026 Oktoberfest Royal Family greeted generations of Fest leaders and attendees.

“Tap That Keg!” Oktoberfest tradition fills the festgrounds

There’s nowhere near enough beer in the Golden Keg for the several thousand people who show up on Friday morning but there’s plenty of Oktoberfest spirit, or Gemutlichkeit, to go around. The Tapping of the Golden Keg marks the “official” start of the fest. People started...

Mac Kiel on city administrator debate, library cuts, and council pay

It’s a bit of a light committee week preview, but there was plenty of city business in La Crosse to discuss with Mac Kiel in studio for The Rick Solem Show. Kiel helped break down what was finally a public meeting on — basically — creating a city administrator position, plus major staff cuts hitting the public library and why council members might have to trim their own expense accounts.

New This Morning: Oktoberfest Ladies Day Luncheon

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- The Oktoberfest Ladies Day Luncheon is a beloved tradition that closes out Oktoberfest weekend every year.

Tunnel Mill, 1871 Engineering Marvel Near Spring Valley

SPRING VALLEY – From the 1850s through the 1870s, Fillmore County had the highest quality and greatest number of grain mills ever built in Minnesota. Yet one, Tunnel Mill north of Spring Valley, stood out from the abundance of area mills due to a unique system to power its operation created by an engineering marvel that was accomplished without the aid of modern instruments.

Riverfront Revolt - La Crosse Center - January 30, 2027

LA CROSSE, WI — The La Crosse Center is turning up the volume once again as Riverfront Revolt returns to La Crosse on Saturday, January 30, 2027, bringing an explosive lineup of rock and metal acts to the Coulee Region. Headlining the 2027 festival is I Prevail, the multi-platinum...

Turned Leaf Festival offers substance-free celebration

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- The 44th annual Turned Leaf Festival will offer a sober, family-friendly alternative to Oktoberfest this weekend at Myrick Park. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and includes a picnic lunch, live music and activities for children, including crafts, face painting and outdoor games.

SEMAC announces grants for local artists

On September 8, 2026, the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) Board of Directors awarded 14 Project Support for Individual Artists and Culture Bearers grants, six to emerging artists and eight to advancing artists, for a total of $71,725 in funding to individuals throughout southeastern Minnesota and including four recipients in Winona County:

Destination: Oktoberfest

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – It’s time to point our Jeep Renegade from Pischke Motors towards another Destination, friends! This time, we are off to a celebration of Community… capital C intended! An event that has been staged in La Crosse every year since 1965 (including one year when they served milk and cheese instead […]

6th Annual Winter Roots Festival

The La Crosse Center proudly presents the 6th Annual Winter Roots Festival!. The 6th Annual La Crosse Winter Roots Festival invites locals and visitors to celebrate the best of Wisconsin through live music, local beer, and spirits. Growing bigger than ever, the festival is moving into the La Crosse Center South Hall to make room for an exciting lineup featuring national touring artists Chayce Beckham and Uncle Lucius alongside beloved local and regional favorites.

Turned Leaf Family Festival offers substance free fest alternative

The Turned Leaf Family Festival began 44 years ago as a way for the recovery community to enjoy Oktoberfest. As time passes, it has become a way for more people to take part in a substance free celebration of the fest. On La Crosse Talk with Sean Dwyer, Coulee Recovery...