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• La Crosse Attractions – a trip through Dewey Township, LaPorte County

La Crosse Attractions – a trip through Dewey Township, LaPorte County

Honestly, if you think that La Crosse is just a slept little town on Mississippi, then you missed the first part of his story: Founded in 1845 by German emigrants, the village quickly developed into the hub for shipping and later for the railway that went through the entire Dewey Township. Today, you can still feel the heritage in the old brick houses, which are proud of modern bungalows – a mix that personally sprays more charm than any Instagram filter campaign. I don't quite understand the hype about the big metropolises, but here, in the heart of LaPorte County, there's a flair that you can only find in small cities that don't want to change.

A short trip by train from Chicago (the train stops here if you don't want to drive by car over the I‐90) takes you directly to the centre where you can inhale a bit of history between cafes and the old town hall. And yes, if you ask yourself what you can see here at all – the La Crosse sights are not listed in a catalogue because they are just too good to catalogue them. Instead, I recommend just walk away, marvel at the old church towers and enjoy the quiet noise of the river while you enjoy a beer in the local brewery. That's my favorite place, and I promise he's really great.

La Crosse Sights & Attractions

I have to confess: what I love most about La Crosse is the City park. Yes, exactly, this inconspicuous green strip on the edge of the main road, which has more charm than some expensive downtown oasis. I made a picnic with my neighbor there on a hot July Sunday, while the kids on the old but still working climbing scaffold – that was almost like a mini festival, only without the annoying crowd and the overpriced tickets. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole community comes together to grill.

Right next to the park you stumble over the La Crosse Town Hall, a building that looks as if it had built a Victorian architect in an approach of nostalgia. The red bricks and the small bell-play at the roof give the place an almost romantic flair – I don't understand the hype about historical council houses, but here you feel somehow important when you read the “city management” sign above the entrance.

A short walk further leads you to La Crosse Public Library. This is not some library, but a small, cozy refugium where I spent more time than I would like to admit. The shelves are full of local history books, and the staff knows every regular guest in the name – this is almost scary when you ask me. I once borrowed a book about the Kankakee River Trail, just to realize that I cannot read the map because I was too busy admiring the squeaking door.

If you're looking for a place where you can feel a little spiritual without stumbled right into a huge dome, then this is La Crosse United Methodist Church That's right. The building comes from the early 1900s, the benches are charming and the organ play sounds as if someone had taken the keys from an old cinema. I have once seen a concert where the church was more chatting than sang – a real La Crosse moment.

A bit away from the center, but still an integral part of the La Crosse Attractionsis that La Crosse Historical Museum. The museum is small, but it has everything you need to understand why the city has its name from the French name for “crossing”. I found an old map that shows that the area used to be an important hub for the railroad – a detail that can be found only in dusty history books.

Another highlight that I do not want to conceal is the La Crosse Farmers Market. It takes place every Saturday from May to October in the parking lot behind the town hall. Here there are fresh strawberries, self-made jams and the one or the other stand where you can buy handmade ceramic dishes – perfect if you want to make your friend a gift that does not come from the bar. I once tried a piece of apple cake there that was so good that I spent almost the whole money I had planned for the weekend.

Finally, for those who want a little movement, there is an access to Kankakee River Trail right behind the park. The trail is not just a hiking paradise, but it leads you along the river where you can enjoy nature without leaving the city. I once watched a sunset there, while a few joggers loudly discussed their fitness apps – a picture I will never forget.

Other special sights in the vicinity of La Crosse, Indiana

The first place I have to mention is that Indiana Dunes National Park, which is only half an hour drive from La Crosse and yet gives the feeling that one is in a completely different world. I stood there with strong wind at Mount Baldy, the grass crawled under my shoes, and suddenly all the ghunting of the city was just a whisper tone. Parking is usually easy as long as you do not arrive at the weekend with the whole family – then the parking field becomes the battlefield. The way to the summit is a short but steep climb that is perfect for a fast adrenalinkick; the view over Lake Michigan is the real highlight that makes every step worth it.

A few miles further, right on the coast, this is Indian Dunes State Park. There is not only sand here, but also a well maintained visitor centre, which I entered from pure curiosity to learn more about the local flora. The trails are well marked, and the water is surprisingly refreshing in the summer – I took a spontaneous bath there, because the sign “bathable” was meant only half as seriously as you could think. A small note: the public toilet is only present on the main roads, so better to finish the emergency yard beforehand.

If you have enough of beach and sand, the path leads to Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area. This nature reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers and anglers alike. I remember an early morning when a white-headed eagle circled majesticly above the lake, while I tried to outsmart a cash – the result was a short but intense struggle that ended in a triumphant photo. Access is free, and parking is still available at the main exit, but only in limited numbers, i.e., preferably early there.

A little further south, almost in the heart of La Porte, is that LaPorte County Historical Museum. I visited the museum because I thought it was just a dusty archive, but the exhibitions about the railway history and the early settlers are surprisingly alive. Especially the old locomotive in the courtyard has fascinated me – I even took a photo with the Schaffnerhut, which can be borrowed there. The entrance is free, and parking is right in front of the building, but on Friday night a bit chaotic, because then the local senior group has their weekly meetings.

A short trip to Michigan City brings you Old Michigan City Light, a lighthouse that has more stories to tell than you find in an average guide. I stood there at sunset, the light flashed in the rhythm of the waves, and suddenly I felt like an old movie noir. Access to the tower is free, but the staircase is narrow, so please don't be afraid of heights – the panorama over the bay is worth every step.

For those who miss the urban flair, this is Porter County Museum in Valparaiso a must. I visited the special exhibition on the local art scene, which surprised me completely – the works of local artists are surprisingly avant-garde and give the place a very own character. The museum is located in a historic building, which is itself a piece of history, and parking is right in front of the main entrance, but on Saturday morning a bit full because the school classes come.

Conclusion

Included are the surroundings of La Crosse, Dewey Township, LaPorte, Indiana and their La Crosse Attractions a colourful mix of nature, history and small surprises that make every traveler happy – whether nature lovers, history fans or just looking for a good photo. So the next time you drive over the highway shouldn't overlook these places, because they are the true heart of this region.