This weekend (Nov 5-7) I'm heading to La Crosse WI to do some railfanning. I've never been there so I'm looking for some information as to where some good spots are around there. Any information owuld be appreciated. Tim Rockford IL
Be sure to stop by Copeland Park and have a look at "Big Alice" #4000, minus her stainless steel shroud. You might get over to the BNSF yard at N.La Crosse and see some stack trains(mostly) as they change crews. There is some public areas where you can get some good pix. You can probably see some action at Grand Crossing at the old Milwaukee Rd crossing of the BNSF. Amtrak #27 & 28 (Empire Builder) both stop at La Crosse. Stop at Festival Foods on Copeland Ave and get some of the cinnamon sugar croissants! If you get there early in the day,they are still warm from the oven, if you get there later in the day,they are sold out. You wont be sorry! If you are needing a place to stay, the "Days Inn" on French Island (Onalaska WI) is a nice place to stay, heated indoor pool and hot tub. The BNSF crews stay there. They have a decent restaurant and there is a Quillin's market across the parking lot which has hot food and meals to go during normal business hours. La Crosse is a very nice,clean little city. The folks are friendly and you shouldn't have any trouble finding a decent place to eat. Charlie
Ohhh Charlie your killing em reminding me about them rolls at Festival!!!Also a new point. We moved off Goose island in 2007. Down at a Hotel on the main drag about 3 blocks north of the Perkins is where we stayed. Didnt miss Goose island after that! So much stuff in walking distance and the girls at the hotel would drive you places close if it was bad out.
Probably a good thing moving off the island. That hotel was pretty decent, but they used to have youth hockey teams stay there for tournaments & such. The kids raised a lot of hell and you know durn well, you gotta get your rest while you can! It was sorta isolated,but that was the charm of it. Those croissants at Festival are kick-arse aren't they! Charlie
I was there once when the Youth Hockey tournament was going on lol.UGH! I was also there when about 50 Elvis impersonators showed up! I was " All shook up" groan! I miss the Festival, might have to make a road trip someday lol.
Grand Crossing is a must <lacrosse, - Google Maps Plus the Amtrak station is pretty nice, there is a Hobby store fairly close to it..cant recall the name. Also if you are looking for a drive, there is DME tracks across the river (MN) and 40min east right off the interstate 90 is Tunnel City (Near Tomah,) where former MILW trackage now CP Main line bores through a tunnel... good luck
