Oktoberfest 2010

It's that time of the year again when the entire city if La Crosse,WI gets ready for its giant fall festival called Oktoberfest. Every year La Crosse has a huge fest which starts out on a Friday with a Festmaster's parade and the tapping of the Golden Keg at the Southside Fest Grounds. The fest runs for about 9 days and features a 3 hour parade known as The Maple Leaf Parade which is on Saturday and there are 2 fest grounds, one on the southside of La Crosse at the Southside Fest Grounds and one on the Northside of La Crosse at Copeland Park. The fest features rides and games for all to enjoy, beer tents at both grounds and special events like local bands and other talent, this year there is a special attraction to the Southside Fest Grounds featuring Bret Michaels from the 80s group Poison. His concert is sold out.
If you come to La Crosse,WI by houseboat for the fest we would recommend staying at the Pettibone Boat Club as it is the closest marina to the action. If you prepare yourself correctly you can walk from the marina to the parade route and to the Southside Fest Grounds but it is a long walk, about a mile, but, a cab ride to the area would only cost you about $5.00 to $10.00 and worth it. There are other marinas at Port of La Crosse to stay at: Municipal Boat Harbor, North Bay Marina, and South Bay Marina but you will need to cab ride from these marinas. If you plan to come to this festival plan months in advance because this Fest draws thousands of people from all over the area.
Check out the link we provided to Oktoberfest 2010 and you can see all the events and schedules to give you an idea of what the fest is all about so you can plan to attend in the future.
Continue to follow Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley as we cruise and explore more destinations and provide more information, adventures, and resources. Please Don't Move Firewood and Help Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers.