UPDATE: Nina, Pinta headed downstream to dock at Riverside this afternoon

Columbus replicas on display through Aug. 2

Some folks in La Crosse spotted what appeared to be pirate ships cruising up the Mississippi shortly before Riverfest this year. 

And, in case you missed seeing the Nina and Pinta replicas in Winona, they’ll be sailing into La Crosse’s Riverside Park this afternoon.

The ships resemble the Nina and Pinta, commanded by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Tours of the replica boats, designed as floating museums, will be offered from Wednesday through August 2.

Last week, members of the La Crosse Park Board voted to let the ships dock at Riverside Park, although they learned of the visit on short notice and were not sure that the owners had obtained all of the proper licenses for a week-long stay.

The board wanted to know if the promoters have insurance, a docking agreement or a permit to sell tickets and souvenirs?

Still no word on if any of that was presented to the board.