La Crosse museum task force still deciding on what the facility’s mission would be

If a new museum is going to be built in La Crosse, organizers have to know what they want first.

Members of a task force aimed at building a La Crosse history museum are nearly six months into the process of establishing their mission.

Senior city planner Tim Acklin said they’re still asking questions about what would work for the city.

“Did we want just a building that houses artifacts or do you want to know more, and understand more on how to create an experience?” Acklin asked.

Acklin said the task force is leaning toward a museum that would give visitors an interesting experience.

To that end, they’re planning to tour the Vesterheim museum of Norwegian history in Decorah, along with museums in Eau Claire and Dubuque.

Acklin added that the task force also has to decide whether to place a museum in an existing building or put up a new one.

The group already has toured buildings in Riverside Park and on West Avenue.

Tim Acklin said they’re about a year out from a finalized document.