La Crosse rates high in “Best of the River” rankings

Tourism in the Mississippi Valley will be hit hard by the coronavirus this year, but a local travel magazine urges readers to make future vacation plans based on its latest survey. 

River Travel Magazine is out with its 2020 list of ‘Best of the River’ attractions, compiled from the votes of readers. 

Some of the local events that are high on the list won’t be happening this year, including La Crosse’s Riverfest, and Ashley for the Arts in Arcadia. 

However, plans are still being made for Oktoberfest in La Crosse, rated the best cultural festival in the 10-state Mississippi Valley, with the Torchlight Parade rated #2 among all parades in the survey.

La Crosse’s Moon Tunes, rated the best live music attraction, is still planning for a shortened season. 

And although there’s no live baseball to watch for now, the La Crosse Loggers made the top 3 baseball teams on the river, along with the Twins and the St. Louis Cardinals.  

The readers’ poll gives number 1 rankings in various categories to the Waterfront Restaurant, Lovechild, the Red Pines in Onalaska, and Buzzard Billy’s. 

The Pearl is ranked as the best ice cream shop, the Sports Nut has the best chicken wings, and Senor Villa is first for tacos and nachos. 

Howie’s is rated the best college bar in the river valley, and La Crosse’s Moose Lodge ranks as the best ‘dance bar.’ 

In other categories, the Rivoli was the 2nd best theater, and the Children’s Museum of La Crosse was the best museum–for children.