Viking cruise ship returns to La Crosse Monday, with two more stops in the city in October

The city of La Crosse hosted three big riverboats last week, as the summer tourism season begins to wind down. Two more stops at Riverside Park are scheduled this week.

From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, the brand new Viking Mississippi returns to La Crosse after a trip up to the Twin Cities.

During a stop last Thursday — that was shortened when the boat’s arrival to La Crosse was delayed a couple hours — WIZM was given a tour of the Viking vessel, to see its lower-level bar, dining areas and the interior of a stateroom.

There is also a small swimming pool on the top deck at the rear of the boat.

The other boat set to visit La Crosse this week is the American Duchess paddlewheeler, arriving Friday.

Many of the passengers on the big boat take bus tours of La Crosse or just walk downtown.

The ship’s crew makes regular announcements, reminding those travelers when the tours are available, and when they should return to the boat before it continues on its voyage.

The Viking Mississippi has two more stops scheduled in La Crosse this season on Oct. 13, 17.