Hey La Crosse art lovers (and anyone who appreciates a splash of color), get ready to embark on a vibrant adventure! Whether it be bold, eye-catching walls or hidden artistic gems, La Crosse is bursting with incredible murals, transforming ordinary walls into stunning works of art. If you’re ready to explore the creativity, here’s a look at some of the local art to check out!
Downtown Delights
‘Love Lives Here’ Mural
223 3rd Street North, La Crosse, WI 54601
La Crosse’s downtown scene shines a little brighter with the mural, ‘Love Lives Here.’ Emplify Health by Gundersen commissioned local La Crosse artist Chase Gentry and Neo Medina from Kaukauna, Wisconsin, to create this vibrant masterpiece, weaving together the urban energy of La Crosse with its natural beauty.
Artist’s Alley
118 5th Ave S, La Crosse, WI 54601
This hidden gem is like stepping into an outdoor gallery. Each mural tells a story, from whimsical to thought-provoking. Heads up: be sure you look for 5th Ave South, not North!
Pump House Regional Arts Center Mural ‘Confluence’
119 King St, La Crosse, WI 54601
The iconic mural on this historic building captures the spirit of La Crosse — its natural beauty and vibrant community — and hopes to inspire more people to create and enjoy the arts.
Mid West Family Broadcasting Building
201 State St, La Crosse, WI 54601
Feast your eyes on this vibrant mural on the north side of the Mid-West Family Broadcasting building, a collaborative masterpiece brought to life by artist Annie Morris and a bunch of talented first graders from Hamilton Elementary. This isn’t your average school art project; these kids got to unleash their creativity on a larger-than-life scale, adding splashes of color and youthful energy to downtown La Crosse.
Photos by Andrea Roen for La Crosse Local
The Main Street Ramp
115 3rd St N, La Crosse, WI 54601
Gracing the northwest corner of the Main Street Ramp is a mural by Landon Sheely, Helping Hands. It is a powerful piece of public art that symbolizes community support and unity. The 3rd Street entrance on the ramp’s east side features a wildflowers mural by Viroqua artist Natalie Hinahara.
Odin J. Oyen Building
509 Main St, La Crosse, WI 54601
Check out another eye-catching mural from Sheely on the historic Odin J. Oyen Building at 5th and Main, home to Monet Floral & Gifts, a beloved local business. This colorful addition to the downtown scene exemplifies La Crosse’s commitment to public art.
Grounded Patio Café
308 Main St, La Crosse, WI 54601
The latte art that adorns one wall of the outside space at Grounded Patio Café creates a vibrant and inspiring space to sip your favorite coffee drink. This small but mighty mural packs a punch and we love how it brings color to this corner of Main Street!
Beyond the Core: Exploring More Mural Masterpieces
The Board Store Mural
524 Copeland Ave, La Crosse, WI 54603
This mural, commissioned by The Board Store Home Improvements owner Miles Wilkins, is painted by Pat Perry, a well-known muralist from Detroit. The mural is inspired by La Crosse residents and children, Copeland Park, the fire department, and other elements of the area. It’s visible on the outside wall of The Board Store, facing Copeland Ave.
La Crosse Public Library
800 Main St, La Crosse, WI 54601
On the west side of the La Crosse Public Library building lies colorful mural by Portland-based artist Lettie Jane Rennekamp, reading “Stories Are Everywhere All Around.” It brings a vibrant pop of color and creativity to the area! The project was supported through an Arts & Culture grant from La Crosse County, helping transform the space into a bright and welcoming public art destination.
Logan Middle School Mural
1224 Caledonia St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Artist Landon Sheely collaborated with Logan Middle School students to create this vibrant mural, incorporating many of their drawings. It’s a key element of Habitat for Humanity’s ReNew the Block Northside Neighborhood Revitalization Project, aiming to uplift and beautify the community.
Angel Wing Mural
1224 Caledonia St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Step into the artwork on Caledonia Street and snap a photo with this interactive mural across from the Caledonia Street Antique Mall. It’s a fun way to add a pop of color to your social media feed!
Garden Pathway Mural (Bike Path)
901 Saint James St, La Crosse, WI 54603
This mural covers the tunnel connecting St. James Street to the Kane Street Community Garden. The artist, Lisa Mobley, heard from neighborhood kids that the tunnel was scary and dark, so she used their drawings to create a bright and cheerful mural.
DNA Vintners
1224 Caledonia Street, La Crosse, WI, 54603
Located in the Alley east of River Bank, near the corner of Rose & Clinton Streets. Fun, interactive mural with a 9′ tall wine bottle and large wine glass! Cheers!
Parcher’s Home Improvement
1026 Rublee St, La Crosse, WI 54603
Family of lions to make you stop and take a closer look, along with a trompe l’oeil flower box on the door!
Ghost Signs
Technically, these next ones aren’t quite murals, but they’re still giant works of art that make La Crosse more beautiful, so we’re giving them a shout-out anyway! Ghost signs are advertisements painted on brick that have faded over time.
Leithold Music
116 4th St S, La Crosse, WI 54601
Don’t miss this musical masterpiece adorning the side of Leithold Music. It’s a beautiful tribute to the power of music.
J.P. Koller Building
329 Division St, La Crosse, WI 54601
Keep your eyes peeled for a blast from the past on the back wall of the J.P. Koller Building! This faded “ghost sign” advertising “John Koller, Grocer” and “Wingold Flour” is a glimpse into the building’s early 1900s life as a grocery store. Now the back entrance to Amanda’s Academy of Dance, this historic sign adds a touch of old-school charm to the downtown scene and reminds us of La Crosse’s rich commercial heritage.
Show Some Love, La Crosse!
Snap pics of your favorite murals, share them on social media, and support the local artists who bring these masterpieces to life! 🎨 Is there another mural in the area that we didn’t cover? Let us know at hello@lacrosselocal.com!
