Myrick Park

Imagine a green oasis where the history of ancient civilizations meets modern urban comfort. Myrick Park is the oldest public space in the city of La Crosse, founded back in 1903. Located in the USA, this park serves as a living reminder of Wisconsin's rich past.

The park is named after Nathan Myrick, the first white settler in the area, but its primary value is hidden even deeper in the centuries. It is home to remarkable Indian mounds created by the ancestors of the Ho-Chunk people over a thousand years ago. Today, the park territory is a harmonious blend of forest stands, wetlands, and well-maintained recreational areas.

For visitors to the city, Myrick Park is more than just a place for a walk; it is a true historical and natural center. Here, you can see an old pumping station built in 1913 or simply enjoy the silence surrounded by picturesque landscapes that have remained a favorite meeting place for locals for decades.

To clarify details of your visit or to rent facilities at Myrick Park, you can use the following contact information:

In Myrick Park, everyone will find an activity to their liking, whether it's quiet contemplation or active exploration of nature. Start your acquaintance with the park by walking the nature trails of the Myrick Hixon EcoPark. This is an excellent spot for birdwatching and photography, as the local fauna feels completely safe among the marshes and forests.

Be sure to take the time to examine the ancient effigy mounds. Information plaques installed nearby will help you understand the significance of these archaeological monuments and touch the history of indigenous peoples. Architecture enthusiasts will be interested in seeing the historic pumping station building, which serves as a reminder of the time when the park was a key link in the city's water supply system.

All conditions have been created for a family holiday: spacious lawns are perfect for picnics, and open spaces are ideal for outdoor sports. Even after the closure of the old zoo, the area has retained its charm, offering visitors an atmosphere of peace and solitude right within the city limits.

Finding Myrick Park is easy, as it is conveniently located at 2107 La Crosse St. If you are traveling by car, the drive from the city center takes only 10–15 minutes. Convenient parking is provided for visitors, which has been in place since the middle of the last century.

Public transportation enthusiasts can use local La Crosse bus routes. The nearest stops are within walking distance, near the UW-L campus and the Hill View Place residential complex. The park is also a pleasant walk or bike ride away from the neighboring historic Oak Grove Cemetery.

For the most accurate navigation, it is recommended to use GPS coordinates or online maps, focusing on La Crosse Street — the main artery leading directly to the green gates of this natural oasis.

The park owes its name to Nathan Myrick, a landmark figure in the region's history. In 1841, he established the first trading post here, laying the foundation for the future city of La Crosse. Myrick actively interacted with the indigenous Ho-Chunk and Dakota tribes, engaging in trade and logging.

However, the history of these lands dates back to a much deeper past. The park contains unique Indian effigy mounds, estimated to have been built between 700 and 1100 AD. These archaeological sites were studied in detail in the late 19th century, helping to preserve the memory of the ancient cultures that lived here long before the arrival of Europeans.

The park underwent many transformations in the 20th century. In 1913, a pumping station for the city's water supply was built here; the building remains today as a monument to industrial architecture. From 1929 to 2007, Myrick Park hosted a popular zoo, which was eventually replaced by a modern eco-center focused on wildlife conservation and education.

For a standard introductory visit to Myrick Park, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most tourists. This is enough time to take a leisurely stroll along the main paths, see the historic pumping station, and view the ancient Indian mounds.

If you plan to have a family picnic on the grass or want to explore the nature trails in the EcoPark area in detail while birdwatching or observing wildlife, you should budget about 3 hours. The park's peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a long break from the city bustle.

Myrick Park is open to visitors daily, making it easy to include in your travel itinerary any day of the week. Park operating hours:

• Monday: 06:00 – 22:00
• Tuesday: 06:00 – 22:00
• Wednesday: 06:00 – 22:00
• Thursday: 06:00 – 22:00
• Friday: 06:00 – 22:00
• Saturday: 06:00 – 22:00
• Sunday: 06:00 – 22:00

Plan your visit for early morning if you want to catch nature's awakening, or for the evening hours to enjoy the coolness and tranquility before closing.

A visit to Myrick Park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting locations in the city. The park's location allows tourists to quickly reach scenic trails and historical monuments that reveal the character of the region.

Exploring the surrounding area will enrich your experience: there are both natural routes for active recreation and sites dedicated to the memory of heroes and railway history. Below is a list of nearby attractions: