La Crescent, Minnesota
Nestled along the west bank of the mighty Mississippi River in Houston and Winona counties, La Crescent is a charming community of over 5,200 residents surrounded by stunning bluffs and historic apple orchards.
History & Heritage
La Crescent's rich history dates back thousands of years when the Dakota people and the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) inhabited this beautiful region along the Mississippi River. The city earned its name from the crescent-shaped bend of the Mississippi River around the town, chosen by the Kentucky Land Company in the 1850s to attract settlers.
The city's identity as the "Apple Capital of Minnesota" was established by horticulturalist John S. Harris, who arrived in 1856 and proved that apples could thrive in Minnesota's climate. Despite widespread skepticism, Harris planted thousands of trees and hundreds of varieties, becoming known as the "Father of the Orchardists" and founding member of the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. The city copyrighted the "Apple Capital" title in 2002.
Today, La Crescent is recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation and a Minnesota GreenStep City by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Local Government
La Crescent City Hall
315 Main Street
La Crescent, MN 55947
Phone: (507) 895-2595
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Services include administration, building and zoning, finance, motor vehicle licensing, police, and utility departments.
City Council
Mayor: Mike Poellinger
The mayor serves a two-year term and four council members serve four-year staggered terms. Elections take place in November of even-numbered years.
Meetings: 2nd and 4th Mondays at 5:00 PM
La Crescent Community Building
336 South 1st Street
Parks & Recreation
Veterans' Park
One of the city's oldest parks, this 8-acre facility features a skate park, soccer fields, softball fields, and picnic shelter. Located near the La Crescent Area Event Center.
Vetsch Park
A 24-acre natural haven with mulch and mowed trails meandering up the bluff to an observation area. A conservation easement ensures it remains in its natural state for birders and nature lovers.
Old Hickory Park
18 acres of green space surrounded by sidewalks and residential streets with Eagles Bluff to the east. Features an accessible playground and shelter.
Stoney Point Park
A tranquil 7-acre park offering well-maintained hiking trails showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of the Driftless Region.
Apple Blossom Overlook Park
Located north of La Crescent on Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway. Maintained by Winona County, featuring stunning sunrise views over the Mississippi River Valley.
La Crescent Aquatic Center
Address: 608 S 7th Street, La Crescent, MN 55947
Phone: (507) 895-8712
Features two water slides, a climbing wall, diving boards, zero-entry pool for children, and swim lanes. Open seasonally from late May through mid-August. Hosts swim lessons, swim team, and pool parties.
Schools & Education
La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools (ISD 300)
An innovative educational system serving the La Crescent and Hokah communities with consistently above 96% graduation rate. The district features a newly built Elementary School (2022), remodeled Secondary Building, and modern athletic facilities.
La Crescent-Hokah Elementary
Grades PK-4504 S Oak Street
La Crescent, MN 55947
Models Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for schools across the state.
La Crescent-Hokah Middle School
Grades 5-81301 Lancer Boulevard
La Crescent, MN 55947
Phone: (507) 895-5060
La Crescent-Hokah High School
Grades 9-121301 Lancer Boulevard
La Crescent, MN 55947
Offers over 40 activities, clubs, and organizations for student involvement.
La Crescent Montessori Academy & STEM School
Grades PK-121116 S Oak Street
La Crescent, MN 55947
Charter school providing alternative educational approaches.
Crucifixion Catholic Elementary
Grades PK-6420 S 2nd Street
La Crescent, MN 55947
Private Catholic elementary school serving the community.
Community Resources
La Crescent Public Library
321 Main Street
La Crescent, MN 55947
Phone: (507) 895-4047
Serving the community with over 31,000 volumes, e-books, audio materials, and digital resources. Home to the Friends of the Library organization.
La Crescent Area Chamber of Commerce
111 S Walnut Street, Suite B
La Crescent, MN 55947
Phone: (507) 895-2800
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM or by appointment
Scenic Byways
La Crescent is uniquely located at the intersection of three scenic byways, offering breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley and the Driftless Region landscape.
Apple Blossom Scenic Byway
A 17-mile loop through magnificent bluff landscapes and apple orchards. Experience fragrant apple blossoms in spring and vibrant fall colors.
Great River Road
A National Scenic Byway following the Mississippi River from its headwaters through La Crescent. Gateway to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge.
Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway
88 miles extending from La Crescent through southeastern Minnesota's picturesque Root River Valley with dramatic limestone bluffs and caves.
Annual Events
Applefest - Third Weekend in September
La Crescent's signature celebration has been bringing the community together for over 75 years. This beloved festival features live entertainment, carnival rides, delicious food, orchard tours, contests, and the famous King Apple Parade on Sunday at 1:00 PM. Experience apple pies, fresh cider, caramel apples, and other fall favorites while celebrating La Crescent's heritage as the Apple Capital of Minnesota.
La Crescent Live Concert Series
Free family-friendly concerts held on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 PM during summer months. Located at the city-owned green space behind the Library at 322 South 1st Street, featuring food and beverage vendors and family games.
Natural Attractions
Blue Lake
Listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service as a high-quality wetland due to its diverse species. Enjoy year-round fishing and observe migratory birds including Wood Ducks, Sandhill Cranes, and Tundra Swans.
Mississippi River Bluffs
La Crescent is known for having more bluffs than most Minnesota cities, offering protection from winds and stunning panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley.