The park is situated on an island within the Mississippi River, historically known as Pettibone Island.
The land was donated to the city of La Crosse by the Pettibone family, who were prominent local merchants.
The park houses a dedicated disc golf course that utilizes the island's natural elevation changes and wooded terrain.
During high river water levels, portions of the low-lying park roads and trails may be temporarily submerged.
The site contains a significant number of mature cottonwood and willow trees typical of Mississippi River floodplains.
Pettibone Park is a historic riverside recreation area located on a large island directly across from downtown La Crosse in the Mississippi River. The park features a sandy public beach designated for swimming, which is monitored by lifeguards during peak summer months. It serves as a hub for outdoor activity with multiple baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a disc golf course. The park grounds include extensive picnic facilities, shaded groves, and a boat landing for river access. Established on land bequeathed to the city, the park maintains a natural connection to the river ecosystem. Visitors have access to designated trails that wind through wooded areas and along the riverbank.
The shoreline looking east toward the downtown La Crosse skyline across the river.
Bring insect repellent, as riverside locations often have high mosquito activity during summer evenings.
Check the city's official website for beach water quality alerts or potential flood-related closures before visiting.
Pack a picnic, as the park features numerous tables and grills located in shaded areas near the beach.
Do not swim outside of the designated beach area due to strong currents and unpredictable undertows in the Mississippi River.
Beach swimming areas are typically only monitored and open for public use during the summer season.
Pets must be kept on a leash; carry out all trash to keep the beach and natural areas clean.
