Grandad Bluff

The bluffs along this portion of the Mississippi River consist of dolomite of the Prairie du Chien Group capping Cambrian sandstone.

To save the bluff from ruin, Ellen Hixon and her son Joseph, a prominent La Crosse family, purchased the land in 1909.

In 1941, a 65 ft (20 m) flagpole was erected by the La Crosse chapter of Reserve Officers Association using money raised by schoolchildren.

Eleven years later, in 1952, a rustic split rail fence of native oak was constructed, along with two new picnic areas with parking.

[1] Since 1929, the La Crosse Skyrockers organization has conducted a fireworks show from atop Grandad Bluff at midnight on New Year's Eve.