Historic Hixon House

06/06/2026

05/30/2026

We open for the summer season on Friday, June 19!

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) -- The Hixon House stands as La Crosse’s only historic house museum — a place where local history isn’t just displayed, it’s experienced.

04/29/2026

This Mother’s Day, we honor the women who came before us.
The ones who gave, built, nurtured, and led with purpose.

Their legacy was never just what they created…
It’s what they inspired in all of us.

At 100 Extraordinary Women, we carry that legacy forward by empowering the next generation to give back, lead, and make an impact.

💐 Honor her.
💛 Continue her legacy.
✨ Be part of what comes next.
https://100extraordinarywomen.com/hixon-house/

04/29/2026

Supporting the next generation of philanthropists starts with showing them the power of giving back. This campaign helps preserve Hixon House while creating broader educational opportunities, inclusive exhibits, and accessible spaces for the whole community. When young people see generosity in action, they carry it forward.

Join the effort to support Hixon House.
https://100extraordinarywomen.com/hixon-house/

04/29/2026

Strong women leave a legacy that shapes communities for years to come. Hixon House stands as a reminder of that impact, and through Ellen’s Circle, supporters can help preserve its history while creating a more accessible and welcoming experience for future generations. Every contribution helps carry that legacy forward.

CTA: Help preserve Hixon House and honor extraordinary women.
https://100extraordinarywomen.com/hixon-house/

04/24/2026

What an exciting project we have begun at Hixon House! Be a part of reimagining history at this important local site by becoming a member of Ellen’s Circle. Call with questions!

Ellen’s Circle supports a new vision for Hixon House, one that includes safer, more accessible amenities for visitors, as well as more inclusive storytelling.

03/28/2026

📣 We’re looking for your help!

We’re working on a project to better document the individuals who worked for the Hixon Family and to share a more inclusive history of the property. Do any of these names look familiar?

If you have stories, photos, or information to share, please reach out to Margaret Lichter, Hixon House Site Manager, at [email protected] or call the LCHS office at 608-782-1980.

Employees, 1870–1920:

Emma Emerson (also recorded as Amy, Emily, Eucina)
Lena Emerson
Peter Tofte (family: Mary, Arthur, Carl, Paul, and Helma)
Mary Olson
Julia Olson
Tina Gunderson (varies)
Josephine Wedeberg
Carrie Johnson
Mary Johnson
Susanna Lee
Jennie Landbakken
Christine Flaig
Maud Clapp
John Weber
Ah Yuen
Emma Petlann
Carrie Lundsteen
Carrie Nast
Louise Solberg
Marie Hegge
Hannah Markegard
Tillie Sieverson
Anna Berg
Lena Larson
Fred Thompson
Steve Brieske
George Hanson
Henry & Helen Puent

Possibly employees or neighbors:

Kari Olson
Ole Peterson
Marit Sather
Kari Peterson
Anne Peterson
Elizabetta Peterson

📷 Image: Longtime Hixon House caretaker Henry Puent. Courtesy of Murphy Library Special Collections, UWL.

12/03/2025

✨ Step back into 1947 at Historic Hixon House this holiday season! ✨

We’re excited to offer 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 for our special holiday tours this weekend, thanks to a special arrangement: Friday, 4–6 pm, Saturday, 11–3 pm, & Sunday, 12–4 pm.

Did you know that just after WWII, Hixon House became a dormitory for about 20 young women attending the Vocational School (now WTC) and the Teachers College (now UWL)?
During the postwar housing shortage, Alice Green Hixon opened her family home to these students, and the house filled with laughter, late-night chats, shared meals, and plenty of holiday cheer.

🎉 This year’s holiday tours bring that moment to life with an end-of-term 1947 party—complete with foil wreaths, bubble lights, big band music, and festive punch!

🎄 Hixon House Holidays
🗓️ Dec. 5–7
🕓 Fri 4–6 pm | Sat 11 am–3 pm | Sun 12–4 pm
🎁 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, no tickets or reservations necessary
🍪 Enjoy complimentary punch & cookies in the Visitor Center

Come celebrate the season and a charming slice of La Crosse history with us!

11/10/2025

✨We’re getting ready to celebrate the holidays—like it's 1947!✨

Did you know that right after WWII, Hixon House served as a dormitory for about 20 young women attending the Vocational School (now WTC) and the Teachers College (now UWL)? Alice Green Hixon opened the family’s home to them during the postwar housing shortage, and these “dorm girls” filled the rooms with laughter, late-night chats, and holiday cheer.

This year’s holiday tours recreate that moment in time with an end-of-term party—complete with foil wreaths, bubble lights, big band sounds, and plenty of punch!

🎄 Hixon House Holidays
🗓️ Nov. 21–23 & Dec. 5–7
🕓 Fri 4–6 pm | Sat 11 am–3 pm | Sun 12–4 pm
🍪 Complimentary punch and cookies in the Visitor Center!
More information and tickets: https://www.lchshistory.org/