We begin our day's adventure with a stop at the Hixon House in LaCrosse for a docent-led tour through this piece of LaCrosse history. The Hixon House was built in 1858 by pioneer Gideon Hixon, who went on to become a wealthy lumber baron in LaCrosse. He and his wife Ellen raised their five sons in this home and expanded it to the size it is today. The family had for many years retained the home in close to the same state that Ellen Hixon left it when she died in 1913. In 1965, their descendants gifted the house to the LaCrosse Historical Society (LCHS) complete with its original Victorian and Arts and Crafts furnishings.
The tour of Hixon House reveals a true family home that embodies stories of the first half-century of the city of La Crosse. The Hixons were community builders who helped finance many early community institutions such as schools and hospitals, as well as public parks, most notably Riverside Park and Granddad Bluff. Their home reflects their values as well as their social status and reveals how people incorporated the decorative styles of their era into their lives.
Following lunch at Huck Finn on the Water Restaurant, we'll visit "History in Motion" at the Dahl Automotive Museum that combines family history with automotive lore.
We will take a stroll down memory lane and immerse ourselves in the rich history of the most widely used mode of transportation, the automobile. The Dahl Auto Museum celebrates the Dahl family's involvement as automotive dealers spanning over 100 years and 5 generations. 
It also features the history of the automobile through the eyes of Ford Motor Company, an extensive mascot collection and many beautifully restored classic automobiles from the turn of the century to present.
As always, a surprise sometime during the day! Come join this adventure into the past!
Schedule
(Times are approximate and subject to change)
Please arrive at departure site 15 minutes prior to departure.
| 7:45 a.m. |
Depart Verona Park and Ride |
| 8:15 a.m. |
Depart Dutch Mill Park and Ride |
| 7:00 p.m. |
Return Dutch Milll Park and Ride
|
| 7:30 p.m. |
Return Verona Park and Ride |
Verona Park and Ride
East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)
Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow.
Cost
$110 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, and gratuities.
Lunch (Includes beverage)
Choices being finalized - will be available soon
For insurance purposes, all travelers are required to complete the Verona Member Form (no charge) and Verona Trip Waiver Form annually. Please download forms here, complete, and bring to the bus on the day of the trip.
Please note that these forms must be completed annually. If you have traveled with us and completed the forms on a previous 2026 excursion, the forms are not needed.
Registration Details and Deadline
Register online. Mailed in reservations and checks are accepted. Registrations much be received no later than Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
Refund Policy
UWRA refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend. Refunds made by check.
Questions
Contact trip coordinator Sandi Haase at (sandi.haase@wisc.edu) or the UWRA office at 608-262-0641.
UW-Madison Retirement Association
21 N Park St, Room 7205
Madison WI 53715-1218
608-262-0641
retireassn@mailplus.wisc.edu
