Burns Park, platted as a public square in 1852, was the first public park in the City of La Crosse. Located on Main Street between 7th and 8th Streets, Burns Park provides a restful green space in downtown La Crosse. It was updated in 2020 with new landscaping, playscapes and chess tables.
According to Myer Katz in “Echoes of Our Past” it was originally called Main Street Park and High School Park, after the first high school located at the northeast corner of 8th and Main Streets. In 1903 the Common Council changed the name from to Burns Park to honor Timothy Burns, who had donated the land to the City.
Mr. Burns was instrumental in the founding of the City of La Crosse, and was often referred to as “the second founder of La Crosse”. He settled here in 1850 after purchasing land from Nathan Myrick. In 1851 he employed William Hood to survey the village of La Crosse and have it platted.
Timothy Burns was also a prominent figure in both State and local government He was elected the first Chairman of the La Crosse County Board and first judge of La Crosse County. Before moving here he had previously served two terms in the State Assembly, from 1846-1850. Timothy Burns was elected the 3rd Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin in January of 1852 and served until his untimely death at the age of 34 in September of 1853.
702 Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 View Map
702 Main Street , La Crosse, WI 54601
Burns Park Sign
Burns Playground
Burns Seating
Burns Walkway
Burns Outdoor Chess
City of La Crosse parks are open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.