2022 LaCrosse Octoberfest Medallion Hunt

E-I-E-I-Oktoberfest!
It’s time for La Crosse’s annual mystic quest;
Grab a festing friend and put on your shoes,
Read and decipher carefully, don’t get misled by the clues.

Parks, bridges, bushes and trees are where it’s been stashed,
Many challenging memories and inklings of the past;
High and low, but never hidden underground,
Pay close attention around to where play is all abound.

Originally on the gopher side of the river,
For more than a century an all-around recreational giver;
A beach, gazebo, disc course and even a lagoon,
Offering seasonal fun with paddles, skates and even more strewn.

Back from battle to haul passengers, goods and wares,
Docked along the Black to take on more upstairs;
Inexperienced with a new, special kind of fluid,
A lantern sparked the fire that remains somewhat disputed.

After many years and years of excessive trying,
Sen. Morris prevailed and the area selected was outlying;
For more than a century faculty have served as mentors,
Many pioneers have had their names placed above the doors.

“To cut and carve for worthless paving stone?”
So penned a Normal grad who became very well known;
He was advocating for a historic preservation,
Eventually secured by a generous family donation.