Munich on the Mississippi: The 'La Crosse Oktoberfest'

It is a little drive for Minnesotans, but rumor has it that La Crosse, Wisconsin, holds on of the most animated Oktoberfests around. In fact, it's known as the official Oktoberfest of the USA. The event takes place the last weekend in September, kicking off on Thursday, September 25th and going through Sunday, September 28th. Oktoberfest weekend has tons of events for all ages. It has a carnival, multiple German (and other) food vendors, craft beer, multiple  parades, dance competitions, and constant live music with a wide variety of genres. Food, drinks, and some special events cost extra, but mostly everything is free. Purchasing an Oktoberfest Button is encouraged to help support all the work put into this major yearly event that has now taken place for the past 54 years. Wisconsin doesn't seem so far away now does it?   Photo via: LaCrosse Oktoberfest