Skip to Main Content
Today's Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm

About The Children's Museum of La Crosse

Welcome! We're so excited to share the fun with you. A must-visit destination for learning & fun in downtown La Crosse since 1999, the Children’s Museum of La Crosse features three floors and more than 40 hands-on exhibits, along with special programming for children and their grown-ups.​​​​​​


Our Mission

To provide a fun, hands-on space for
the young, and the young at heart, to learn, connect, and grow through play.

Our Vision

To foster community for children and
families where they will bloom in their
world and beyond.

Our Core Values

Curiosity | Accessibility | Learning | Affordability Playfulness | Fun


Administrative Staff

Ann Christianson
Ann Christianson

Ann Christianson

Executive Director
Email
608.784.2652

Ann, a long-time resident of Wisconsin, has strong family ties in the La Crosse area. As a dedicated fundraising professional and nonprofit leader, she channels her passion toward organizations that prioritize children, the arts, and literacy. Ann believes that kids possess a magical perspective on the world, freely exploring and creating. For her, there’s no better place than the Children’s Museum, where the mission ensures that more children have more opportunities to simply be kids and play together.



Andrea Higgins
Andrea Higgins

Andrea Higgins

Associate Director
Email
608-784-2652

Andrea hails from a suburb of Milwaukee, but has called the beautiful La Crosse area home since 2006. The majority of Andrea’s grown-up life has consisted of working in the college/university arena including time at UW-Parkside, Western Illinois University, University of Miami-Coral Gables, and UW-La Crosse. The best word to describe her excitement for things at the Children's Museum of La Crosse is 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'! There is so much wonder in watching kids play, and we can truly be brought back to a simpler time when we adults join in on the fun! Andrea and her family can be found at their small business, enjoying time outside, and making fun memories on this adventure called life.



Meghan Schoh
Meghan Schoh

Meghan Schoh

Creative Marketing Director
Email
608-784-2652

Meghan is kid-at-heart born and raised in this beautiful area we call the Driftless. She is a mom of 4 busy kiddos, 5 if you include her husband, who have all grown up enjoying The Children's Museum of La Crosse. Besides being a huge fan of hockey, travel, wine, and adventures, she also loves getting creative! She is ecstatic to be a part of the museum team and to be able to utilize her experience with families, local businesses, marketing, design, and event planning - thanks to years of fun at Coulee Parenting Connection!



Dennis Coughlin
Dennis Coughlin

Dennis Coughlin

Facility Manager
Email
608-784-2652



Christy Buchta

Program Coordinator
Email



Kelly Ladd

Volunteer Coordinator
Email



Board Members

President - Amanda Jackson
Vice President - Mariah Langrehr
Treasurer - Betsy Jessie
Secretary - Max Trane
Board Member - Brett Sebion
Board Member - Joe Ledvina
Past President - Shelley Shirel
Board Member - Ryan Geister
Board Member - Nicki Hennessy
Board Member - Aaron Koepke
Board Member - Nick Marcou
Board Member - Nate Zitelman
Board Member - Becky Zoellner
Posthumous Emeritus - David Amborn
Emeritus - Judy Bouffleur
Emeritus - Mike Hutson


Playologists & Floor Staff

Adalynn
Alivia
Ava
Cameron
Griffin
Mikayla
Natalie
Riley
Stacey


field trips at the Children's Museum of La Crosse

Employment

Are you friendly? Do you like kids?
Is great customer service important to you?

Are you willing to be a little silly?

Apply for a part-time Playologist position with our small team
to promote the power of play for kids and their caring adults in a safe, clean facility. We offer a fun and positive work environment, flexible hours, and LOTS of giggles and smiles.

Interested in joining our team?

 apply now

History of the Children's Museum of La Crosse:

1995

A Beginning
Museum founder, Anne Snow, spearheads the idea of a children’s museum for La Crosse.

1996

A Home
Like-minded volunteers form a board and incorporate as a 501(c)(3). The Charles & Marjorie Collins family donated the 30,000-square-foot building that remains the Museum’s home.

1997

A Gift
Gertrude Salzer Gordon gifts $1 million toward a $2.6 million capital campaign.

1999

A Grand Opening
The Gertrude Salzer Gordon Children’s Museum of La Crosse, Inc., opens to the public.

2016

A Million
The Museum welcomes its 1 millionth guest, Amanda Weaver, and her three children.

2018

A Record
The Museum enjoys a record attendance year, with more than 77,000 visits


 

 

  jobs