La Crosse Area Family Y

La Crosse Area Family Y We believe everyone deserves opportunities, no matter who you are, or where you're from. The most friendly, caring, and welcoming staff you'll find anywhere.

With two convenient locations, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, hundreds of free group fitness classes, and a cause to strengthen community, you will feel a sense of purpose and belonging here. Everyone is welcome at the Y. The La Crosse Area Family YMCA, founded in 1881, now serves over 20,000 members each year. Operating with two full-service branches in La Crosse and Onalaska, 17 school-age

care sites throughout the community, a variety of youth and adult programs and one of the nation's first Community Food Forests, Healthy Living Centers and Mental Health Director, the Y is here to serve our community.

Today is International Mascot Day!We would be remiss if we didn't take a moment to shout out the Coulee Region's Favorit...
06/17/2026

Today is International Mascot Day!

We would be remiss if we didn't take a moment to shout out the Coulee Region's Favorite Maple Leaf, Miles.🍁

Expect to see a lot of Miles this summer! 🙂

When Project Live reached out to the Y looking for swim lessons for Jett Lewis, our Aquatics team didn't hesitate to say...
06/17/2026

When Project Live reached out to the Y looking for swim lessons for Jett Lewis, our Aquatics team didn't hesitate to say yes.

Just two years ago, Jett was a non-swimmer. He couldn't make forward progress in the water and didn't have the skills or confidence needed to keep himself safe around water. In the fall of 2024, he began weekly lessons with YMCA swim instructor Chris.

Because of limited mobility resulting from spinal fusion surgery, learning to swim wasn't always straightforward. Together, Jett and Chris spent time finding techniques that worked best for his abilities, building skills, confidence, and endurance one lesson at a time.

The first year focused on water safety and foundational skills, including floating, rolling onto his back, and swimming the length of the pool without stopping. During the second year, Jett continued to grow stronger and more confident in the water.

At his final lesson, Chris challenged Jett to see how far he could swim without stopping.

The result? 300 yards.

"I never thought I'd be able to swim like this," Jett shared. "Now I actually enjoy it, and I want to come to the Y and swim laps."

For Chris, the accomplishment goes beyond the distance. "My goal is always to help people learn how to save themselves in the water," she said. "Jett now has the skills and confidence to do that."

Jett's journey is a powerful example of what can happen when determination, encouragement, and individualized support come together. Congratulations to Jett on this incredible accomplishment, and thank you to Chris for helping make it possible!

Just a reminder — this is happening today!A 56-foot inflatable whale is taking over the Houser Y Gym from 10:00 AM–3:00 ...
06/17/2026

Just a reminder — this is happening today!

A 56-foot inflatable whale is taking over the Houser Y Gym from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM.

Stop by to step inside a life-size whale, explore fossils, and learn about some of the largest animals to ever live on Earth. This hands-on exhibit from Forest Whales of Wisconsin is a fun and educational experience for kids, families, and anyone curious about the natural world.

Drop in anytime between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM and see it for yourself! 🐋

Coulee Region Logrolling is hosting the 25th La Crosse Logrolling Open this weekend!They're also putting on a Celebrity ...
06/16/2026

Coulee Region Logrolling is hosting the 25th La Crosse Logrolling Open this weekend!

They're also putting on a Celebrity Logrolling night this Thursday evening at Pettibone Park.

We happen to know of a certain Maple Leaf who miiiiight be making a guest appearance. 😉

06/16/2026

What leads someone to the Y?

For Deb, it started with LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. For Homer, it was finding a way to stay active after retirement. What they found was much more than a program or a sport. They found community, friendship, and a passion for pickleball.

In this episode of My Y, Homer and Deb share their journey to the Y, how they discovered pickleball, and the impact both have had on their lives.

Watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/m-WfcN5nKjs?is=uzm_1QWJ5u24O51o

Prefer to listen? The My Y Podcast is also available wherever you get your podcasts!

Kids Tri is 75% full! 🏅🥳Register today for the Kids Tri on Saturday, July 11th, to guarantee your spot. You don't want t...
06/16/2026

Kids Tri is 75% full! 🏅🥳

Register today for the Kids Tri on Saturday, July 11th, to guarantee your spot. You don't want to miss this family-friendly event! 🌊🚲👟

All registrations include a t-shirt, medal, race bib, and post-race snack! Kids will also have the chance to play on the waterslide after their event!

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Onalaska/KidsTri

Volunteer here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/WI/Onalaska/KidsTri

Volunteers receive a free t-shirt☀️

Get ready!After the Kids Tri wraps up on July 11th, we're turning on the waterslide from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for an afte...
06/15/2026

Get ready!

After the Kids Tri wraps up on July 11th, we're turning on the waterslide from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for an afternoon of fun in the pool. Bring the family and enjoy one of summer's favorite features at the Y.

For safety, please follow all lifeguard directions and posted pool rules. Riders must be at least 48" tall to use the slide without a swim test. Members and guests between 44" and 48" tall may complete a swim test to qualify for waterslide use.

We hope to see you there!

Register for the Kids Tri Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/WI/Onalaska/KidsTri

06/12/2026

That’s very sweet of you Grounded - Onalaska, WI 😘

Chrisy, a LIVESTRONG participant, and now a volunteer, is here to tell her cancer story and how LIVESTRONG at the Y has ...
06/12/2026

Chrisy, a LIVESTRONG participant, and now a volunteer, is here to tell her cancer story and how LIVESTRONG at the Y has impacted her life.

"My name is Chrisy Fell and I am a proud wife to Nick, momma to Zack, Breast Cancer Survivor since 2021, and LIVESTRONG graduate of 2022. My cancer journey started “easy”. I was diagnosed in June of 2021 when they found a spot that looked like a cartoon spider on my first mammogram. There were no lumps, bumps, or any other signs. The plan was to have surgery, maybe radiation and then return to “normal."

Plans changed as they often do- I ended up having 4 rounds of chemotherapy before radiation. About 25 weeks after my diagnosis, while getting set up for my radiation, I discovered I was 27 weeks pregnant with a healthy baby boy. Yes, He had been there for the whole journey fighting with me. I didn’t know because symptoms for chemo and pregnancy are pretty close to the same, and yes, there were pregnancy tests done along the way. He was, as my dad would have said, a monkey wrench in my plans. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I picked up that monkey wrench, grabbed Nick’s hand, and kept going with my head held high- cancer took my normal and tried to take my strength, but it only fueled my fire.

How did you hear about LIVESTRONG?

During one of my follow-up appointments, I shared that one of my goals after treatment was to get back to working out and rebuilding my strength. That sparked a conversation with one of my providers about the importance of physical activity during recovery, and they introduced me to the LIVESTRONG program. Not long after, I received an email from the program director, and before I knew it, I was enrolled in the January session. Looking back, joining LIVESTRONG was one of the best decisions I made. It gave me the opportunity to regain strength, build confidence, and connect with others who truly understood the cancer journey.

What do you wish people knew more about the cancer experience?

Cancer changes your life forever, but it doesn't become the only thing your life is about. Cancer and joy can exist at the same time. I was going through treatment and discovered Zack during my radiation setup at 27 weeks—a huge surprise in the middle of an incredibly difficult and scary chapter. Cancer stories aren't just about illness. They're also about birthdays, graduations, babies, friendships, dragon boat races, LIVESTRONG milestones, and all the ordinary moments that refuse to stop just because cancer showed up...LIVESTRONG has helped me shift my focus from what cancer took away to what I am still capable of building. It has also helped me accept that “normal” looks different now, and that’s okay."

Thank you for sharing your story Chrisy.

If you or someone you know has cancer, please click here to learn how the Y is supporting adults, adolescents, and children with cancer.

https://www.laxymca.org/livestrong

We're excited to introduce two new Y-Connect groups designed to help members build friendships, share interests, and con...
06/11/2026

We're excited to introduce two new Y-Connect groups designed to help members build friendships, share interests, and connect with others in our Y community.

Scrabble Club
Enjoy friendly competition, challenge your vocabulary, and meet fellow word game enthusiasts.

Monday, June 29 at 1:30 PM
Houser Lobby
Text to 513-750-9622 to join.

Y Family Connect Coffee Meet Up
Parents and caregivers are invited to enjoy a cup of coffee, connect with other Y families, and build community while their little ones enjoy Y Watch.

Friday, June 27 at 9:00 AM
Houser Lobby
Text to 513-750-9622 to join.

Y-Connect groups are a simple way to meet people, stay connected, and get involved in the Y community. Join one (or both) and see what new connections await!

Address

1140 Main Street
La Crosse, WI
54601

Opening Hours

Monday 5am - 9pm
Tuesday 5am - 9pm
Wednesday 5am - 9pm
Thursday 5am - 9pm
Friday 5am - 9pm
Saturday 7am - 6pm
Sunday 7am - 6pm

Telephone

+16087829622

Website

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