Historic Hixon House
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Hixon House

4.6
·56 reviews·La Crosse, United States

A preserved early 19th-century home in La Crosse, WI, showcasing period furnishings and the legacy of the influential Hixon family.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Historic Hixon House

Hixon House

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A preserved early 19th-century home in La Crosse, WI, showcasing period furnishings and the legacy of the influential Hixon family.

4.6
(56 reviews)

"Wonderful docents tell the complete tale of this philanthropic and influential family and the design of this wonderfully home."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Summer Tours

Tours are summer-only! Book ahead to guarantee your spot and experience this historic home.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

Arrive a bit early to stroll through the beautiful formal gardens before your tour.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Furnishings

Historic Furnishings

Explore rooms adorned with original furniture and artifacts, offering a vivid glimpse into the past.

The Hixon Family Legacy

The Hixon Family Legacy

Learn about the philanthropic Hixon family and their impact on the community through engaging stories.

Beautiful Gardens

Beautiful Gardens

Wander through the meticulously maintained formal gardens, a peaceful retreat with historical charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Summer Tours Only

Hixon House offers tours exclusively during the summer months. Plan your visit accordingly to experience this historic gem and its period furnishings. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot for a guided exploration.

A Glimpse into Philanthropy

Discover the legacy of the influential Hixon family. The house showcases their philanthropic spirit and provides insights into early 19th-century life. Docents share captivating stories, making the history come alive for all ages.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Enjoy guided tours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Touring the Alexander and Adelaide Hixon House. Designed by architect A. Quincy Jones circa 1973, The Hixon House was built for events, featuring three bedrooms and five bathrooms, spanning two levels and overlooking the Rose Bowl and San Gabriel Mountains. The home was donated to Harvey Mudd College after belonging to the family for many years. #housetour #dreamhome #modernismweek #modernhome #a...
leonnguyendesign
3 likes • 178 views

🎯 Book Summer Tours

Tours are summer-only! Book ahead to guarantee your spot and experience this historic home. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

Arrive a bit early to stroll through the beautiful formal gardens before your tour. Instagram

The Alexander & Adelaide Hixon House by A. Quincy Jones, 1976 Intended for entertaining, this house was primarily used a guest house. The concrete, steel, and glass house is located in Pasadena and is featured in many publications. The house is nestled on a cul de sac at the end of a private road with spectacular views of the Rose Bowl, JPL, and a golf course. Currently listed for $7m 1100 Pa...
markhmendez
0 likes • 100K views
Thank you to Ellen Hixon and The Historical Hixon House for the most beautiful garden party for the entire family to enjoy! If you have not had a chance, tour the Hixon House right here in La Crosse, WI!
lacrossedowntown
98 likes • 2.8K views

🗣️ Engage with Docents

The guides are fantastic! Ask questions to hear fascinating stories about the family and house. Reddit

📸 Capture the Charm

While photography rules may apply, the architecture and furnishings are incredibly photogenic. Instagram

Hixon House is busy today! Volunteer Gardners are hard at work caring for Mrs. Hixon's formal garden. Contractors are putting the final coat of paint on the west porch and starting to work on the east porch. Inside, LCHS staff are steaming and pressing curtains in preparation for our busy summer!
lacrosse.history
18 likes • 281 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Summer Tours

Tours are summer-only! Book ahead to guarantee your spot and experience this historic home. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

Arrive a bit early to stroll through the beautiful formal gardens before your tour. Instagram

🗣️ Engage with Docents

The guides are fantastic! Ask questions to hear fascinating stories about the family and house. Reddit

📸 Capture the Charm

While photography rules may apply, the architecture and furnishings are incredibly photogenic. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(56 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Hixon House for its engaging guided tours, knowledgeable docents, and well-preserved historical furnishings. The Folklife events are a particular hit for families, offering a fun, hands-on historical experience. The beautiful gardens also add to the charm of this philanthropic family's legacy.

"We went for Folklife. What a fun experience! The kids had fun learning how things were made in the past."

Rebecca Nelson

"Wonderful docents tell the complete tale of this philanthropic and influential family and the design of this wonderfully home in LaCrosse."

John Roberts

"We stopped on a whim one day and were so pleasantly surprised! We were right in time to jump in a tour with a few minutes to wander the gardens beforehand. The tour was wonderful and the youngster I was with was captivated and inquisitive the entire time - and we’re talking a tween.. it was a Christmas miracle in July 😂 have been telling everybody that will listen what a fun time it was. Very well put together program - nicely done!"

Missy Wilde

What People Like

Engaging docent stories
Well-preserved interiors
Folklife events

What People Dislike

Summer-only access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hixon House is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. It's easily accessible by car, with parking typically available nearby. For those using public transport, check local bus routes for the most convenient options. Reddit

Information on accessibility can vary. It's best to contact Hixon House directly to inquire about specific accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges. Some historic homes may have limitations.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Hixon House offers tours exclusively during the summer months. It's crucial to check their official website or contact them for the exact operating dates and hours for the current season. TikTok

Admission fees typically apply for guided tours. Prices can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Hixon House website for the most up-to-date ticket information and any potential discounts. Reddit

Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak summer season, to ensure you can join a guided tour. This helps manage visitor numbers and guarantees your entry. Reddit

Guided tours are the primary way to experience Hixon House and learn its history. While you might be able to wander the gardens independently, the interior is best explored with a docent. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect a fascinating journey through the early 19th century, guided by knowledgeable docents who share stories of the philanthropic Hixon family. You'll see period furnishings and artifacts that bring the home's history to life. Reddit

Yes, Hixon House can be a fun and educational experience for children. The Folklife events are particularly engaging, and the stories shared by docents often captivate younger visitors. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's best to inquire upon arrival or check the Hixon House website for specific guidelines regarding interior photography. Instagram

The Folklife event at Hixon House offers a fun experience where visitors can learn about traditional crafts and how things were made in the past. It's a hands-on way to connect with history. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The formal gardens offer beautiful backdrops, especially during blooming seasons. Inside, the well-preserved rooms with their period furnishings provide excellent opportunities for historical photography. Always check interior photo policies. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted at historic sites and private properties. It's advisable to check with Hixon House management directly before attempting any drone photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hixon House offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. The Folklife events are a major draw, allowing kids to learn about historical crafts in a fun, interactive way. Reddit Docents are skilled at captivating younger audiences with stories about the Hixon family, making the history accessible and interesting for children and tweens alike. Reddit The beautiful gardens also provide space for kids to explore before or after the tour. Consider visiting during a special event for an even more memorable family outing. TikTok

📚 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those passionate about history and architecture, Hixon House is a must-visit. The preservation of original furnishings and artifacts offers an authentic glimpse into the early 19th century. Reddit The detailed narratives provided by knowledgeable docents enrich the understanding of the Hixon family's significant philanthropic contributions and their impact on the community. Reddit While the La Crosse Hixon House is a historical gem, architecture enthusiasts might also be interested in the distinct mid-century modern design of the Alexander and Adelaide Hixon House in Pasadena, California, by A. Quincy Jones. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architectural Significance of Hixon House

While the provided information focuses on the Hixon House in La Crosse, WI, it's important to distinguish it from the Alexander and Adelaide Hixon House in Pasadena, California, designed by the renowned architect A. Quincy Jones. The Pasadena Hixon House, built around 1973-1976, was designed for entertaining and features a modern aesthetic with concrete, steel, and glass, offering spectacular views. TikTokInstagram+1

In contrast, the Hixon House in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is an early 19th-century home, reflecting a different architectural era and purpose. This distinction is crucial for travelers researching these locations. The La Crosse Hixon House is celebrated for its preservation of period furnishings and its role in showcasing the history of a philanthropic family. TikTokReddit

Understanding these differences ensures visitors arrive with the correct expectations, whether they are interested in mid-century modern design or historical preservation. Both houses offer unique insights into architecture and the lives of their inhabitants, but they represent vastly different periods and styles. Instagram

Experiencing History at Hixon House

Hixon House in La Crosse, Wisconsin, offers a deeply immersive historical experience, particularly during its summer-only tours. Visitors consistently praise the wonderful docents who bring the story of the philanthropic Hixon family to life with engaging narratives and detailed knowledge of the house and its inhabitants. Reddit The home is beautifully preserved, featuring many of the original furniture and artifacts, allowing guests to step back in time and visualize life in the early 19th century. Reddit

The Folklife events are a highlight for many, providing a hands-on opportunity to learn about traditional crafts and historical practices, making history tangible and fun for all ages, including children and tweens. Reddit The meticulously maintained formal gardens also provide a serene setting for reflection and add to the overall charm of the estate. Instagram The combination of historical accuracy, engaging storytelling, and beautiful surroundings makes Hixon House a highly recommended destination for history enthusiasts. Reddit

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