Gardens and Gazing on St. Joseph's Ridge

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, the popular Villa grounds tour with ridgetop hike and stargazing will again be offered by Mississippi Valley Conservancy, in partnership with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society. Located at Villa St. Joseph on St. Joseph’s Ridge, this event is part of the 2024 “Linked to the Land” series of outdoor activities sponsored by Olson Solar Energy and WXOW News19. This annual event offers a family-friendly experience with the unique opportunity to visit the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Villa property and enjoy the views and night skies of the ridgetop. There will be a garden tour, a hike, and an evening with a guide who will enlighten us about the wonders of the night sky. Participants who tour the beautiful, private hilltop property will learn about the organic horticulture techniques that produce thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables for the Sisters.

We will have a table with some activities for children. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and snacks to enjoy while relaxing on the grounds before stargazing begins. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes and binoculars for enjoyment of the spectacular ridgetop views.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for this FREE event by August 12th on the events page. For any questions, contact Karen Solverson at [email protected] or call 608-784-3606 ext. 8. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and snacks or a picnic supper to enjoy while relaxing on the grounds before stargazing begins. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own telescopes and binoculars for enjoyment of the spectacular ridgetop views. 

(PHOTO: Participants enjoy the ridgetop view on a prior Gardens and Gazing hike)