2025 Gardens and Gazing on St. Joseph's Ridge

September 20, 2025
5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Location
FSPA on St. Joseph Ridge, W2658 WI-33, La Crosse, WI 54601

Register Below

On Saturday, September 20th, 2025 at 5:30 pm, the popular Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) grounds tour with ridgetop hike and stargazing will again be offered by Mississippi Valley Conservancy, in partnership with the FSPA and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society.

Located at Villa St. Joseph on St. Joseph’s Ridge, this event is part of the 2025 “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 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. Hosts will also share information about the FSPA's green burial program.

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. Light snacks and lemonade will be provided.

Sign-up at the bottom of this page prior to September 17 so we can plan for the event.

Proposed timeline:

5:00             Arrive, park, and gather at Quonset hut

5:30 - 5:45 Refreshments, and introduction to MVC & FSPA 

5:45 – 6:45, then 6:45 – 7:45

            Two one-hour station options for tours – people can pick one or do both

STATION 1: Garden/grounds tour and FSPA land history and natural burial cemetery 

STATION 2: Hike and habitat tour

6:30-7:45            Free time to relax and get situated for stargazing, enjoy cookies, lemonade, ice water, and some salty snacks in the Quonset hut

7:09                    Sunset

7:45 – 9pm         Stargazing with help from La Crosse Astronomical Society

(PHOTO: Participant enjoy the ridgetop view on a prior Gardens and Gazing hike. Photo by Karen Solverson.)

Name
Address
Mississippi Valley Conservancy may be taking photographs at this event and I have no objection to them using images that include me or members of my family for the sole purpose of promoting their mission to protect land and water.
September 20, 2025
5:30 pm–9:00 pm
Location
FSPA on St. Joseph Ridge, W2658 WI-33, La Crosse, WI 54601
Directions

Directions:  From La Crosse take Hwy 33 east for about 10 miles to St. Joseph.  The Villa is at the East end of town.  The address is W2658 WI-33, La Crosse, WI 54601.  Please park in the parking lot that is just east of the Villa building on the left-- watch for Mississippi Valley Conservancy signs.  Please do NOT pull in and park in the Villa lot that is south of the building.