Vetsch Park

City of La Crescent Parks & Recreation

Vetsch Park is the second largest park in La Crescent Minnesota.

There is a parking area at the end of N. 2nd St. A short mowed trail leads west from the parking area, past a dog walking area, to a 0.52-mile loop trail. The loop trail passes through a red oak - white oak - silver maple forest as it climbs a steep bluff, follows a ridge line, and returns to the parking area. There are also several other intersecting trails within and south of the park. One of these trails leads to Stoney Point, a bald area with a spectacular view of La Crescent and the Mississippi River. The narrow ridge and steep bluff is characteristic of the topography of the driftless area in southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

At one time the location was an apple orchard. The owner donated the 25 acres to the City of La Crescent, and the park is named after him.

25 acres

722 N 2nd St.
La Crescent, MN 55947

N43 49.872, W91 18.882

6:00am to 10:00pm

No fee

Picture of the park sign.

Looking back towards parking at the end of N. 2nd St.

The view from near Stoney Point in Vetsch Park towards Eagles Bluff Park. The “bald spot” is the La Crescent Lookout on Eagles Bluff.

Looking east at Stoney Point with La Crescent in the foreground and off in the distance is La Crosse, WI.

Vetsch Park and Stoney Point Wildflowers
Compiled by Betsy Knowles and Ruth Nissen