Gay bars la crosse wisconsin
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Rainbow's End had been a popular bar in La Crosse since around 1994, then in either August or September 2008, its name was changed to 'Chances R' and with a different owner. He relates the following information:
In 1966, La Crosse's gays and lesbians became more visible to non-queers thanks to the first gay bar, "Michael's" which operated until 1969 on Third Street South, between King Street and Jay Street.
Hanson then sold the property to two other gay men, who kept it a gay and lesbian bar from 1976 to 1981.
Hanson invested in a third property, "Mother's", which he ran from 1978 until 1982. It was located on 223 Pearl Street, around the corner from "The Red Lion."
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hanson, affectionately dubbed "mother," became a recognizable face in the community.
In a nutshell: Dance Floor with mirrors , jukebox, 2 bars , lots of interesting things to look at on the walls...
Players Hours: (Call ahead to confirm)
Players Links: Website
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We have limited information about Michael's bar in La Crosse.
A contributor has shared to the Facebook group that Michaels' was the first gay bar opened in La Crosse by Michael Hanson. "Mother's" was a small but popular joint, and on Saturday nights its dance floor accommodated sweaty crowds of nearly 100 who danced to disco music. It was a mixed lesbian and gay bar and was a godsend for community members who would otherwise have to travel to the Twin Cities or Madison.
Its owner, Michael, opened other gay bars: first "The Red Lion" on 120 Third Street, which he operated from 1970 to 1976 and primarily attracted working-class women and college students.
The bar is still open as of September 2022.
Any information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.
February 2018 | ||
February 2020 | ||
(Google Maps) | (Google Maps) | |
View of entrance, 2017
(photos from the bar's Facebook page)
View of interior, 2017
Is that Aaron Rodgers bartending??, 2017
While Michael's bar was listed in just a single national Gay Bar Guides in 1973, we have been unable to locate it listed in any Wisconsin LGBT media, or any advertisements or photos.
More information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.
Listings in early "Gay Guides": (For more information on the Guides, click here.)
Cheese & Meat Board
$20.00Giant Pretzel with Beer Cheese Dip
$10.00Mushroom & Swiss Burger
$9.00Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
$13.00'View the bar's Facebook page.
Chances R bar in La Crosse replaced 'Rainbow's End' in this location.
(It is identified as female-owned on Google Maps.)
While the bar was listed in the Bar Guide of Quest magazine through its last issue (late 2018), we have not yet located any advertisements or photos of 'Chances R' in Quest or other Wisconsin LGBT periodicals of the time. However the bar has actively posted photos and event updates on their Facebook page since at least 2010.