Riverside International Friendship Gardens began as a volunteer-driven project in 1990, created to honor La Crosse’s sister-city relationships along the Mississippi riverfront. It was organized by the La Crosse International Friendship Gardens Committee with support from the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.
Local leaders Mary Mulvihill and horticulturist Don Schlough helped spearhead early plantings in 1990–1991, rallying civic groups, garden clubs, and small grants to turn open lawn into themed cultural beds. The site transformed a parade-staging lawn into a quiet outdoor classroom.
Over time, the gardens have become a symbol of La Crosse’s global ties and community spirit, hosting delegation visits, small ceremonies, and volunteer planting days. The Peace Rock and memorial plaques reflect the area’s tradition of remembrance and international goodwill.
Today, visitors come for river views, seasonal color, and a peaceful loop through Japanese, European, and native-inspired plantings. It remains free, welcoming, and rooted in the city’s culture of volunteer stewardship.
The result is a simple pleasure: a slow, contemplative stroll with flags, benches, and Mississippi sunsets—right at the edge of downtown.
