Grandad's Bluff, the largest bluff in La Crosse, is to undergo several renovations which are predicted to be finished by spring of 2012.  

Gar Amunson, Superintendent of Parks for the city of La Crosse, said, "It [Granddad's Bluff] was very old and tired and nothing had been done up there what so ever, for over 45 years."

The goal of the reconstruction was initially to stabilize the bluff, which was damaged due to erosion from weather. That project, estimated at $250,000, proceeded as planned. Amunson assured that the stabilization effort was achieved and that the stabilization project is now completed.

The project the city is currently performing is to refurbish the bluff as a tourist attraction.

"It is the number one look-out attraction in the state," said Amunson.

Grandad's was first opened as an attraction in 1912, and has been a busy tourist spot ever since.  Even before it was a known tourist attraction, it was a fascination to many.  Mark Twain even mentioned it in his book, "Life on the Mississippi."   

Grandad, our bluff to the east, provides a stunning view of the La Crosse area. It also has several trails which can be accessed for hiking.

"I think it is a great asset to La Crosse,"  UW-La Crosse Junior, Brianna Manguson said, "it's a great way for people to get outside, be active, and enjoy our city's beauty."

 Manguson also said, "It's a huge inconvenience that it's shut down. Unfortunately, only city people know how to get there using the detour, and many tourists are probably not able to see our city's main landmark. I hope that the closure of the road is fixed sooner rather than later."

Grandad's Bluff has been under construction and  main road has been shut down since late spring.

Luckily for residents and tourists of La Crosse, the bluff's closure is only to make the experience better for the future.

Renovations being made include making the bluff  wheelchair accessible, providing more safety railings along the bluff and completely restoring the shelter back to its original look. The estimated cost for the entire project is $1.7 million.

"It is being totally upgraded," says Amunson.

The goal was to completely finish and open the bluff between Nov. 1 and Nov. 15 of this year. Unfortunately, the rails that were ordered are back ordered in fabrication and will not be able to be installed in time for the scheduled opening.

Amunson says that spring of 2012 is the best prediction for the re-opening.   

We may have to wait for spring to fully access Grandad, but citizens and visitors of La Crosse should be eager to see the new look.

Manguson said,"It's a great way for people to see our city and get a breath of fresh air while looking out on our little piece of heaven."

Grandad Bluff, our "little piece of heaven," is now becoming even more heavenly.