Gay bars in la crosse wisconsin
'View the bar's Facebook page.
Chances R bar in La Crosse replaced 'Rainbow's End' in this location. 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. (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. The bar is still open as of September 2022.
Any information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.
February 2018 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. 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. 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. 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. "Mother's" was a small but popular joint, and on Saturday nights its gyrate floor accommodated sweaty crowds of nearly 100 who danced to disco . . | ||