Entertainment

The Eagle has landed, back at Riverside Park

Published

2 years ago

June 29, 2022

A 21-month restoration project has ended, and a large metal eagle is now back on its familiar roost in La Crosse’s Riverside Park.

The Elmer Petersen eagle, first brought to the riverfront in the 1980’s, was re-installed during the noon hour on Wednesday as onlookers watched and took pictures. The metallic tree-trunk pedestal was erected first, and then the eagle, holding a fish in its talons, was lifted by crane to the top of the trunk.

Crane workers take down the straps which had been used to lift the eagle into place on Wednesday

The sculpture was taken down in September of 2020 for repairs, and some experts thought the job would be finished by the following spring.

The installation was completed in time for La Crosse’s Riverfest to open on Thursday. Tents and food vendors have already set up in Riverside Park, in advance of the five-day 4th of July festival.

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.