We have limited information about The Red Lion bar in La Crosse. A contributor has shared to the Facebook group that it was one of three gay bars opened in La Crosse by Michael Hanson. According to this contributor, the bar primarily attracted working-class women and college students. It was apparently sold to two other gay men, who kept it a gay and lesbian bar from 1976 to 1981 (we don't have information on that successor bar).

The contributor further 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 dance floor accommodated sweaty crowds of nearly 100 who danced to disco music. 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. He was out, open, and supported community activities, being one of the few leaders that helped to bring together the many gay and lesbian cliques in town who were divided by social class.

While The Red Lion bar was listed briefly in several national Gay Bar Guides from 1976 to 1981, it was listed in only a single issue of Wisconsin LGBT media (Milwaukee Calendar v3-09, April 1980) in its Bar Guide listing. We have not yet located 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.)

1976 Bob Damron's Address Book	1977 Bob Damron's Address Book	1978 Bob Damron's Address Book
1980 Gayellow Pages	1981 GIAI's Guide (Seventh Edition)