Michael's was the first gay bar in La Crosse, Wisconsin, opening before Stonewall and continuing until 1979. Owned by Michael Hanson, the bar was a vital community space for both gay men and lesbians, providing a local alternative to traveling to larger cities. After closing Michael's, Hanson, affectionately known as "mother," opened other gay bars, including The Red Lion and Mother's. Throughout his career, Hanson was a visible and unifying figure in the community, helping to bridge social divides between different LGBTQ groups in the city. We welcome any available information about this location.