NWS La Crosse Tours

Interested in learning more about our office and the job we perform as meteorologists?

Our office conducts tours for small groups (generally 20 or less). However, due to increased security requirements, some limitations on the availability of office tours have been implemented. Impromptu tours are not provided. Groups must coordinate tour requests with the staff and will require a valid picture ID from the tour leader.

For more information, email Mike Kurz (Warning Coordination Meteorologist) or call (608) 784-7294 during regular business hours (8am to 4pm M-F).

Other tour guidelines:

Usually 5th grade or older (around age 10)
Usually conducted weekdays between 9am and 3pm
Tours and talks are weather dependent (may have to be cancelled or rescheduled if inclement weather is occurring or expected)

A 'typical' office tour includes...

Background about the National Weather Service
Tools used by meteorologists to issue warnings and forecast
The forecast process
Routine and non-routine duties
Tour of operations area, including workstation demonstration

Tours typically last around 45 minutes but can be shortened or extended depending on topics requested and covered. Tours can also be modified depending on the needs of the group and educational interest.

Tours of our Doppler radar tower (radome) are not permitted due to safety concerns.

NOTE: As mentioned above, severe or inclement weather may cause us to cancel scheduled tours. In most cases, they can be rescheduled. Staffing limitations typically dictate tour availability.