'My Place' in La Crosse apparently opened in June 1999, based on its scheduled 3rd anniversary party in June 2002. It advertised itself often using terms such as "Where fresh Iowa Farm Boys, Wisconsin Dairy Boys and blond blue-eyed Minnesota Swedes Come Together". One bar listing read: "Jukebox, darts; Come on over to My Place. Food served early evenings."

We have information that the original owners were Brent Anderson and Kevin Maass.

We suspect the bar was somewhat difficult to find, as many advertisements included a prominent map showing its location. The bar was small but quite popular. In addition to the normal beer and cocktails, it served a great Bloody Mary. The bar also served limited food (pizza, nachos, hot pretzels, etc.)

The business' listing on Hubbiz read:

• My Place is a bar for every walk of life. To be labeled a gay bar only scratches the surface. My Place is a bar where people who are gay, straight, bisexual, or transgendered come to find a sense of community. My Place is a neighborhood bar and many who come here become just like family.
• Categories: Bars & Grills, Beer Taverns, Bars, Grills & Lounges, Limited-Service Restaurants, Restaurants
• Year Started: 1999

As that listing states, 'My Place' was more than just the area's mecca for LGBT people. It supported the local Humane society, promoted and participated in Pride events with Central Wisconsin Pride in Wausau, and held Mardi Grtas, Halloween costume parties, and similar events and activities. One popular event in its earlier years was an annual all-day Canoe trip.

Comments on the bar's Facebook page include:

"Great neighborhood bar! It's a good place to go if you want to actually hold a conversation and hang out- definitely feels like more of a community than most places...also a good place to go watch a game or AHS and be social." (M.K. Nov. 2016)

"What a great place to relax and have great drinks and food. The people are friendly and the atmosphere is intoxicating =-) The owner is a sexy guy with a huge heart. My BFF, Dxxx and I, can't get enough of this amazing and accepting place. Gay or Straight-- What happens at "My Place" will always be a secret!!" (C.R. Aug. 2017)

"Great friendly bar, to watch a game, play euchre or get together with friends. The attentive bartenders are a treat." (M.H. Nov. 2016)

"Great place to hang with your friends, whether you are gay, straight, or into plants you'll be accepted for who you are and have a great time. I love this bar it's my home away from home." (J.C. Dec-2016)

With the demise of Wisconsin's LGBT periodicals, My Place seems to have turned to Facebook exclusively to advertise itself. There they posted images as late as 2018 and 2019 (including Halloween parties etc.).

But according to owner Brent Anderson, the building had been for sale for about 3 years. Right as the COVID-19 pandemic was hitting early in 2020, an interested party came forward and purchased the property. My Place's last day was March 17th, 2020. One of the last listings on their Facebook page read: "Hey former My Place Bar euchre players. We now have a new bar we can play euchre at... Fish's Bar at 1452 Caledonia Street on La Crosse's north side." (posted by L.S. Sept. 2021)