Founded 1976 · 50th Anniversary
A Tradition of Excellence — La Crosse, Wisconsin
The La Crosse & District Pipes & Drums — LDPD for short — is a community pipe and drum band based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Band marched in its first parade at Oktoberfest in 1976, alongside the pipe band from Rochester, Minnesota, and has been a fixture of Coulee Region celebrations ever since. Today the Band has 15 members.
The Band is an entity of The La Crosse Highlanders, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation established in 1979. The corporation's purpose is "Preserving Scottish history and culture through community involvement" — and that purpose guides everything the Band does, from parades and ceremonies to teaching new pipers.
We are a welcoming, all-ages organization that accepts members from all walks of life and all levels of musical experience.
The Band performs throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and the greater upper Midwest — from solemn memorial ceremonies to joyful street festivals, from intimate private gatherings to large public parades.
The Band proudly wears the Campbell of Cawdor tartan — a deep green, navy and black ground crossed by a bright red and a bright blue overcheck. This tartan has been our identity since the Band's first parade in 1976. All performing members wear full Highland dress in Campbell of Cawdor, including kilt, sporran, and Glengarry bonnet.
1976
A group of Scottish heritage enthusiasts in La Crosse, Wisconsin come together to form the La Crosse & District Pipes & Drums. The Band's very first parade is Oktoberfest 1976, marching alongside the pipe band from Rochester, Minnesota. Wearing the Campbell of Cawdor tartan, the Band begins establishing a presence across the Coulee Region.
1978
The Band hosts its inaugural Robert Burns Supper, honoring Scotland's beloved national poet, Robert Burns (1759–1796) — an evening of Scottish cuisine, poetry readings, the famous "Address to a Haggis," whisky toasts, and music. The supper was a January tradition for many years; today it is held occasionally rather than annually.
1979
The organization formally incorporates as The La Crosse Highlanders, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, with the purpose of "Preserving Scottish history and culture through community involvement." The pipe band operates as an entity of the corporation, which remains its governing body today.
1976–1990s
The Band grows in membership and reputation, becoming a fixture at parades, festivals, and cultural celebrations across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. The Band performs at St. Patrick's Day events, Oktoberfest, and many other regional celebrations.
2000s–2010s
The Band continues its work of cultural preservation and community service, with new generations of pipers and drummers joining the Band.
2026 — 50th Anniversary
Fifty years on from that first Oktoberfest parade, the 15 members of the La Crosse & District Pipes & Drums continue to welcome new pipers and drummers, perform at beloved regional events, and keep the sound of the Great Highland Bagpipe alive in Wisconsin.
We perform at a wide variety of events — community, private, ceremonial, and festive.
Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other solemn occasions where the pipes lend dignity and honor.
Street parades, Irish fests, Highland games, cultural celebrations across the upper Midwest.
Solo pipers or the full Band for weddings, anniversaries, corporate gatherings, and celebrations.
Providing a dignified, moving tribute at graveside services and memorial ceremonies.
The La Crosse Highlanders, Inc.
La Crosse & District Pipes & Drums
P.O. Box 2633
La Crosse, WI 54602
The Band is an entity of The La Crosse Highlanders, Inc., a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation established in 1979 for the purpose of "Preserving Scottish history and culture through community involvement." Donations are made to the corporation and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Make a Tax-Deductible DonationLearn the pipes, book us for your event, or support our mission with a donation.
