Campus Connection

UWL alumni turn love for La Crosse into a welcoming retreat for family, guests

For three UW-La Crosse alumni, what started as a family conversation during the pandemic has become a heartfelt way to stay connected to their hometown, and a space they enjoy sharing with others. 

Tiffany McCorkle, ’98, her sister Nikki West, ’06, and West’s husband, Nick, ’06, were all born and raised in La Crosse.  

“Over the years, we each moved away for our careers, but La Crosse always held a special place in our hearts,” the trio shares.

That sense of connection led to Hidden Hill Retreat; a peaceful property nestled in the bluffs just 10 minutes from UWL’s campus. Originally envisioned as a gathering place for their own family, the retreat quickly grew into something more. 

“We started talking about creating a place to return to, a home base where we could reconnect with family and spend time in the community we love,” McCorkle and the Wests explain. “What started as a personal family getaway evolved into something we wanted to share with others.” 

Their UWL experience continues to influence how they care for the retreat.  

“Our time at UWL shaped us in more ways than we can count,” the group says. “The relationships, values and leadership experiences we had there continue to influence how we work and collaborate today.” 

With professional backgrounds in operations, philanthropy, technology and customer experience, McCorkle and the Wests each contribute their unique skills to the property.  

“Our experiences help guide everything, from how the home is cared for to how we welcome and support our guests,” the owners say. “We all share a passion for home design and décor, and each of us contributes ideas and inspiration to create a space that feels welcoming, personal and distinctly ‘La Crosse.’” 

Since opening, Hidden Hill Retreat has naturally drawn UWL alumni, visiting families and others returning to La Crosse for campus events and special occasions.

“Many of the people who stay with us have strong ties to La Crosse,” the owners say. “Alumni, former residents, and those born and raised here who love returning to their roots.” 

The experience of purchasing Hidden Hill Retreat inspired the Wests to move back to La Crosse full-time, wanting to pursue careers and raise kids in the hometown they love.  

In addition to being close to family and friends, returning to La Crosse has helped make a bigger impact on the local community. 

“We partner with a local shop for custom soaps with our logo, feature artwork from area artists and worked with a local design team on remodeling,” they say. “We also support the La Crosse YMCA and other nonprofits that strengthen the community.” 

Reflecting on the journey, McCorkle and the Wests say it always comes back to one thing: their love for La Crosse and the desire to stay connected to the place they call home.

“We didn’t set out to start a vacation rental business,” they say. “This really began with a shared love for La Crosse and wanting a place to come home to. It’s been amazing to receive such wonderful feedback and see how many great people we’ve been able to welcome along the way.”  

To learn more or plan a stay, visit Hidden Hill Retreat's website or find the retreat on Airbnb and VRBO.