Grandad Bluff is a prominent scenic overlook located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Rising about 600 feet above the city and the Mississippi River, it offers panoramic views of La Crosse, the river valley, and parts of Minnesota and Iowa. It's a popular spot for sightseeing, hiking, and picnicking, and holds cultural and historical significance for the region. Grandad Bluff is also part of the city's identity and has been named one of the best scenic overlooks in the U.S.

Riverside Park is a scenic, versatile riverfront gem—with gardens, performance venues, art, docks for riverboats, and vibrant seasonal events—all set against the stunning backdrop of downtown La Crosse and its rivers. Whether you're there for a stroll, a cruise, a concert, or just to soak in the views, it’s the heart of community life in La Crosse.

Ecker’s Apple Farm is a charming, family-owned orchard located along the scenic Great River Road near Trempealeau, Wisconsin. Established in 1945, it’s now run by the fifth generation of the Ecker family. From late August through October, visitors can enjoy pick-your-own apples, boarding the playful Honeycrisp Express train, strolling through blossoming orchards, and savoring scratch-made caramel apples, hand-baked apple pies, and fresh farm goods in the orchard market. The atmosphere is lively, with Hog’s Back Brew Farm hosting a weekend craft beer and hard cider garden, food trucks, live music, and an on-site apiary producing local honey.

This is a scenic 22-mile multi-use trail that runs from La Crosse to Sparta along a former railroad corridor. With a crushed limestone surface and gentle grades, it's ideal for biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. The trail winds through the picturesque Coulee Region, featuring wetlands, forests, and farmland, and is home to diverse wildlife.

The Crow, located at 100 3rd St S in downtown La Crosse, is an American gastropub and bourbon bar celebrated for its extensive bourbon and craft beer selection. Voted La Crosse's Best New Restaurant in 2015 and 2016, it’s known for gourmet specialty burgers, unique comfort dishes (like BBQ mac on Texas toast), and Wisconsin hospitality.

Howie’s on La Crosse is a beloved, historic “hometown hangout” located at 1128 La Crosse Street in downtown La Crosse. It offers a casual, friendly atmosphere with a menu featuring gourmet burgers, signature sandwiches, in‑house smoked meats, wood‑crust pizza, wraps, and a full Bloody Mary bar. The bar lineup includes a solid selection of craft beers, martinis, and signature cocktails, with popular specials like Wing Wednesdays and happy hour deals. It’s a community staple for gatherings, trivia nights, fish fry Fridays, and late‑night bites in a relaxed, family‑friendly setting.

The Breakfast Club & Pub is a lively all‑day breakfast and brunch hotspot nestled on Main Street in downtown La Crosse, WI. Open daily from 7 AM to 2 PM, it’s known for its generous portions of classic and creative comfort fare—think loaded chicken & waffles, stuffed French toast, hearty burgers, breakfast cheese curds, and vegetarian-friendly options—alongside a full bar boasting 16 beers on tap. Step through the door and you’ll be transported back to the ’80s, surrounded by nostalgic memorabilia, old records, and nonstop John Hughes movie clips and MTV music videos playing on TVs throughout the dining area.

The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor & Confectionery is located at 207 Pearl Street in downtown La Crosse. Since its opening in 1993 inside the historic 1874 Vincent Schwarz Building, it has grown into a beloved local institution that seamlessly blends a traditional ice‑cream parlor, artisanal candy store, and cozy coffee house. Step inside and you’re transported back to the 1930s: polished wood counters, vintage Hamilton Beach malt mixers, antique glassware, and classic tunes from Frank Sinatra to Billie Holiday. Their homemade ice cream—crafted in small batches with Wisconsin dairy—is available in over 20 inventive flavors (think Mississippi Mud, Snappin’ Turtle, White Chocolate Raspberry, Cappuccino Oreo, plus gluten‑free sorbets and cones). Beyond ice cream, The Pearl offers handmade chocolates, fudge, nostalgic candies, espresso drinks, and even ice cream catering.