🌇 Explore the Outdoors

Must-Visit Nature & Views

Grandad Bluff – Breathtaking panoramic views of La Crosse and the river valley. Ideal for a sunrise or sunset photo! You can drive it, with a short walk to the overlook.

Hixon Trail - Slightly more challening hikes than Grandad Bluff, but beautiful views! The Hixon Trail has several loop and out and back options of various distances within 14 miles of bluff forest.

La Crosse River State Trail – Scenic trail for walking, biking, or jogging through the Driftless Region’s rolling hills and fall foliage right along the Mississippi River.

Riverside Park & Riverside International Friendship Gardens – Relaxing riverside green spaces and international garden displays perfect for a peaceful morning stroll.

Pettibone Park – Popular riverfront park with great picnic spots, walking paths, disc golf and scenic river views.

Drive the Great River Road - Drive from La Crosse, WI to Winona, MN. Drive is about 35 minutes and there are breathtaking views along the way

Golf Courses - Ample golfing in the area with beautiful views.

🍁 October in La Crosse is beautiful — fall foliage along the river and bluffs makes every walk and photo op extra special.

🏙 Downtown & Local Flavor

The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor & Confectionery – Classic local ice cream spot downtown, perfect for a sweet treat.

Bodega Brew Pub – Craft beers and pub fare downtown.

Starlight Lounge - 1960s cocktail lounge with adventurous martini's and a really fun vibe.

Sagra - Tough to get a reservation, but one of our favorite restaurants in the area. Italian mostly.

The Crow - Casual dinning sports bar atmosphere

Pearl Street Brewery - All of the breweries in town are good, but this is our favorite!

3rd Street Bars - There are about nine bars on 3rd street in La Crosse. Perfect for bar hopping schennanigans. You'll feel like you're in college again. Just watch out for the actual college kids!

Elmaro Winery - a little bit of a drive from La Crosse, but very nice atmosphere and delicious Rose.

La Cave - Unique cocktail bar in the basement/wine cellar of a La Chateau - a historic La-Crosse Manor. Walk in front door, turn left down spiral staircase!

Red Pines - Fun sports bar/supper club on the river, about 20 minutes outside of La-Crosse.