6 Prettiest Places to Explore

Grandad Bluff

Grandad Bluff has become not only a destination point for thousands but also a symbol of the beautiful Coulee Region. The 600-ft high bluff overlooks the city of La Crosse. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Wisconsin Trails readers voted this “the most scenic view in the state”. The park features a shelter house, coin-operated binoculars, picnic areas and is the site of the annual Skyrocker`s New Year`s Eve Fireworks Show.

Great River Landing

The Great River Landing in Onalaska, WI plays host to the trailhead of the Great River State Trail with showers and locker rooms for bicyclists enjoying the 101 miles of interconnecting state trails. During the winter months, users can enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing. The landing also offers beautiful views of the surrounding area including Lake Onalaska.

Riverside Park

This monumental landmark park in La Crosse, Riverside Park, is the center of an active community located on the banks of the Mississippi River.  It rests at the confluence of three rivers and Riverside Park is designed for both active lifestyles and for those that want to just watch the river slowly pass by. Home of the delightful La Crosse Queen paddlewheel boat, visitors can take to the water and a Friday evening Pizza Cruise or a daily sight-seeing cruise on the La Crosse Queen.

At the north end of the park, guests can also enjoy strolling through the captivating Riverside International Friendship Gardens.

Historic Downtown

Much more than your ordinary, quaint small-town Main Street, historic downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, has so much to offer: unique shopping opportunities, fine dining, great entertainment venues, and a vibrant nightlife. Spend your day browsing at some of the region’s finest specialty shops, get a bite at any of several fine-dining establishments, and relax beside the Mississippi at Riverside Park. Or just walk around and take in the sites of downtown’s historic architecture. It’s all here waiting for you.

Apple Blossom

Early to Mid-May is the peak season to experience the natural beauty of rolling hills covered in blossoming apple trees. Get excited for spring! Plan to bike or drive the 17-mile route before the season ends!  Ride along the bluff-top roads that overlook the Mississippi River and La Crosse, and descend into the Pine Creek Valley for your return trip back to La Crescent, Minnesota.

Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge have a Visitor Center on Brice Prairie with many displays and exhibits, a bookstore, and over two miles of trail through a renovated sand prairie. The refuge is 261 miles long, the longest in the nation, and one of the most visited. The Refuge has 96 miles of marked canoe trails. Including the Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail starting at Lytle’s Landing on Brice Praire and traveling through the backwaters to Lake Onalaska.