Love the outdoors? Crave a little adrenaline? The La Crosse Region has it all! Scenic trails, river escapes, and adventures that will leave your heart racing and your spirit refreshed. Read on for a two-day itinerary filled with nature, fun, and thrills that will help you make the most of your time in this unforgettable region.
– Day 1 –
Morning: Start your day by choosing your outdoor adventure trekk!
Wake up early and catch a morning sunrise cycling from Riverside Park across the big blue bridge to Pettibone beach. Didn’t bring you bike? You can rent Drift Cycle bikes throughout eight different docking stations including a station in Riverside Park! Depending on the season trade your bike for a kayak at the Pettibone Park paddle rental and explore scenic views from the Mississippi River!
For even more thrills check out some of the other outdoor recreation opportunities below that the La Crosse Region has throughout the seasons!
Afternoon: Fuel up & Dining on the Water
If you’re traveling by paddle, row yourself to Pettibone Boat Club for lunch to fuel up from your excticing morning travels or check out more outdoor dining options below.
More Dining with a View!
On a gorgeous sunny afternoon, keep the vitamin D pumping at a variety of outdoor dining options! Enjoy your meal on year-round patios with a river view!
Night: Learn from the experts!
Some of the La Crosse Region’s most breathtaking views are best experienced from the water! The mighty Mississippi is an angler’s paradise in every season. Spend an evening casting your line and soaking in the golden glow of a riverfront sunset.
Fishing the Upper Mississippi River is a constant thrill, the main channel sprawls into hundreds of tiny islands, backwater channels, and deep pools. Fish along highly skilled La Crosse Region anglers using McCormick’s River Guide Service, Norm’s Guide Service, or Galen Bremmer’s Guided Fishing Trips to learn all their tricks and tips for getting the best bite among these waters.
Here, you’ll be catching picture-perfect memories as the sun sets behind the towering bluffs. For more information about the beaming wildlife in the La Crosse Region, The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is a great resource for knowledge on all fish, eagles, blue herons, the wetlands, forests, and more!
Where to Stay: The Nomad Camping Aesthetic
– Day 2 –
Morning: Explore Your Stay!
Each La Crosse Region campsite has unique features to explore during your stay. From nature trails and water rentals at Goose Island, volleyball and basketball courts at Fort McCoy, and adults spas at Neshonoc your nomadic campground is the perfect destination to start your day!
Afternoon: Catch the Best Views
Head to Grandad Bluff park for an iconic view that all nature lovers must-see. To amp up the stakes, adrenaline junkies can dare to rock climb to sandstone peaks! These 600-ft lookouts oversee Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa and have endless hiking trails that weave through the seas of trees!
Next visit The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a breathtaking view for visitors worldwide! The incredible Shrine is nestled into over 100 acres of rolling bluffs in the Mississippi River Valley. The gardens in the warmer months flourish around all their statues and devotional areas. In the fall, the painted trees give a stunning backdrop to the historic site. Admission is free to the public and guided tours are offered to learn more about the destination!
