Scenic Sights & Hidden Gems of the Driftless Region

By: Explore La Crosse

Enjoy a full day of scenic sights throughout downtown La Crosse and the Driftless Region! This itinerary guides a full day of exploring with a lot of sightseeing and great stops to eat and drink.

Scenic Sights

Jules Coffee House

Jules’ Coffee House is a beloved downtown spot where the aroma of fresh coffee meets a cozy, welcoming vibe. Known for its rich espresso drinks, creative lattes, and fresh pastries, it’s the perfect place to relax, catch up with friends, or enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by local charm.

Apple Blossom Overlook Park

While in La Crescent, take a drive up the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive along the Great River Road to the Apple Blossom Overlook. Get a peak at the greenery and blooming apple blossoms and enjoy a mini-afternoon hike. Explore a short trail to an overlook on the ledge of the bluff, overlooking the Mississippi River Valley below. Have time? Wander further amidst the mowed, grassy trails for other scenic views.

4 Sisters Wine Bar & Tapas

Located just across from Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse is 4 Sisters Wine Bar and Tapas Restaurant. Tapas-style dining is an older tradition that often includes a selection of smaller signature dishes. The relaxing atmosphere and waterfront location creates the perfect lunch and dinner experience!

Kinstone Megalithic Garden

A scenic drive away lies Kinstone Megalithig Garden in Fountain City. The beauty and peace of the sacred stone sanctuary is profound! This unique garden features intriguing stonework, natural buildings, and spectacular views all across the 30-acre blufftop property.

Sullivan’s Supper Club

On your route back from Kinstone, stop at Sullivan’s Supper Club, which overlooks the wonderful Mississippi River in the historic town of Trempealeau. The extensive menu is filled with several delicious choices including steaks, seafood, nightly specials, and a variety of spirit selections.

Hidden Gems

Use this itinerary to find the hidden gems around the region that are so deserving of being well-known! Start off the morning at Niagara Cave where you will discover the history of a beautiful underground cave and waterfall. Following this, head over to Norskedalen to see the preserved history and nature of Coon Valley, WI.

Niagara Cave

Niagara Cave is home to many special features that are showcased during a guided tour. Visitors explore the 60 foot high waterfall, a stream, and natural stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and other cave formations during a one hour and one mile tour underground. There’s even an underground wedding chapel as well as several extinct marine species and fossils! At every twist and turn you’ll discover something interesting.

Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center

Norskedalen (Norwegian Valley) is a nature preservation located in Coon Valley, WI. Norskedalen’s mission is to preserve the natural environment of SouthWest Wisconsin and provide regional history to the area through their preserved natural beauty of the Coulee Region. Guided tours are available as well as self-guided tours & group events! Norskedalen also has many miles of hiking trails to view nature. Norskedalen even has rentals if you want to spend a night or two indulged in the beautiful nature.