Arts and Culture in the La Crosse Region

By: Explore La Crosse

From the Pump House Regional Arts Center and La Crosse Area Heritage Center to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Norskedalen Heritage Center, the La Crosse Region has some of the area’s finest venues for experiencing local art and culture.

Destinations

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Bean Juice

To start the day, head over to Bean Juice Coffee for fresh roasted coffee along with baked goods created by an award-winning baker! The beautiful view of the bluffs makes this coffee house the perfect stop for your caffeine fix. The shop offers a variety of coffees and teas with a freshness and quality that can’t be beat.

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Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center

After fueling up with breakfast, take a scenic drive to Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center for a trail hike. Enjoy the natural beauty of Coon Valley’s countryside while walking through lovely forestry and paths decorated with historic Norwegian buildings and memorabilia. Norskedalen has miles of trails for any skill level, including the Troll Trail, the Pine Loop Trail, and the Ophus Farm Trail. 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.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Next, head to The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe for lunch and a tour! The Shrine is a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world, that offers wonderful views. The Shrine is nestled in on over 100 acres of God’s Country in the Mississippi River Valley. In addition to the many beautiful chapels, statues, gardens, and devotional areas, the Shrine has a full service café and gift shop that are open daily.

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Pump House Regional Arts Center

Your next stop is The Pump House Regional Arts Center. The Pump House is a private, non-profit, membership supported organization which presents visual arts, performing arts, and a wide variety of educational programming. The Pump House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979 and is a City of La Crosse Historic Landmark.

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SAGRA

Head across the street to SAGRA Food and Wine for dinner and a drink! Inspired by a mix of rustic Italian classics and Roman street food, SAGRA offers made-from-scratch items that are sure to impress. The food is simply rustic, yet well conceived and refined.

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La Crosse Area Heritage Center

Stop over at the La Crosse Area Heritage Center for a private tour. The La Crosse Area Heritage Center will provide unique opportunities for visitors to discover the astounding stories of all who came before. As a curated museum of the La Crosse County Historical Society, cultural center, and gathering place, the La Crosse Area Heritage Center is both seeker and keeper of stories that matter.

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The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor

End the day with sweet little treat at The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor! Enjoy the historic ice cream shop’s 20 homemade Wisconsin dairy flavors includingMississippi Mud and Snappin’ Turtle.