La Crosse Region: Half Day Exploring Downtown + WI Outdoors

The first stop is in the southern part of La Crosse. The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a beautiful place located on over 100 acres of land. From the entrance, there’s a paved walk among the trees toward a chapel, church, and memorial with multiple statues along the way. The walk from the Pilgrim Center to the Shrine church is one-mile roundtrip. From the church, you can continue up the hill to a Rosary Walk and the Ways of the Cross. Whether you’re religious or not, this is a place worth visiting and admiring. PC @goingandexploring

After the Shrine, you’re going to drive north toward downtown La Crosse to Grandad Bluff. Grandad Bluff is a city park with an overlook, picnic areas, and hiking trails. It rises about 590 feet above the surrounding landscape, with panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley, the city of La Crosse, and the surrounding region. At the park, you can drive up to the top, park your car, and take a short walk to the viewpoints or explore some of the hiking trails. You can either spend a few minutes here or a few hours. PC @goingandexploring

After Grandad Bluff, stop by Artist’s Alley for a quick stroll. The alley is downtown and a short walk from the next few stops. The alley serves as a canvas for various forms of street art, including murals, graffiti, and installations. This alley of art is meant to make the downtown area full of life, energy, and the arts for all to enjoy. You can stroll through the alley at your own pace while admiring the artwork and taking photos of the vibrant murals. PC @goingandexploring