Spend a Day Like a Local: The Insiders’ Top Picks

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Skip the tourist traps and discover the La Crosse Region through the eyes of a local. From foodie legends and watering holes to unique shops and offbeat outdoor adventures, get ready to experience the area like it’s your hometown!

Eat Like a Local

The La Crosse Region is full of distinguished local restaurants, from family-owned favorites to authentically local gems, each one 100% delicious! To truly dine like a local, here are a few savory spots so good that residents may keep to themselves.

Bean Juice

Fuel the morning with a view of the bluffs at Bean Juice! Located in La Cosse and serving fresh, in-house roasted coffee, Bean Juice is the perfect way to jump-start the day.

The Sports Hub Bar & Grill

For lunch, head to Sports Hub Bar & Grill in La Crescent, MN. With daily specials, intimate outdoor seating, and a golf simulator, this is a mecca for friendly bites and fandom with friends.

Recovery Room Sports Pub & Grill

For a quick happy hour, The Recovery Room Sports Pub & Grill of La Crosse offers the perfect happy hour. A true local favorite, the medically-themed watering hole heals every craving with elevated pub fare and friendly hometown service.

Big Boar Barbeque

Ready for dinner? Big Boar BBQ in West Salem claims and has been awarded the best barbecue in the North. They smoke their meats in-house, and each sauce and rub is made from scratch. Talk about satisfying!

Hacienda Vieja Mexican Bar & Grill

Another top-tier option is Hacienda Vieja of Holmen. From tacos and nachos to wings and burgers, the options are endless. Meals pair deliciously with their homemade margaritas. This Holmen spot is a mouthwatering destination for the whole entourage.

Shop Like a Local

The La Crosse Region is home to some of the best shopping in the tri-state area! Check out Historic Downtown La Crosse for independent and locally owned shops. For name brands and national retailers that fit any budget, visit Onalaska’s commercial district! La Crescent, Minnesota’s main drag, also offers distinctive regional finds and charming home décor.

Treehouse Gift & Home

When passing through Onalaska, Treehouse Gift & Home is a non-negotiable and brims with retail therapy. Discover unique gifts, seasonal décor, and local art!

Handmade Natural Beauty Boutique

Be sure to stop by Handmade Natural Beauty Boutique in Downtown La Crosse, where each handcrafted bath and body product brings a touch of luxury to your daily self-care routine.

Explore Like a Local

Full of hidden gems and hometown attractions, the La Crosse Region is buzzing with adventure.

Miller Bluff

Miller Bluff is ideal for every outdoor enthusiast with an incredible, aerial view of the city. Locals know it’s the perfect spot to catch a sunset, unwind, and take in the natural overlook of La Crosse and the Mississippi River. The bluff is also home to several scenic hiking trails that wind through wooded areas, making it a great destination for exploration.
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The Nature Place

To learn more about the area’s topography, like that of Miller Bluff, visit The Nature Place. Nestled near Myrick Marsh in La Crosse, guests can explore hands-on programming and celebrate nature’s beauty. Everyone is invited to immerse themselves in a world where marshes, bluffs, and trails converge.

Halfway Creek Park

For fresh air and live music, the largest park in Holmen is the ideal place to wind down. Halfway Creek Park comes alive each week during Concerts in the Park and entertains the community with live music and a festive atmosphere.

Copeland Park

However, for true thrill-seekers, La Crosse Region natives know excitement comes from the roar of engines at the Speedway and the crack of the bat under the lights at Copeland Park! An evening is well spent at the La Crosse Fairground Speedway watching NASCAR racing, night street drags, concerts, and more. Family fun and community spirit thrive in the Copeland Park & Events Center, watching the local La Crosse Loggers baseball team and the La Crosse Steamers softball team.
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Hmong Cultural & Community Center

The La Crosse Region is proudly home to a vibrant Hmong community and the La Crosse Hmong Culture & Community Center Farmers Market. The recurring event invites residents and visitors to learn about culture and purchase diverse goods. Teeming with fresh veggies, homegrown produce, and an assortment of other locally sourced items, this is a unique gathering of culture, community and savory exploration.