PC: @hails.photography.5
Catch the best views AND take iconic photos in the La Crosse Region. It’s the perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and some of the best hiking trails in the La Crosse Region!
Grandad Bluff | La Crosse, WI
Not only a destination point for thousands, but also a famous symbol of the great Driftless Region.
This 600-ft high bluff overlooks the city of La Crosse, the Mississippi River Valley, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Just a short 10-minute drive up a winding bluff road are legendary sights bursting of summer greenery or vibrant fall colors. Voted as “the most scenic view in the state” by Wisconsin Trails readers, this signature sight is a bucket list must when visiting the La Crosse Region.
pc: @scott.schaub.photography, lyricz2015
Riverside Park | La Crosse, WI
Check out Riverside’s International Friendship Gardens – A tribute to the culture and traditions of our worldwide friends & a place of beauty reflecting our appreciation for the diverse cultures that share the earth.
The famous Riverside Park of La Crosse is the center of an active community. At the confluence of three rivers, Riverside Park is designed for active lifestyles and for those that want to relax and watch the river slowly pass by. The park is just blocks away from Historic Downtown La Crosse’s restaurants and shopping stops, the La Crosse Convention Center, and a multitude of lodging options. Riverside Park is both a signature sight and prized jewel of the La Crosse Region.
pc: @karengenz79, kq98fm
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe | La Crosse, WI
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will forever be a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world, but offers wonderful views and is a La Crosse Region gem for all as well.
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. Admission is always free and the public is welcome.
pc: @alyxmarian, guadalupeshrine
Great River Landing & Sunny the Sunfish | Onalaska, WI
Offering a variety of amenities including canoe & kayak rentals, a trail head for the Great River State Trail, & shore fishing!
Located in Onalaska, WI, Sunny the Sunfish and Great River Landing are famous stops on the Great River Road within the La Crosse Region. The Great River Landing is renowned for its natural beauty, Welcome Center, and friendly atmosphere. It serves as the trailhead for the Great River State Trail which connects over 100 miles of state bicycle trails and is a short walk from local cuisine and shops.
Known for being the “Sunfish Capital of the World” Sunny the Sunfish provides memorable amusement from a massive sunfish statue for family photo ops, the Great River State Trail, views of Lake Onalaska and enlarged rainbow, xylophones.
Apple Blossom Scenic Drive | La Crescent, MN
The La Crescent community is claimed as the Apple Capital of Minnesota, but the orchards span far into the bluffs along the Minnesota Scenic Byway.
Early to Mid-May is the peak season to experience the natural beauty of rolling hills covered in blossoming apple trees. Plan to bike or drive the 17-mile route before the season ends! Ride along the bluff-top roads that overlook the Mississippi River and La Crosse, and descend into the Pine Creek Valley for your return trip back to La Crescent, Minnesota.
Wisconsin State Bike Trails & Hixon Forest Trails | Reedsburg to Marshland, WI
Each trail within the park is dog friendly, offers different views of the La Crosse Region, and features various levels of difficulty
Four rail-bed trails spanning nearly 101 miles from Reedsburg, WI, to Marshland, WI, offer some of the best hiking and biking in the region. The trails take you through marshes and valleys, along the rivers, and offer access to several communities, parks, and recreation areas, including Perrot State Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, and the La Crosse River Prairies State Natural Area. Snowmobiles occupy the trails in the winter but they are also open to those looking to cross country ski, snowshoe, or hike. All WI State Bike Trails.
pc: @wisconsin_family_adventures, trail_agent,
Great River Road | WI
Over two-thirds of that distance traverses protected land, offering myriad birdwatching and other outdoor opportunities.
Up for a road trip? Enjoy beautiful scenery, access to excellent hiking, fishing, scenic overlooks, and of course the picturesque Mississippi River along the Wisconsin Great River Road. U.S. Highway 35 covers 250 miles in the state of Wisconsin, from Prescott in the north to Kieler in the south.
Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge | Onalaska, WI
They work to build awareness, enjoyment and support of the Refuge through engagement, environmental experiences, education research, and habitat enhancement.
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge have a Visitor Center on Brice Prairie with many displays and exhibits, a bookstore, and over two miles of trail through a renovated sand prairie. The refuge is 261 miles long, the longest in the nation, and one of the most visited. The Refuge has 96 miles of marked canoe trails. Including the Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail starting at Lytle’s Landing on Brice Praire and traveling through the backwaters to Lake Onalaska.
7 Bridges Road & the Van Loon State Wildlife Area | Holmen, WI
Enjoy learning about the history and characteristics of the McGilvray Road and bridges, and of and the people who work to make them available to all.
The historic McGilvray “7 Bridges” Road trail is located in the Van Loon State Wildlife Area in Northwest La Crosse County. The trail is 1.8 miles long, one way. It was formerly a County Road which contains a unique combination of five rare bowstring arch truss bridges and one low truss bridge that was adopted from Pierce County. The Van Loon Wildlife area is a globally significant floodplain forest that is notable for its wide variety of wildlife. It is listed under Wisconsin Important Bird Areas and is a great trail to snowshoe or cross country ski.
pc: @roots_wings_properties,
