Welcome cyclists, friends, families, and spectators!
The 2026 USA Cycling Gravel National Championships Weekend is jam-packed with biking, live music, and other fun events. Wondering what else is going on in the La Crosse Region the weekend of September 12, 2026? We’ve put together the perfect weekend itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to La Crescent, MN, beyond the bike race!
Thursday, September 10
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up and rider confirmation will be from 1:00-5:00pm on Thursday at the La Crescent Community Ice Arena (520 S. 14th Street, La Crescent, MN)
Alabama at the La Crosse Center
Country music legends Alabama are coming to the La Crosse Center! This is your chance to see one of country music’s most iconic bands live.
Moon Tunes
Moon Tunes is a free, summer concert series on Thursday evenings in Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse, WI. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blanket, beverages and snacks, and enjoy some live music with a riverfront view.
“Decoding the Driftless” Screening
The Driftless Region is known for its unique topography, a result of glaciers bypassing this area. For those interested in learning more about how the Driftless Region came to be, a screening of the Emmy-Award-winning documentary, “Decoding the Driftless.”
Elsie’s Bar & Grill
Stop by Elsie’s in Caledonia, MN for dinner or happy hour! They are a hometown favorite, serving up burgers and brick-oven pizzas. Race participants can get half-off an appetizer or dessert, with the purchase of a cocktail or beer.
Friday, September 11
Driftless Cycling Shakeout Ride
Riders, fans, and spectators are invited to meet at the Houston Nature Center at 9:00am for a Shakeout Ride on the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships Course with Driftless Cycling.
These routes follow public roads. Follow all traffic laws. Also, be very aware of farm equipment when riding on rural routes; these are working farms and orchards, and equipment needs space. Always yield to farm equipment.
PC: Explore Minnesota
These routes follow public roads. Follow all traffic laws. Also, be very aware of farm equipment when riding on rural routes; these are working farms and orchards, and equipment needs space. Always yield to farm equipment.
PC: Explore Minnesota
Check Out the Route >
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick-up and rider confirmation will be from 12:00-5:00pm on Friday at the La Crescent Community Ice Arena (520 S. 14th Street, La Crescent, MN)
Root Down Yoga
Loosen up before the race! Join Root Down Yoga for a free yoga session, open to riders and the public at 2:00pm on Friday, Sept. 11.
International Owl Center
While you’re in the La Crescent area, visit the International Owl Center in Houston, MN, the only owl education center in North America. Visitors of all ages can learn about these incredible raptors up close.
Race participants get half off admission!
Race participants get half off admission!
Saturday, September 12 – Race Day!
USA Cycling Gravel National Championships
The first riders will take off at 7:00am on Saturday, Sept. 12, with additional cyclists beginning their races throughout the morning and midday.
Vendor Expo
Stop by the vendor expo from 7:00-5:00, featuring the top cycling and outdoor brands, food and beverage vendors, local bike shops, and more!
Root Down Yoga
Join Root Down Yoga for a free yoga session, open to race spectators and expo attendees at 9:00am.
ORA Trails – Kids Route
Bring the kids and their bikes! Follow path to the all NEW La Crescent Bike Skills Park. The route will be open and available throughout the day.
La Crescent Live
After riders hit the course, spectators can enjoy a live music performance from 12:45-3:30. La Crescent LIVE presents MadLee Band will be immediately adjacent to the start/finish line celebration.
