A La Crosse Region Weekend Itinerary for History Lovers
Discover the history of the La Crosse Region! Explore museums, heritage centers, historic homes, and antiques to learn more about the rich history of the Driftless Region.
Day 1: Heritage, Nature, Historic Homes, and Classic Cocktails
Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center
Experience history in the full-immersion museum known as the Bekkum Homestead at Norskedalen. Enter the buildings that were built and lived in during the 1860s through the mid-1900s.
McGilvray “Seven Bridges” Road
The McGilvray Road, located in the Van Loon Wildlife Area, includes five rare bowstring arch truss bridges and one low truss bridge. The bridges represent two styles of bridge construction popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ice Cream at The Pearl
The Pearl Ice Cream Parlour is a La Crosse Region institution. This 1930’s-style ice cream parlor serves up over 20 homemade flavors of ice cream, plus hand-pressed waffle cones, classic malts, nostalgic candies, and handmade chocolates.
Dinner at Le Chateau
Le Chateau offers the perfect balance of ambiance and fine French cuisine, with a European-style atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the Mons Anderson House, a mid-19th century residence that blends Gothic Revival and Italian Villa Styles, rendered in locally quarried stone.
Drinks at The Starlite Lounge
A historic weekend itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Starlite Lounge. Step back in time at this chic, 1950s-style cocktail lounge. Sip on classic martinis, fine wines, and single malt scotch in true Rat Pack style.
pc: @lexlivinglocally
pc: @lexlivinglocally
Stay at Castle La Crosse
Castle La Crosse is a spectacular and historic Bed & Breakfast. This 1892 house features five guest suites and a lavish morning breakfast. Guests have access to the music room, library, sun porch and much more of this magical, historic home.
Day 2: Trolley Tour, Antiques & Artifacts, and Historic Downtown Dining
Get Coffee at Jules
Jules Coffee House is the longest-running coffee shop in historic downtown La Crosse. Stop in for coffee, bakery, and crepes before you venture out for your last day of exploring the history of the La Crosse Region.
Historic Trolley Tours
Discover the La Crosse Region’s beautiful riverfront, historic districts and scenic parks on the Explore La Crosse guided trolley tours. Explore the Mansions & Memories Architectural Tour in the summer, or the Dark La Crosse Tour, Grand La Crosse Tour, and We Love La Crescent Tour in the fall!
La Crosse Area Heritage Center
The La Crosse Heritage Center brings the rich history of the La Crosse Region to community members and visitors. Explore engaging exhibits that highlight the people and industries that built the area, from the deep roots of the Ho-Chunk people to the rise of logging, brewing, and river commerce.
Dahl Auto Museum
The Dahl Auto Museum includes an illustrated timeline of the Dahl Automotive five generation history with Ford Motor Company. With approximately 20 antique and classic cars on display to highlight each decade from Dahl Automotive inception in 1911. To incorporate historic La Crosse, the museum also features a re-creation of the Starlite Drive-in Theatre.
Caledonia St. Antique Mall
Located on Caledonia Street in the heart of the north side of La Crosse, the mall features over 35 dealers with an interesting selection of antiques, collectibles, Red Wing Pottery vintage items, breweriana and many more items that may catch your eye. While you’re there be sure to check out the basement for some fun thrifting. You never know what you may find!
Antique Center of La Crosse
The Antique Center, in the heart of downtown La Crosse, is housed in the century-old Gantert building, a former furniture store landmark. The historic building, with its Corinthian-style Greek columns and the hand-carved solid black walnut staircase, augments the Center’s fine display of valuable antiques and unique collectibles.
La Crosse Queen
The La Crosse Queen is a modern-day replica of the grand riverboats which used to ply the Mississippi in the early 1900s. She is one of the few “true” paddlewheelers still in operation in the country today. Daily sightseeing excursions early May through late October.
Drinks at The Hatchery
Stop for a craft cocktail at The Hatchery, located in scenic Riverside Park. This exceptional venue & hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has undergone a meticulous preservation project, carefully preserving its historical charm.
Dinner at the Freight House
Freight House was built in 1880 and contained the freight offices of the Milwaukee Road and handled all incoming freight. Now operating as the Freight House Restaurant, this is is a La Crosse Region favorite, serving steak, seafood, wine, and cocktails.
Day 3: Beautiful Homes & Sites
Brunch at The Charmant Hotel
The Charmant Hotel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally constructed in 1898 for the FUNKE Candy Factory. Enjoy weekend brunch in The Restaurant room or stop for coffee in The Parlour.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe sits on over 100 acres of beautiful bluff land. While the Shrine itself is only 25 years old, it features impressive art and architecture and honors a history dating back to the 16th century.
Hixon House
Gideon and Ellen Hixon were early pioneers, community builders, and philanthropists in La Crosse. Their home was built in 1858 and is complete with most of its original furnishings. Tours of their beautifully preserved home bring together local history and decorative arts history into one fascinating local story.
