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” and “Spirit of the Driftless”
Learn more about this special driftless region with screenings of Award winning films on Thursday, Sept. 10 at the La Crescent Event Center. Screenings will take place at 6:30–7:30 PM and 8:00–8:30 PM, with a Q&A following the films. Open to the public!
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.
Top Bike Shops and Rentals in the La Crosse Region
Gear up at the local bike shops in the La Crosse Region! From helmets to tune-ups to rentals, they’ve got everything you need to enjoy the ride.
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 12:00pm-5:00pm on Friday at the La Crescent Community Ice Arena (520 S. 14th Street, La Crescent, MN)
Vendor Expo
Stop by the vendor expo from 12:00pm-5:00pm on Friday, featuring the top cycling and outdoor brands, food and beverage vendors, local bike shops, and more! Expo will be part of the start/finish line celebration at the La Crescent Community Ice Arena.
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!
Root Down Yoga
Loosen up before the race! Join Jen from Root Down Yoga Studio for a free yoga session at 2:00pm at the La Crescent Community Ice Arena.
This class is open to riders, expo attendees, and the public. providing an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and give your body some well-deserved attention. No yoga experience necessary—just bring yourself and come as you are! Bring a mat or use one provided.
This class is open to riders, expo attendees, and the public. providing an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and give your body some well-deserved attention. No yoga experience necessary—just bring yourself and come as you are! Bring a mat or use one provided.
Rider Meeting
Rider meeting will be from 5:15pm-6:15pm at La Crescent-Hokah Elementary School (504 S. Oak Street, La Crescent, MN)
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.
See the Full Schedule >
Vendor Expo
Stop by the vendor expo from 7:00am-5:00pm on Saturday, featuring the top cycling and outdoor brands, food and beverage vendors, local bike shops, and more!
Spectator Areas
Spectators can watch the race from the start and finish line, where there will be an ongoing celebration through the day. Spectators can also cheer on riders competing in the 68 and 107 mile courses at the Feed Zone in Houston and the Feed Zone along County Rd 3. Cheer on riders in the 31 mile course at the Feed Zone at mile 16, located near the Barn on South Ridge. Wherever you cheer from, please be conscious of the course routes, cyclists, and traffic.
View the Course Maps >
Root Down Yoga
Join Jen from Root Down Yoga Studio for a free 30-minute yoga session at 9:00am, open to race spectators and expo attendees. This class is an opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and give your body some well-deserved attention. No yoga experience necessary—just bring yourself and come as you are! Bring a mat or use one provided.
ORA Trails – Kids Route
Bring the kids and their bikes! Follow the 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 performing immediately adjacent to the start/finish line celebration.
