As the season changes to red, oranges, and golds, there’s no better time to plan your autumn escape to the La Crosse Region. Amid the seasonal fun, you’ll find an abundance of cozy cabins, and beautiful activities to keep you and your family or friends occupied. In this fall travel checklist, we’ll guide you through the exciting experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and snug retreats that make the La Crosse Region the perfect destination for your autumn adventure. So, grab your flannel shirts, prepare your taste buds for fall flavors, and embark on a journey through the beauty of our region!
Your Cozy Cabin Retreat
Justin Trails Resort
Rest for the night at Justin Trails Resort and welcome to their 200-acre Driftless Region Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast where land is plentiful, buildings are few. TripAdvisor rates them as one of the top Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts. They have welcomed guests for 35 years at their family-owned and loved farm resort which has been in the Justin family since 1916.
Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center
If you’re looking for a family-friendly option Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center is the place for you. This hotel is Northwoods-themed lodging in Onalaska. With quality rooms lavishly decorated in logs and nature inspired furniture (not to mention log bunk beds for the kids), it is a great retreat at the end of the day!
Paulsen Cabin at Norskedalen
Plan your getaway at the Paulsen Cabin at Norskedalen located on 400-acres in Coon Valley, WI, and appreciate its history. This 130-year-old log cabin sleeps 6, and it is nestled in the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center with a “little house on the prairie” feel! Due to its location, it is not only a cozy hideaway, but it has epic, outdoor exploration available as well!
Divine & Tasty Restaurants for Hearty Meals
Lovechild Restaurant
Lovechild is an establishment located in Historic Downtown La Crosse. Food and Wine listed it among the 50 most romantic restaurants in the country! With round, crushed-velvet booths, red velvet curtains, exposed brick, and an impressively long bar, one definitely feels fancy and “boujie” while dining. Nobody explains the food better than the establishment themselves; “uncomplicated food with intriguing ingredients and big flavors.”
Red Pines Restaurant
For a more casual and cozy atmosphere, Red Pines Bar and Grill of Onalaska is a sure win. This bar and grill has been voted as the No. 1 fish fry and the No. 1 rural bar and grill in the La Crosse Region. It is also distinguished for its location, sitting along the edge of Lake Onalaska. Red Pines has a rustic atmosphere serving hand –prepared walleye, perch, in-house smoked ribs, and homemade pizza. The location is an all-around crowd pleaser!
The Hungry Peddler
The Hungry Peddler was founded in 1976, inside a historic building dating back to 1911, you’ll find old relics, a family-friendly feel, and their famous specials that keep customers coming back year after year. They are best known for their hamburgers, fish fry and house beer, Peddler Brau made by their friends at Capital Brewery. With a fun, old-time ambiance, you, your friends or your family are sure to enjoy a meal with them! This restaurant is truly one of a kind!
Must-See Sights
Grandad Bluff
At Grandad Bluff, 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 with vibrant fall colors. Voted as “the most scenic view in the state” by Wisconsin Trails readers, this signature sight is a must-see location year-round.
Great River Landing
Located in Onalaska, WI, Great River Landing is a famous stop 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.
Apple Blossom Scenic Drive
Drive along Apple Blossom Scenic Drive to experience the natural beauty of rolling hills covered in golden 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.
Fall Décor & Unique Shopping
Practically Posh
Practically Posh is where shoppers of all interior styles discover an ever changing and evolving selection of beautiful home décor. They offer expert interior design services to perfectly execute your ultimate home décor vision, carry select home furnishings, as well as locally made artisan jewelry, gifts, and beautifully repurposed furniture.
Antique Center of La Crosse
Known as Western Wisconsin’s largest antique center, this antique shop has it all! With three floors of antiques and collectables, it is an antiquer’s wonderland. They’re located in Downtown La Crosse and sell everything from furniture and vintage clothing to dishes, books, jewelry and more! As the Minneapolis Tribune stated, “Don’t miss this one!”
Drift Mercantile
Drift Mercantile is your hub for local goods inspired by the Driftless Region. Take home La Crosse printed gear, local crafts and gifts, handcrafted jewelry, home goods, and more! Stop into Drift Mercantile and bring home a Coulee Region seasonal inspired gift that will remind you of your special memories in the region.
There’s More to Explore!
Read these Top 5 Stops Along The Great River Road!
