If you haven’t experienced the fall season in La Crosse County and the surrounding area, you need to add it to your bucket list. The changing colors of the trees that cover the bluffs make for a beautiful sight. Not to mention the area boasts a variety of apple orchards and pumpkin patches that offer pick your own options and you’ll definitely be able to find some tasty treats.
Here are just five of our fall favorites (though there are many more)…
Located in West Salem and just a short drive from La Crosse is Hidden Trails Corn Maze. Getting lost in the maze is fun, but there are also plenty of other activities to celebrate the changing season. Pick your own pumpkins, take the kids on a wagon ride, say hi to the farm animals, and more!
Once a prize beef cattle operation, Southwind Orchards has grown to be one of the premier apple orchards in the area. Located in Dakota, MN it’s just a short hop over the Mississippi River. They offer 28 varieties of fresh apples as well as apple jams & jellies, apple butter, apple sauce, cider, and everyone’s favorite, caramel apples. Visit mid-October and pick out the perfect pumpkin. There’s also a variety of squash and gourds too!
Nestled in an Onalaska Coulee, you’ll find Rainbow Ridge. Enjoy great photo opportunities, games, and crafts for kids. They also have a small farm store where they sell products from their own farm like goat milk soap and lotion, honey, and eggs.
Grandad Bluff has become not only a destination point for thousands, but also a symbol of this great Coulee Region. The 600-ft high bluff overlooks the city of La Crosse and provides a view of the Mississippi River Valley including the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. This stop is sure to offer you a breathtaking view of the fall colors. Not to mention a scenic drive on your adventure up Bliss Road.
5. Lake Onalaska/Sunny the Sunfish Lookout
This lookout offers stunning views of the 7,700-acre Lake Onalaska and Great River State Trail, part of 101 miles of interconnecting state trails which runs parallel with Lake Onalaska. Come fall, the trees that border and make up some of the Lake’s little islands will turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow and add to the scenic beauty this spot already offers.