A Great River Road Trip from the Twin Cities to La Crosse
Discover what’s waiting downriver.
Conveniently located where the Great River Road and Driftless Bluffs converge, the La Crosse Region makes for the perfect fall weekend getaway! Only 2 hours and 45 minutes away, you could be here before lunch! Take the scenic route to escape and explore the ancient topography, charming history, and elevated adventure of Wisconsin’s West Coast.
Scroll for the Perfect Itinerary from the Twin Cities!
Take the Scenic Route to the Driftless Region
The La Crosse Region is nestled between ancient bluffs and is known as one of the best places in the Midwest for legendary outdoor experiences. Located in the Driftless Region, the unique landscape exists because glaciers didn’t reach this area, leaving ancient limestone bluffs and steep river valleys untouched and intact. While the natural topography extends into parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, the La Crosse Region is special: located where the Mississippi River and the Driftless Region collide, along the Great River Road.
Learn more about the Driftless Region >
24-Hour Getaway: The Great 8 Things to Do
Some things you simply MUST do.
From the “Wisconsin Wonder” 600-ft bluff or a classic fish fry on the water, to a paddlewheel cruise on the Mississippi River, get ready to create your La Crosse Region bucket list!
Child’s Play: Family Friendly Bucket List
Play isn’t just for kids… It’s a way to explore together!
Here, curiosity sparks adventure, campfires become bedtime stories, and every treat tastes like childhood. It’s never too late to build your core-memory bucket list.
Why Road Trip Down the Great River Road?
US Highway-61 was named the Best Scenic Drive (2026) by USA Today 10Best for the second year in a row!
The Great River Road is both a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road that traverses through ten states along the Mississippi River. The La Crosse Region and the iconic Driftless bluffs proudly sit on the route and welcome the many visitors the scenic drive brings every year. Hike panoramic overlooks, bike over 100 miles of trails, and paddle or fish on serene waterways, all shaped by the topography itself. Whether you’re chasing elevation or simply a change of scenery, the La Crosse Region is always in season and makes for the perfect weekend road trip from the Twin Cities.
Scenic Stops
Sign us up for views worth the climb – AND the camera roll! In the heart of the Driftless Region and along the Great River Road, the area is packed with blufftop overlooks, trolley tours,, charming downtowns, paddle boats, natural wonders, and so much more.
Here’s the Bucket List: 24-Hour “Must-Dos” Itinerary
Water Activities
Paddle through peaceful backwaters, cruise between islands on a riverboat or rental, and get to fishing where the bite is always on. Whether you’re after walleye or favor a sunset, life flows a little better on the West Coast of Wisconsin.
Waterfront Dining is Just as Memorable: Dining on the Water
Elevated Trails
Whether you prefer to wander the many rivers and waterways or traverse the La Crosse Region’s miles of trails, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in local adventure! Did you know you can ride from the Mississippi coast to the top of Grandad Bluff?
Elevated Adventure: It’s In Our Nature
Itineraries for Twin Cities Explorers
The La Crosse Region is just a 2-hour and 45-minute road trip from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area!
Simply take the scenic Great River Road, US-61, along the Mississippi River to uncover all that there is to do between the bluffs on Wisconsin’s West Coast.
An Extended-Stay Itinerary for Twin Cities Visitors
Road-trip your way through the La Crosse Region with an itinerary featuring experiences that make this destination a must-visit, year after year. Ready to make memories with your entourage?
Custom Itineraries for Every Explorer!
Recess and refresh with a getaway specially curated for your tastes! The La Crosse Region offers charming history, elevated adventure, captivating views, and epic outdoor recreation. Which will you enjoy?
Why Do People Keep Coming Back?
No matter the season, bluffs are calling, and the rivers are ready when you are!
Here, the La Crosse Region hits its stride in summer and autumn, with longer days, lively nights, and just enough spontaneity to turn a road trip into something unforgettable.
From endless outdoor recreation to festive, spirited communities bursting with things to do, adventure calls for every explorer! This is your cue to wander a little further, stay a little longer and come alive this season. Elevated adventure… It’s in our nature!
The La Crosse Region in the News
Don’t just take it from us! The La Crosse Region is newsworthy.
Browse the La Crosse Region’s Attractions
Discover the area’s notable attractions and local destinations!
Attractions, Members Directory, More to do, Sport, Sports & Recreation
The Blue Zone Pickleball
Attractions, Members Directory, Road Trip, Tours & Road Trips
Niagara Cave
Arts & Culture, Attractions, Members Directory
Kinstone
Attractions, Fishing, Members Directory
Clements Fishing Barge & Captain Hooks Bait & Tackle
Attractions, Bike Trails, Members Directory, More to do
Drift Cycle Bike Share Program
Arts & Culture, Attractions, Members Directory, Services, Traveler Tools
Native American Tourism of Wisconsin
Art & Classes, Art Galleries, Arts & Culture, Attractions, Meeting Spaces
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Attractions, Education, Members Directory
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge La Crosse District Visitor Center
Art & Classes, Attractions, Members Directory
All Glazed Up
Attractions, Members Directory, Vineyards
River View Vineyard and Winery
Attractions, Craft Beverage Trail, Members Directory, Tapas, Vineyards, & Breweries, Vineyards
Tenba Ridge Winery
Arts & Culture, Attractions, Banquet Facilities, Members Directory, Services
Concordia Ballroom
Explore More Things to Do
Dive into Our Visitors Guide
Check out La Crosse’s Visitors Guide to explore the best attractions, dining, and events in the area!