10 Explore La Crosse Road Trip Tips

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One & Done. The Road Trip for All.

When the time is right, venture to the La Crosse Region! Centrally located on I-90 between Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dubuque, Des Moines, Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago, the Region is easily accessible and just a road trip away.  Don’t worry about how to pack and prepare. We’ve pulled together 10 tips to help you achieve a safe and memorable road trip to the La Crosse Region!

Packing:

1. Create Your Travel Playlist

From a custom mixed tape to Pandora, we all know the audio to an excursion will make or break the drive. Leave the search and worries in the dust – Create your playlist or find your favorite podcast ahead of time!

2. Prep Snacks for the Road

Passing time is the name of the game, and what better way than to munch on some of your favorites! Why not pick up some Wisconsin Cheese Curds on the way? Whether your motivation is to limit pit-stops and be socially responsible, or you just prefer home-made goodies, preparing your snacks ahead of time will satisfy your cravings and get you energized for your upcoming adventures.

3. Bring Your Camera

The La Crosse Region is beautiful… like, really stunning. Trust us, you want your camera or at least clear some memory in your phone for storage. Whether you’re exploring the public art walks and Riverside Park or adventuring up the bluffs to famous overlooks, the photos you take will be as priceless as the memories you make.

4. Pack Hand Sanitizer, Sunscreen & Bug Spray

Need we say more? Plan to be socially responsible on your trip by packing a mask and some hand sanitizer. Oh, and when you visit the Midwest, sunscreen and bug spray are a must. Save the “burn” for your campsite bonfire 😉

5. Wear Activity-Friendly Shoes

The La Crosse Region is prime for outdoor recreation and the appropriate shoes will help you enjoy it to the fullest. If it’s Teva’s for kayaking or hiking boots for all the trails, you’ll thank us afterwards!

6. Remember a Water Bottle

Get green on your road trip by bringing your own reusable water bottle. By bringing your own you are saving the earth and helping keep the community sanitized during these unique times. Go you!

Planning:

7. The Road Less Traveled

The beauty of a road trip is that there isn’t always a rush to get to your final destination… it’s the journey that counts! While the La Crosse Region is conveniently located on I-90, check out some back-road routes and explore the Midwest in a unique way! For example, if you’re headed from Minneapolis, MN, consider taking the Great River Road for a scenic drive through unique river-towns and along the Mississippi River.

8. Plan Your Lodging Ahead of Time

Whether you prefer staying at a campsite, Bed & Breakfast, or hotel, planning your lodging before you visit is ideal. During these unique times, businesses and campgrounds are navigating their sanitation practices and availability daily. To ensure the lodging best aligns with your standards, research and book your stay ahead of arrival.

9. Prep Your Itinerary

Responsible recreation abounds in the La Crosse Region but based on your length of stay, you may want to plan your bucket-list in advance. Here are some helpful links to help you build your perfect itinerary:
Where to Eat | Things to Do | Outdoor Recreation | Seasons to Visit

Immerse Yourself:

10. Shop and Eat Local

A road trip is a classic way to immerse yourself in a new environment and experience local cultures. The La Crosse Region is proudly home to many family-owned and small businesses. From antique stores and boutiques to vintage martini bars and handcrafted breweries, there is a plethora of local stores and restaurants to visit. Don’t forget to drink Leinie’s or Spotted Cow and experience La Crosse’s famous Old Fashions and Bloody Mary’s while you’re here! We thank you in advance for supporting La Crosse Region businesses during these unique times.

*Fuel* Throttle Ahead! Kidding… Please don’t speed.

Plan your stay nestled between towering bluffs and along the grand Mississippi River. With indoor and outdoor activities, arts and culture, and a vast variety of places to eat and stay, you’re bound to enjoy the area from sunrise to sunset. We look forward to safely host you when you’re ready! Drive Safe!

What Kind of La Crosse Region Beverage Are You?

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Find out what kind of La Crosse Region beverage you are and when you’re ready, use your results to plan where to enjoy your perfect drink!

Whether you enjoy a casual beer and bloody mary or prefer to keep it classy with an old fashioned or aged wine, the La Crosse Region offers famous drinks to savor all year round. Let your Beverage persona help you identify where to swing by during your next La Crosse Region visit!

5 Places to Eat on the Water

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By: Sara Walters

Spring and summer are short and sweet in the La Crosse Region. Want to take advantage of the option to dine outside? Here are five* great places to eat on the water—where there’s an abundance of river views and sunshine.  

Moxie’s

The Tiki Bar at Moxie’s in La Crosse is about as tropical as it gets in the city limits. Located on a large Black River beachfront, patrons enjoy yard games, firepits, covered seating, live music, and of course, tropical-themed cocktails. Island and standard American fare make up the tasty menu at Moxie’s.

River Rats

A French Island favorite, River Rats is small in stature but mighty in fun. Pull your boat up to the dock, order yourself an award-winning “Proud Mary,” and share some yummy apps out on the patio. Locals love the wings and the cheese curds.

Pettibone Boat Club

After a day on the Mississippi River, nothing tastes better than a cold beer and a burger at the Pettibone Boat Club in La Crosse. Bring the whole family and watch the boats making their way up the main channel. Planning to head back out on the water after your meal? You can even gas up your boat at the club’s dock.

Huck Finn’s on the Water

If you’re looking for live music and sensational seafood, you’ll want to grab a table on the marina-front patio at Huck Finn’s. The docks are rockin’ all summer long at this long-time French Island establishment.

Red Pines Bar and Grill

A Northwoods spin on seafood and has made Red Pines a Brice Prairie fan-favorite. Beautiful views of Lake Onalaska paired with tasty catfish and walleye sandwiches make for a perfect summer dining destination. On chilly summer nights, cozy up in the heated patio or work up a sweat on the sand volleyball courts.

*Disclaimer: This is just my perspective on La Crosse County events, businesses, and activities. I’m only one local opinion. Explore the rest of the site to learn more on those that I’ve missed.

Sara Walters

Writer

Sara Walters is a writer, mom and marketing professional. She lives in La Crescent, MN with her husband and two daughters, Caroline and Maggie. Visit Sara’s website at creativecontentandconsulting.com.

Top Shorelines to Fish Today

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Photo by: Norman Yackle | Instagram: @Normalicious | NormsGuideService.com

Top Spots to Fish Shorelines in the La Crosse Region

The La Crosse Region is known for being located directly on the Mississippi River, one of the greatest fisheries in the country.  Touting over 119 species, Old Man River is a destination for die-hard anglers and families alike.  Numerous creeks, streams, and other rivers flow into the Mississippi River that also make for excellent opportunities to reel in dinner. 

No boat?  No problem! 
The area has amazing options to fish from shorelines, docks, piers, floats, and more without ever having to step foot on the water.

Goose Island

Located just 3 miles south of downtown La Crosse, Goose Island Campground is an angler’s paradise.  Over 2.5 miles of fishable shoreline through the campground, trails, and the newly expanded roadway into the campground, all of which set up a perfect environment to catch bluegill, perch, bass, northern pike, walleye, catfish, drum, and more!

Pettibone Lagoon

Pettibone Lagoon is the family-friendly backwater bay in Pettibone Park, located directly across the Mississippi River from Historic Downtown La Crosse.  This scenic park offers multiple shoreline areas, docks, and piers to target plentiful quantities of bluegill, crappie, bass, and pike.  Numerous small to medium-sized panfish make this the go-to for new anglers and kids looking for constant action and a lot of catching.

Spillways, Dams, and Floats… Oh my!

The Best Dam Fishing Float and the Clements Fishing Barge are amazing fishing piers located right below the dams on pools 8 and 9, respectively.  These fishing floats are prime locations for vast quantities at everything that swims in the fruitful waters.  The spillways between pools and near the dams also offer great fishing for numerous species.  The current and flow over the spillways create oxygen-rich waters that attract fish and make perfect locations for making memories or catching dinner.

Pristine Trout Creeks

La Crosse is located in the Driftless Region, an area of southwest Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, and northeastern Iowa. During the ice age, this region escaped the flattening effects of glaciers and is characterized by spring-fed waterfalls, deeply carved river valleys, forested ridges, and cold-water trout streams. Over 600 spring-fed creeks provide superb habitat for brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. Restoration surveys state astounding populations of trout up to 2,500 fish per mile, a ridiculously impressive number especially for the small to modest-sized creeks of the area. The best part, all of the creeks are publicly accessible to wade or fish along shorelines through the angler-friendly access laws and easement agreements with landowners.

Reel in Some Memories

Whether you consider yourself a pro or just want to spend some peaceful time fishing the local waters, you can enjoy safe, responsible recreation in the La Crosse Region. When you’re ready, fish along shorelines like no other and most importantly… have fun exploring!

Helpful Resources

Goose Island Campground: Learn More >
Pettibone Lagoon: Learn More >
La Crosse Parks & Rec: Learn More >
Dept. of Natural Resources: Learn More>

Helpful Vendors

Goose Island Campground: Rentals & Supplies >
Pettibone Park: Rentals & Supplies >
Island Outdoors: Rentals & Supplies >

“Gramping” – Memory Making for All Ages

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This year has been unique and the concept of travel and play has had to evolve. Specifically, “gramping” or a “grandcation,” has become a new approach to vacation and play growing in popularity! Vacations have traditionally involved multiple generations, but gramping is a special getaway dedicated to that of the grands and grandkids. Whether it is experiencing new, local play together or hitting the road and exploring a new destination, the family can enjoy summer vacation with a twist, no parents required.

If you’re from the La Crosse Region or interested in making the trip, check out our list of some age-friendly, gramping activities available to you!

Sights

Riverside Park

Riverside Park is legendary in the La Crosse Region and is an accessible stop one block from Historic Downtown. Take a stroll along the winding sidewalks along the mighty Mississippi River, admire the Big Blue Bridge from afar, and loop through the International Friendship Garden. Bursting with unique flowers, plants, art, sculptures and river landings, the garden lends the perfect photo op for your family during your visit together.

Grandad Bluff

Drive up to Grandad Bluff in La Crosse for an unforgettable view of the Mississippi River, La Crosse, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Voted “the most scenic view in the state,” by Wisconsin Trails’ readers, the bluff stands 600-feet tall and is a must-stop destination in the La Crosse Region. With binoculars, a shelter house, picnic areas, and more, the accessible location will provide exploration for all ages.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

A spiritual destination for visitors all over the world, the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe offers exceptional views, stunning architecture and more. Nestled into 100-acres on the ancient bluffs, you can enjoy tours of the beautiful chapels, statues, gardens and devotional areas. Enjoy a spiritual experience and end your excursion in their café or gift shop as hours permit.

Classics

La Crosse Queen

“Cruise back in time and explore the Upper Mississippi with us!” A modern-day replica of historic, 1900s paddlewheel river boats, the La Crosse Queen provides river cruises and tours of the mighty Mississippi River. Located in Riverside Park, the Queen is the perfect gramping excursion. Whether you crave an afternoon Pizza Cruise, a Captain’s Sunday Brunch paddle, or a Sightseeing Cruise, the group will get on the River in a safe, socially responsible way. Hit the water and feel the wind in your hair along the La Crosse Region’s banks.

Hixon House

The Hixon House was built in 1858 by pioneer and lumber baron Gideon Hixon. In 1965 the family’s descendants gifted the home to the La Crosse Historical Society complete with original Victorian, arts and hand-crafted furnishings. Journey through the La Crosse Region’s history with your clan at the historical museum. Tours are available by appointment.

Downtown La Crosse

With charming specialty shops, clothing boutiques, hardware, antiques, music stores and more, Historic Downtown La Crosse is an proper destination for all. Downtown is full of life with award-winning restaurants, cafés and pubs, theaters and galleries, museums and public art. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River and explore a thriving downtown steeped with history and culture. Walkable and age-friendly, Historic Downtown La Crosse is a destination to consider for an hour or an entire afternoon.

P.S. The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor is a must-stop while downtown for your sweet tooth! Travel back in time at the authentic 1930’s shop with an old, wooden counter, 20 flavors of ice cream, vintage milkshake machines, homemade candies and more!

Exploration

Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center

This “Norwegian Valley” center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the natural environment and heritage of the surrounding Coon Valley in Southwest Wisconsin. With a Visitors Center, a historical homestead, an arboretum, a Heritage Site, and nature trails, Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center is truly an adventure-packed destination. Whether you want a formal tour, to rent a cabin, or just explore with your family, memories will be made. Special note – lookout for the famous, friendly trolls and nisse on the Troll Trail!

Down a Country Road

A short trip from the La Crosse Hub in Cashton, Wisconsin is a cozy village of rainbow shops. Open all week besides Sundays, Down a Country Road lends browsing and tours alike! Found in the heart of Amish Country, the six village shops offer unique, specialty foods, children’s goods, ice cream, and other hand-crafted treasures!

Hidden Hills

For hours of adventure, head to Hidden Hills. Minutes from La Crosse in Stoddard, Wisconsin is a family-owned wonderland with a petting farm, nerf and paintball courses, obstacle and compass courses, and quaint, homemade goods. Burn some energy and get active outdoors at this safe location suited for all.

Coulee Golf Bowl

Another classic, age-friendly way to get active would be to golf. Coulee Golf Bowl is located in Onalaska, Wisconsin, and has affordable pricing, especially for seniors and juniors, to swing into an adventure. If walking is not an option, don’t worry, there are cart rental fees for under $20! If you work up an appetite post-game, you can swing by their Bar and Grill for some crave-worthy grub.

Activities

Birding

Whether it is migration season or not, the La Crosse Region is known for some of the best birdwatching in the Upper Midwest. With Eagles and Egrets, bluebirds, warblers and more, you’ll find unique species in a peaceful setting with your entourage. You can find a plethora of bird sightings at Goose Island County Park, Van Loon State Wildlife Area, Myrick Park, the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and more! Don’t forget to snag your binoculars!

Fishing

Fishing is an age-old way to pass the time and what better setting than that on numerous riverlands and between the magnificent bluffs. Summertime fishing in the La Crosse Region can be one of the most exciting experiences all year. No matter the species you seek, their metabolism is spiking and they are waiting to help you reel in some memories. From big northern pike and bass to walleye and panfish, you’ll find a phenomenal variety if you choose hit the water or fish one of the many public docks and landings.

The great thing about “gramping” is there is no true definition… make it what you want! Everyone wins; parents get to enjoy some much-earned relaxation, and grandparents get to spend coveted time with their grandchildren. When you’re ready to explore, we hope you can enjoy some of these age-friendly adventures in the La Crosse Region.

Helpful Resources

Where to Stay | Where to Eat | More Things to Do

“Staycation” Bucket List

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Stay Safe. Stay Comfortable. Stay Here.

The concept of vacation has changed over the last few months, and Explore La Crosse is here to help you plan for yours. If you’re from the La Crosse Region, don’t worry… there’s no need to pack!  You can make summer memories with day trips and local attractions. The Region is jam-packed with epic excursions, socially-responsible recreation, peaceful havens and tasty treats.

Explore locally with our Backyard Bucket List!

Here’s Some Helpful Links:

Public Art | Scenic Spots | Fishing | Hiking | Biking | Restaurants

Wisconsin Brewdown 2020

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Wisconsin’s beer scene is well known and one to savor. “With hundreds of breweries across the state and thousands of delicious beers, we certainly have many reasons to cheers,” states Travel Wisconsin.

But which brewery is truly un-brew-lievable and ranks above the rest? Travel Wisconsin has created the Wisconsin Brewdown to find out.

You can now nominate your favorite Wisconsin brewery on the official Travel Wisconsin Facebook nomination post. While your vote can be cast for any Wisconsin brewery, don’t forget about the many sudsy brews in the La Crosse Region!

The La Crosse Region is proud to host 608 Brewing Co., Turtle Stack Brewery, and Pearl Street Brewery in La Crosse as well as Skeleton Crew Brew in Onalaska.

By nominating your local favorite, you are helping to support these renowned breweries during this challenging time.

Ready to name your favorite? Nominations are open Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26, 2020.

Thanks for your nomination and cheers to Wisconsin Beers!

Stay Up-to-Date: Later this month, you’ll have the chance to vote on the final nominees from each region of the state and help determine who is top in Wisconsin hops in the ultimate Wisconsin Brewdown. Make sure to watch our Facebook Page for your opportunity to vote!

* Note that only nominations on the original Facebook post will be counted. If you share the post, direct friends to comment on the original post to submit their nomination.

What Should Be Your Next Hobby?

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What Should Your Next Hobby Be?

Find out what your next hobby should be. When you’re ready, use your results to plan your road trip to the La Crosse Region!

Take the quiz and find how your interests and personality lead to compatible hobbies for you!

When you’re ready, use your hobby inspo to help customize your next trip to the La Crosse Region! Whether you prefer to explore outside, spend “me-time” indoors, or turn up the volume when you’re bored, the Region will suit your niche and will keep you coming back for more!

Apple Blossom Scenic Drive

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Hiking at Apple Blossom Overlook Park in La Crescent, Minnesota in fall.

Have you enjoyed the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive yet? Early to Mid-May is the peak season to experience the natural beauty of rolling hills covered in blossoming apple 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.

apple blossom scenic drive la crescent minnesota

Nestled between the Mississippi River on the East and towering bluffs on the West, lies La Crescent, MN. “The nearby orchards remind us of our heritage, especially in the spring with the apple blossoms and their fragrance or in the fall with the multitude of colors,” states the La Crescent Chamber of Commerce. The history is rich in La Crescent as their first orchard was planted in the 1850s. The small community is claimed as the Apple Capital of Minnesota, but the orchards span far into the bluffs along the Minnesota Scenic Byway.

The route is famous for its breathtaking landscape bursting with thousands of sweet-smelling apple blossoms. For this reason, Cherryl Jostad, from the La Crescent City Council, comments that “Apple Blossom Drive is among my ‘must-do’ activities with visitors.” On May 18th, she updated that “As one winds to the top of the bluff overlooking La Crescent and the Mississippi, there is currently an orchard in bloom to the right, and a bit farther along, one on the left.” Cherryl also encourages tourists to enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the views of the Driftless Region on the various wayside pull-offs.

The “17-mile route isn’t so much a way to reach your next destination as it is a destination unto itself,” mentions the La Crosse Tribune. Conveniently, each end of Apple Blossom Scenic Drive connects to Great River Road (Highway 61), so it is easily accessible for cars and cyclers alike. Enjoying the road trip? With connections to the National Scenic Byway, you can continue course through the Mississippi River Valley! For directions to the route from La Crescent, MN, Click Here.

Looking to explore via bicycle? Apple Blossom Loop is very popular; commonly tackled by local riders and those new to the road cycling scene in the Driftless Region. The picturesque loop is approximately 35 miles long, traveling from La Crosse, through apple orchards, over the bluffs with views of the Mississippi River and descending into La Crescent, MN. Click Here to view an interactive map that provides a detailed description, elevation, cue sheets, and more. For even more fun you can join the annual Apple Blossom Bike Tour, held by the La Crescent Rotary which takes them on 1 of 6 possible routes through the beautiful Apple Blossom Valley region. 

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Ignite Your 5 Senses>

Enjoy the Outdoors Amidst “Safer at Home”

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The Safer At Home order issued by Governor Evers has banned non-essential travel with few exceptions. One of the exceptions defined in the order relates to outdoor activity.  Outdoor activity is essential to provide both physical and mental health benefits during these unprecedented times.  Here in the La Crosse Region, there are great outdoor resources and opportunities for you to enjoy while practicing safe social distancing.

Hiking & Biking

A perfect way to stretch the legs and let your furry friends burn off some energy is with a quick stroll down (or up) one of the many great trails the area offers.  The Great River State Trail, La Crosse River Trail, and Three Rivers Trail are great options for easy, flat walking or biking with beautiful scenery along the routes.

Looking for something to burn the legs a bit more?  A multitude of options for more difficult terrain, climbs, features, and scenic lookouts at the Hixon Forest Trails and La Crosse Blufflands Trails.

*Please be aware that hiking on muddy trails causes permanent damage to sensitive habitats. If you come upon a muddy trail, go back – don’t go around.  During the spring thaw, some of the Hixon Forest Trails and Upper Hixon Trails are closed to protection and sustainability to enjoy in the future.  For up-to-date information on trail closures, visit the Outdoor Recreation Alliance website at www.oratrails.com.

If road cycling is more your style, be sure to check out the numerous routes from Bicycle La Crosse that highlight the area, which offers some of the best bicycling in the Midwest.  Listed, you will find easy in-town rides to moderate or hard routes to get the blood flowing and the legs burning through some of the area’s best and biggest hills and bluffs!

Fishing

Spring is primetime for phenomenal fishing, no matter the species you seek.  As fish prepare for the spawn and recovery afterward, they will be eating anything that passes within striking distance.  This is the perfect time to check out some of the pristine streams for trout, hit the main channel for big walleye, perch, and sauger, or navigate the scenic backwaters for tasty bluegills, crappies, big northern pike or largemouth bass.

For more information and tips to enjoy safe fishing during this time, be sure to check out #FishSmart in the La Crosse Region.

Hunting

The spring turkey-hunting season begins April 15th and extends through May 26th.  All public hunting grounds remain open to turkey hunters, including those state parks closed by Governor effective April 10th, 2020.  Additional public lands open to hunting in the La Crosse region include the Coulee Experimental Forest, Van Loon Wildlife Area, and several Mississippi Valley Conservancy nature preserves.

Don’t have a turkey tag but interested in trying your luck at bagging a bearded bird?  Bonus harvest authorizations (remaining turkey tags) are still available online at the DNR’s website on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is waterfowl hunting more your style?  While that season is not currently open, now is a great time to gear up to hunt the Mississippi River Migratory Flyway, one of the best waterfowl hunting destinations in the country.  Wisconsin Ducks Unlimited Online Auctions provide an opportunity never before offered outside of an event setting.  Wisconsin’s DU team will host a different auction weekly for your chance at exclusive gear while supporting waterfowl and wetlands conservation.

Enjoy Nature Virtually

Nature offers endless opportunities for exploration, and now you can enjoy it from the comfort of your couch!  Thanks to the partnerships of the Raptor Resource Project and multimedia organization, explore, you can view incredible live feeds of falcons on Great Spirit Bluff in La Crescent, MN, or two separate bald eagle nests located in Decorah, IA.  Decorah Eagles and Decorah North Eagles show stunning live looks inside the nests of the 7-foot wing-spanned national bird.

As a reminder, keep it local…

You don’t need to travel for any of the aforementioned activities. Take this time to make plans for great future excursions outside your community once the Safer At Home order has concluded.

Continue to practice safe social distancing.  Be sure to keep at least 6 feet between you and anyone you may encounter while on the trail, field, or water and only enjoy these activities with those in your immediate household.

Safer At Home may mean social isolation, but it still allows for some much needed enjoyment of the outdoors.  This means more time with the family in the woods, on the water, on the trails, or planning that future family excursion.  So enjoy it!