Looking for a great dining experience when you visit La Crosse County?
Check out these five hidden gem restaurants that are just as good as the popular places, or, dare we say it, even better.
1. The Mint
This restaurant is a farm to table experience, with locally sourced fresh food coming in daily. If you want delicious food, fresh ingredients, and a soothing, peaceful atmosphere this is the place to go….MORE
2. The Arterial Bar and Grill
If you’re looking for a less crowded bar and grill, The Arterial is your go to. Most people come weekly for Wing Wednesday and with 5 wings for $2.50 and a selection of many different delicious sauces, they never disappoint! They also have breakfast on the weekends,
and happy hour specials….MORE
3. The Root Note
This food stop is an organic restaurant that focuses on promoting local art and music. They have delicious crepes, chili, and fantastic drink specials. Mondays are trivia nights, Tuesdays are Jazz nights, and Wednesdays are open mic nights, all of which are worth a visit….MORE
4. Rosie’s Cafe
If you want a breakfast where everything is prepared from scratch and tastes as homecooked as it looks, then Rosie’s Cafe is the place to be! Their traditional breakfast menu is sure to please….MORE
5. Greengrass Cafe
This restaurant, located near the UWL campus, serves breakfast lunch and dinner, but are known for their breakfast especially. The food is amazing, and it’s a great place to go if you don’t want to break the bank. They also serve ice cream from The Pearl, so you can check off another La Crosse “must do” while you eat….MORE
Western Wisconsin is referred to as “God’s Country” for good reason.
The endless landscapes featuring the splendor of the bluffs and coulees remind us of the highs and lows of life. These sights inspire goodness. We aspire to be more Godly. Meanwhile, the Mississippi River – the other local rivers, too – flow and calm our souls. Man (and woman) can even create places that give us peace. Add artist inspiration to the beauty of God’s work (or Buddha’s work or any other entity you want to attribute it to) and hopefully, you can tap into that inner harmony. If your soul is aching at the promise of contentment, here are some places in Western Wisconsin to try to get in touch with it:
The Shrine
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which was completed in 2008, encompasses about 100 acres, and has a Meditation Trail, Rosary Walk, Catholic Church and several other buildings including a restaurant and gift shop. Those familiar with the loveliness of the hilly woodlands and meandering trout streams in La Crosse County can attest to the spiritual musings that can come about when visiting this Catholic holy ground honoring Jesus’ Mother Mary. The scenery is wonderful at the Shrine, and don’t worry about accessibility. They have a fleet of golf carts and many volunteers who provide all visitors the opportunity to take in the beauty of the grounds. Take the Rosary Walk if the weather is nice and become inspired by God and nature. Daily Tours: Find out more!
The Convent
St. Rose Convent in La Crosse is a popular historical site in the city, and serves as the administrative center for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, with three chapels, more than 50 offices and a home for some of the congregation’s retired sisters. Mary of the Angels Chapel welcomes visitors from around the world. The Web site tells the story of a fire in 1923 that threatened to destroy St. Rose Convent and its chapels, but a statue of St. Michael placed just outside the main chapel doors is credited with protecting that part of the building. Though the fire destroyed the west wing of the Convent, it stopped just short of the vestibule where St. Michael stood guard — that corridor and chapels were untouched. Daily Tours: Find out more!
Spirituality Center
The Franciscan Spirituality Center is a sacred place of simplicity and hospitality for those seeking spiritual renewal, healing, and deeper self-awareness. People of all faiths are welcome to come to learn and experience Franciscan spirituality by discovering God in all creation. Offering individual and group spiritual direction, program and retreat offerings, meeting room space for organizations interested in overnight or daylong conferences or retreats and compassionate listening. Weekly Workshops: Find out more!
Anastasia Penchi is graduate of UW-La Crosse and a long-time Coulee Region writer who has written for area newspapers and magazines (www.loislaneforhire.com).
I have photographed national musicians- American Authors, KISS, Frankie Valli, Sevendust, In This Moment, Papa Roach, Five Finger Death Punch and regional bands – TUGG, The Remainders, and countless others. Since 2015-2017, I was humbled and thankful to be a Best of La Crosse County finalist in the Photographer and Artist categories. Visit bobgoodphotographystudios.com.
La Crosse enjoys thriving relationships with sister cities, business partners, students and people from around the world. To celebrate the success of these partnerships, and build a tribute to the culture and traditions of our worldwide friends, local volunteers have worked together to create the Riverside International Gardens in Riverside Park, located in Downtown La Crosse. The gardens are full of blossoming tulips during the spring months. VIEW RIVERSIDE PARK GALLERY >
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. After you swing in to the overlook head across the street to Blue Moon and grab some of their famous Friday Night Fish!
Friends of McGilvray Road, Inc. and the The Van Loon Wildlife Area Truss Bridge Group is a unique combination of five rare bowstring arch truss bridges and one low truss bridge which was adopted from Pierce County and spans a beautiful 6 miles through the Van Loon Wildlife Area.
Looking for family camping on the banks of the La Crosse River with shaded grassy sites and easily accessible from I-90? Or maybe you are looking for a place to jump on the La Crosse River State Bike Trail? Veterans Memorial Park & Campground offers both of those. Of course, you could just sit by the water with your favorite book or maybe a fishing pole and enjoy the day.
Apple Blossom Scenic Drive
Spring Apple Blossom Season Starting in late May you should plan to bike or drive the 17 mile scenic Apple Blossom Drive, to experience the natural beauty of blossoming apple trees. Ride along the bluff-top roads that overlook the Mississippi River and La Crosse, Wisconsin and descend into the Pine Creek Valley for your return trip back to La Crescent, Minnesota.
Coming in the Fall? Trees are blossoming throughout spring and summer, but as you drive or bike in the fall, plan to stop and pick fresh apples, taste the local apple cider, and purchase your fall pumpkins. Winter is also an opportune time to visit the area, experience perfect snowy landscapes, and snap photos of the migratory birds of the river valley area.
Disclaimer: This is just one perspective on La Crosse County events, businesses and activities. Explore the rest of the site to learn more.
La Crosse is known by locals as the place where three rivers meet…
The superstar of these three rivers is the Mississippi, first made famous by Mark Twain and his novel, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
La Crosse has a population of just more than 50,000 people, and is considered one of the main stopping points for travelers on the Upper Mississippi. Its historic downtown boasts a big city atmosphere with boutique shopping, a focus on the arts and numerous small pubs and eating establishments – all walking distance from the river’s edge. Pleasure boating is a popular pastime on the Mississippi River in La Crosse, and there are four public boat launches that allow boaters to put in and cruise as much as they’d like. Use caution when boating near the city’s midsection on the Fourth of July weekend, as river traffic can be heavy during the community’s annual Riverfest celebration, which is staged at Riverside Park right alongside the Mississippi River. Just north of Riverside Park is the Mississippi’s confluence with the La Crosse River, the smallest of La Crosse’s three intersecting rivers. Not deep enough for motorboats, the La Crosse is a wildlife haven for birdwatchers in canoes who don’t mind portaging when the river is low. A bike/walking trail meanders through the area and connects to Myrick Park in the city center – even joining up with the state’s trail system, which can take bikers to Trempealeau, Sparta and beyond. The Black and Mississippi Rivers merge farther north past the downtown highway bridge near Veteran’s Point Marina. Boating on the Black River will take you to Catgut Marina and its two on-site restaurants: Castaway’s on the Island and Tom Sawyer’s. Other nearby marinas include Black’s Cove and North Bay Marina, which features Huck Finn’s, a restaurant with large window “walls” and great views of the outdoors. 2017 has renewed discussions for a city docking facility to be built at Riverside Park sometime in the future. This would allow boaters to dock and walk to its many delicious upscale eating establishments including The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern, the Freighthouse, Piggy’s Restaurant and Blues Lounge and the Restaurant at the Charmant Hotel. Until then, boaters who want to dock and eat are limited to the Pettibone Boat Club across the Mississippi, or at spots along the Black River. If you’re looking to get on the water but don’t have a speedboat, renting a canoe, kayak or paddleboard is another option. Schafer’s River Rentals rents equipment on nearby Lake Onalaska; and Island Outdoors rents on the Black River. Or maybe you want to enjoy the water without having to do any of the work? The La Crosse Queen, which is docked in Riverside Park, offers sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises and even a pizza cruise for those who prefer to relax while on the water. Additional big boats, including the Julia Belle Swain and American Queen, also grace our shores from time-to-time. La Crosse rivers can even be enjoyed in the winter — ice fishing for bluegills, crappies, Northern pike and bass is common; and cross country skis and other outdoor gear is available for rent locally, too. And don’t forget to visit our rivers amidst the beauty of the autumn leaves and locally grown apples. In nearby La Crescent, Minn., Leidel’s Apples has been in the family for six generations, and has plenty of Honey Crisp, Fireside and other varieties for sale. Van Lin Orchards allows you to pick your own apples, and Hoch Orchards and Gardens has unique varieties not seen other places.
Check out some rockin’ festivals on the river…
Riverfest
June 30 – July 4, 2017 Great entertainers and river activities are highlighted during this event. Also a food fair, beverage tent, Venetian parade, children’s activities and many athletic events are featured. FIREWORKS! www.riverfestlacrosse.com
Great River Folk Festival
August 25-27, 2017 Numerous artists and craftsmen from the Midwest, folk music, traditional crafts, dancing, storytelling and ethnic food. www.greatriverfolkfest.org
La Crescent Applefest
September 14 – 17, 2017 La Crescent, MN. This annual event celebrates La Crescent’s apple industry. Orchard tours, arts & crafts, flea market, Applefest pageant, Sunday parade and much more. www.applefestusa.com
Oktoberfest USA
September 28 – October 1, 2017 Come join the Midwest’s largest German Fall Festival at the Downtown La Crosse Oktoberfest Grounds. Popular for its beer gardens, but also featuring many other family-friendly activities. This celebration includes the Maple Leaf and Torch Light parades, arts & crafts, a bicycle tour, music, sporting events and lots of tasty food. www.oktoberfestusa.com
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is within beautiful natural surroundings that will help pilgrims raise their hearts and minds in thanksgiving to the beauty of God’s creation.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will forever be a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world. The Shrine is nestled in on over 100 acres of God’s Country in the Mississippi River Valley. In addition to the many beautiful chapels, statues, gardens, and devotional areas, the Shrine has a full service café and gift shop open daily. Find a full schedule of events on our website. Admission is always free and the public is welcome. Plan your pilgrimage today!
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe began as a blessed and holy inspiration enhanced with the dedication and hard work of many generous faithful. It forever will be a spiritual destination for pilgrims all over the world, who yearn for peace, love, and compassion that Our Lady of Guadalupe promises.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will forever be a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world. The Shrine is nestled in on over 100 acres of God’s Country in the Mississippi River Valley. In addition to the many beautiful chapels, statues, gardens, and devotional areas, the Shrine has a full service café and gift shop open daily. Find a full schedule of events on our website. Admission is always free and the public is welcome. Plan your pilgrimage today!
When thinking about kayaking, and other paddling the meandering waterways of the La Crosse area are an absolute paradise for paddlers of every stripe. Take the family on a gentle canoe ride through relaxing wetlands courses, or enjoy moderate to strenuous kayaking adventures along the Mississippi, Black, or La Crosse Rivers. Canoe trails, launches, and outfitters abound in the area, making it one of the best paddling destinations in the region. Check out this excellent map of canoe launches in the area to find the most convenient access point for you!
La Crosse likes its tradition. So it’s shouldn’t be a surprise that a city known for a large-scale German Oktoberfest celebration also tailors its menu to the needs of its Roman Catholic residents who observe Lent and avoid most meats each spring.
So begins the Friday night Fish Fry.
No matter if it’s a restaurant special, a church fund-raiser or a community event, Wisconsinites will line up in our winter coats outside (see #5 below) so that we can eat deep fried fish with our neighbors.
And unlike a certain Canadian country up north — where restaurants charge 35 cents for every tiny teaspoon of tartar sauce brought to customers who order fish – our Western Wisconsin restaurants thankfully know better. They give us unlimited tartar sauce, along with creamy coleslaw, French fries and some sort of buttered bun. Wisconsin to make sure to try:
Eat Fish On The Lake
Red Pines Bar and Grill is a restaurant and tavern located on the north shore of Lake Onalaska just north of La Crosse. For a change of pace, try Larry’s Lakeshore Walleye Lunch, a pan-fried walleye filet served with American fries, calico beans and Texas toast for less than $10. The fried haddock and fantailed shrimp dinner they offer in the evening is another local favorite and is also under $10. The trick in the evening is to go early (like at 4 p.m.) or after 8 p.m. Otherwise, it will be busy and there will likely be a wait. Check out the back deck for great lake views. Red Pines was voted No. 1 for both Best Fish Fry and Best Rural Bar in Explore La Crosse’s annual contest in 2016. There is a reason for the wait.
Irish Catholics Hail Here
Houghton’s Jackson Street Pub on La Crosse’s South Side has always been known as a good spot to get Guinness on tap during St. Patrick’s Day. They have four leaf clovers pasted to the building for Blarney’s sake. Houghton’s offers up a more traditional deep fried cod Fish Fry on Friday nights, and this special also comes with soup and salad bar. Non-Catholics should hope their chicken dumpling soup is on the menu that night. It’s a local tradition, and it’s that good. Houghton’s is centrally located close to both the hospitals and downtown. Parking can sometimes be a challenge when there are events nearby, but it’s worth the effort.
Named For A Main Highway
Here is another traditional cod filet Fish Fry dinner, along with soup and salad brought to your table, at another South Side location. The Arterial, located at the corner of Sixteenth and Jackson Streets, has been a family-owned La Crosse tradition for more than 100 years, dating back to pre-prohibition. Historians say it’s been a tavern, a general store, a seamstress shop and more. The Arterial was also among the first group of area eateries to accept www.restaurant.com gift certificates, so Web savvy users save money on their visits when they plan ahead.
An Oasis From Your Kitchen
Visit Club Oasis in Sparta for the traditional All You Can Eat Fish Fry where the wait staff actually come out and ask you if you want more fish instead of hiding in the kitchen after they bring you that first plate. This spot serves Alaskan cod, and it’s the kind of hearty meal that can be appreciated by Wisconsinites because we don’t mind spending $11.95 on All You Can Eat fish that comes with salad bar. And if you are not bound by Catholic tradition, consider adding the Oasis Broasted Chicken to your meal for $1 more. It is highly recommended. Good Catholics can just take the chicken home and eat it cold for lunch the next day – even better.
They Line Up For Fish In Stoddard
Generations of families in Vernon County talk about the Good Friday Smelt Fry at the American Legion in Stoddard, where people line up around the block outside despite our cold Wisconsin winters in order to eat these tiny fried fish whole. This smelt fry has been going on more than 60 years, and is attended by local experts who fish the Mississippi River and nearby waters year-round. If the line to eat smelt is too long, divert and walk over to Rocky’s Supper Club, which is just down the road. Many people rave about their Bleu Fish, which is their special bleu cheese on broiled fish. Have a cocktail at the bar while they get your table ready. Relax and enjoy your dinner night out.
Anastasia Penchi is graduate of UW-La Crosse and a long-time Coulee Region writer who has written for area newspapers and magazines (www.loislaneforhire.com).
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will forever be a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world. The Shrine is nestled in on over 100 acres of God’s Country in the Mississippi River Valley. In addition to the many beautiful chapels, statues, gardens, and devotional areas, the Shrine has a full service café and gift shop open daily. Find a full schedule of events on our website. Admission is always free and the public is welcome. Plan your pilgrimage today!
