Reasons to Visit Each Season

The La Crosse Region in Wisconsin is a year-round must-travel destination that bursts with blossoms in spring, boasts trails and festivals in summer, showcases vibrant fall colors on its bluffs, and provides a plethora of winter entertainment. From strolling through blooming gardens in spring to enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and biking in summer, and witnessing the stunning fall foliage on the bluffs, visitors can immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. In winter, there are opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, and so much more. No matter the season, the La Crosse Region offers a diverse range of experiences for everyone to enjoy.

Explore The Seasons in The La Crosse Region


Winter In The Region

Winter Recreation | Fishing Adventures | Cozy Escapes

In the La Crosse region, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, indulge in thrilling outdoor activities, and find comfort and warmth in the cozy indoor spaces. It’s a winter playground that caters to every interest and skill level, inviting you to create unforgettable experiences!

Winter Recreation

As winter blankets the region with glistening snow, the La Crosse Region transforms into a captivating winter wonderland. Outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to embrace the season with fat tire biking, skiing, and winter hiking or snowshoeing. Traverse the scenic trails, feel the crisp winter air, and admire the beauty of the surroundings.

Fishing Adventures

For those seeking a different kind of adventure, the La Crosse region also offers excellent opportunities for ice fishing. With numerous lakes and waterways teeming with fish, anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching walleye, northern pike, and panfish while surrounded by the tranquility of the frozen landscape.

Cozy Escapes

When it’s time to take a break from the outdoor adventures, the La Crosse region has something to offer for those looking for cozy indoor activities as well. Explore the charming shops, boutiques, and markets, where you can find unique treasures, stylish winter fashion, and locally made products. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or a warm latte from one of the cozy cafes while taking in the ambiance of the winter season.

After a day of outdoor adventures in the La Crosse Region, there’s nothing quite like warming up with some comfort food. Luckily, no one does cozy dining quite like the Region.


Spring In The Region

Trails | Scenic Drives | Blooms

Embrace spring in the La Crosse region, where trails are eagerly waiting to be explored after winter. Take scenic drives along the Great River Road, to see rolling hills and charming river towns. Experience vibrant, apple blossom trees and blooming gardens and enjoy this captivating region of natural beauty!

Trails

The Great River State TrailLa Crosse River Trail, and Three Rivers Trail present excellent choices for individuals seeking pleasant walking or cycling experiences, all accompanied by scenic views. However, for those craving a more challenging adventure, the Hixon Forest Trails and La Crosse Blufflands Trails offer advanced terrains, rewarding climbs, and captivating scenic overlooks.

Scenic Drives

Conveniently located midway between Milwaukee and the Twin Cities, directly off I-90 and and just 40 miles west of I-94, La Crosse, WI, is your perfect hub for exploring the region. Family fun, arts & culture, outdoor activities, sports & entertainment – this area has access to it all!

Blooms

Apple Blossom Scenic Drive is a breathtaking journey through the beauty of spring. As you meander along the winding roads, you’ll be greeted by stunning apple orchards in full bloom. It’s a picturesque experience that captures the essence of the season in a single drive.


la crosse wisconsin swimming boating mississippi river things to do with family

Summer In The Region

Out On The Water | Natural Wonders | Outdoor Dining

During the summer months, the La Crosse Region becomes a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is blessed with an extensive network of waterways, perfect for boating, fishing, and exploring nature. The Region is full of one-of-a-kind sightseeing opportunities that make for a great summer road trip itinerary, and the outdoor and waterfront dining is simply blissful!

Out On The Water

Experience the refreshing embrace of Lake Onalaska or the scenic river lands by renting a kayak or canoe. Launch your boat at one of the many convenient landings and embark on a captivating journey down the iconic Mississippi River. The sandbar islands along the Mississippi River offer free camping opportunities, providing the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable memories with your friends and loved ones in the Driftless Region.

Summertime fishing in the La Crosse Region can’t get any better! The warm water conditions significantly heighten fish activity and predictability, making it a prime time to engage in heart-pounding topwater action for big northern pike and bass in the backwaters. Fly fishing enthusiasts can indulge in pursuing walleye in the pristine trout streams, while those seeking panfish can relish the thrill of filling their livewell with slab crappies and bluegills.

Natural Wonders

Discover the remarkable blend of spirituality and natural beauty. From the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe amidst breathtaking glacial paths and rolling hills to Kinstone’s megalithic structures and enchanting gardens there are many unique wonders that are best explored under a little sunshine. Experience the convergence of nature’s wonders and spiritual grace in this captivating region.

Outdoor Dining

Indulge in the La Crosse Region’s renowned culinary destinations, where over 100 eateries await your palate. Whether you prefer dining on outdoor patios nestled among the bluffs, sipping cocktails in retro martini bars, savoring flavors in renovated historic buildings, or enjoying the ambiance of a waterfront view, you’ll find a setting like no other.

There’s more! – The Coulee Region Craft Beverage Trail showcases 14 of the area’s finest breweries, wineries, and distilleries, offering a delightful journey for your taste buds. Immerse yourself in tastings and tours that take you along the picturesque Mississippi River, atop majestic bluffs, through stunning vineyards, and into the heart of historic downtowns.


la crosse wisconsin swimming boating mississippi river things to do with family

Fall In The Region

Festival Season | Vibrant Colors | Fall-tastic Fun Fun

If you haven’t had the opportunity to witness the fall season in the La Crosse Region and its surrounding area, you simply must add it to your bucket list. The sight of the trees covering the bluffs as their colors change is truly breathtaking. The region is famously host to many iconic festivals. And, for some fall-family-fun, you can also find numerous apple orchards and pumpkin patches that are sure to entertain!

Festival Season

Fall festivals in the La Crosse Region are a true reflection of the community’s spirit and offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, traditions, and values. While the region is known for its year-round festivities, the fall season brings about a special charm with festivals that capture the essence of the season.

However, it’s important to note that the La Crosse Region embraces the spirit of celebration all year long, and you’ll always find a good excuse to join in on the fun, regardless of the season. So, whether you’re visiting during the fall or any other time of the year, be prepared to experience the joy and vibrancy of the local festivals that make this community truly remarkable.

Vibrant Colors

As the seasons transition and the colors of nature begin to transform, the La Crosse Region emerges with an unparalleled vibrancy that captivates the senses. Along the ancient bluff sides, where time has carved its story, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds. The verdant foliage undergoes a magical metamorphosis, painting the landscape in a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Fall-tastic Fun

Explore the vibrant fall season in the La Crosse Region. Get lost in the Hidden Trails Corn Maze and enjoy pumpkin picking and wagon rides. Visit Rainbow Ridge Farms for a picturesque pumpkin patch, or take in the breathtaking views from Grandad Bluff and Sunny the Sunfish Lookout and embrace the joys of autumn in this remarkable region. With each experience, you’ll create lasting memories and truly appreciate the beauty and bounty of this remarkable season.

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