A Long-Weekend Itinerary
in the La Crosse Region

Day 1: Stop in La Crescent, MN

Afternoon: Enjoy the view from the “Apple Capital of Minnesota”

La Crescent, MN is the perfect first-stop on your weekend road trip to the La Crosse Region. As you drive east through Minnesota, stop in La Crescent before you cross the Mississippi River into Wisconsin! After spending time in the car, stretch your legs with a hike through one of the scenic routes in the “Apple Capital of Minnesota,” or keep on cruising down Apple Blossom Scenic Drive for beautiful Mississippi River Valley views. If you’re visiting in the fall, check out Van Lin Orchards to kick off your weekend itinerary.

Eagles Bluff Park

Eagles Bluff Park is 63 acres of wooded land, sitting at the top of a scenic bluff. A challenging hike to the top of the bluff offers a beautiful 360-degree view of the area around La Crescent.
PC: City of La Crescent

La Crescent Trail Map >

Apple Blossom Scenic Drive

If you want a more relaxed way to enjoy the view, drive along the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive. You can stop at Apple Blossom Overlook for more trail access and views of the Mississippi River Valley.

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Van Lin Orchards

If you are visiting in September-October, stop by Van Lin Orchards in La Crescent. You can pick your own apples and pumpkins, buy locally-made treats, or wander through their sunflower/corn maze.

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Evening: Drinks, Dinner, and Relaxation

After spending an afternoon enjoying the Mississippi River views, swing by River View Vineyard and Winery for a glass of wine and enjoy dinner at Swing Bridge Pub in downtown La Crescent, before heading to your hotel to check-in, relax, and plan your route for tomorrow.

River View Vineyard and Winery

Stop for a glass of wine with a beautiful view at River View Vineyard and Winery, north of La Crescent. Nestled in the scenic bluffs above the winding Mississippi River Valley.

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Swing Bridge Pub

Check out Swing Bridge Pub, in the heart of La Crescent. Serving up homemade pizzas, tasty sandwiches, Friday Fish Fry, and a full bar, this eatery is the perfect stop after an afternoon of exploring.

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Lodging

Whether you’re looking for a hotel with a river view, a charming B&B, a kid-friendly pool, or a cozy cabin, the La Crosse Region offers a variety of lodging options for every traveler. Find comfortable accommodations that fit your style and budget.

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Day 2: Explore Onalaska, WI & the Mississippi River

Morning: Breakfast and Waterfront Adventures in Onalaska, WI

Spend the morning in scenic Onalaska, starting with breakfast at Blue Moon Restaurant. From there, you are conveniently located across the street from Sunny the Sunfish, and only a mile away from Great River Landing, the trailhead for the Great River State Trail. After you’ve explored through state trails, venture over to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge for more beautiful trails and views of Lake Onalaska.

Blue Moon Restaurant

Blue Moon is a local favorite in Onalaska. They are open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour, but we recommend stopping here for breakfast before exploring Onalaska.

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Sunny the Sunfish

Across the street from Blue Moon is Sunny the Sunfish! Stop by to see Sunny, perched on a scenic overlook of Lake Onalaska, along the Great River Road and Great River State Trail. This is the perfect spot to stop for photo ops!

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Great River Landing & Great River State Trail

Less than a mile down the Great River State Trail from Blue Moon and Sunny the Sunfish you will find the Great River Landing. The Great River Landing serves as the trailhead for the Great River State Trail, connecting to 101 miles of state trails. A new visitor center allows for beautiful views of Lake Onalaska and the Black River.

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Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge La Crosse District Visitor Center

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge Visitor Center is located on Brice Prairie in Onalaska, WI, with paved and gravel trails throughout the refuge, an overlook of Lake Onalaska, and interactive activities for kids.

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Afternoon: Explore the Waterways of the La Crosse Region

Spend the afternoon waterfront! Get lunch at Red Pines Bar and Grill, located along the banks of Lake Onalaska, then get out on the water with Schafer’s River Rentals. If you’re looking for more waterside views, stroll or bike through the trails at Lytle’s Landing.

Red Pines Bar & Grill

Start your afternoon on the water with lunchtime waterfront views at Red Pines Bar & Grill. A casual restaurant serving made-from-scratch meals, they are known for their hand-prepared walleye, lake perch, in-house smoked catfish and burgers.

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Schafer’s River Rentals

Rent a kayak, canoe, pontoon, or fishing boat from Schafer’s and spend the day on the water! Whether you’re looking to cruise the river or catch some fish, the knowledgeable crew at Schafer’s will set you up for an adventure-filled afternoon.

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Lytle’s Landing

Lytle’s Landing is part of the Great River State Trail. Perfect for hiking or biking, the trail follows the former railroad line and crosses a series of bridges, the Black River, and winds through marshes and floodplains.

Lytle’s Landing Trailhead >

Evening: Downtown La Crosse Comfort Food

After a day spent exploring the outdoors, head to downtown La Crosse for a delicious dinner. Stop by Turtle Stack Brewery for craft beer before having a delicious dinner at Big Al’s Pizza. A post-dinner stop at The Pearl for ice cream is a must! All three places are within a block or two of each other, giving you an opportunity to explore our walkable, historic downtown.

Turtle Stack Brewery

Turtle Stack Brewery is a small craft brewery and tasting room located in historic downtown La Crosse. With local favorites and flavorful seasonal beers, Turtle Stack is a locally loved brewery, and the perfect pre-dinner stop after a day of exploring.

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Big Al’s Pizza

A La Crosse legend, Big Al’s Pizza has been a community staple for almost 50 years. You’ll be surrounded by delicious pizzas – including their unique signature pizzas – friendly staff, and vintage Americana. If the weather is nice, enjoy your pizza on their patio!

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The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor

The Pearl is another can’t-miss La Crosse Region institution. This 1930’s-style ice cream parlor serves up over 20 homemade flavors of ice cream, plus hand-pressed waffle cones, classic malts, nostalgic candies, and handmade chocolates.

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Day 3: Biking, Hiking, & Fine Dining in La Crosse, WI

Morning: Bike the Driftless Region

Fuel up for a day on the trails with breakfast at Grounded Patio Cafe in downtown La Crosse. From Grounded, you can walk to Riverside Park to rent bikes through the Drift Cycle Bike Share, ride through marshland over to The Nature Place.

Grounded Patio Cafe

Start your day at Grounded Patio Cafe in downtown La Crosse. With delicious coffee and espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies and more, Grounded is a great spot for a leisurely morning meal, or for a coffee stroll to the nearby charming, local boutiques or scenic Riverside Park.

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Drift Cycle Bike Share at Riverside Park

After breakfast, pop over to Riverside Park to rent bikes through the Drift Cycle Bike Share Program. Drift Cycle has 15 docking stations throughout the community, so you can explore the La Crosse Region by bike and dock your bike whenever you’re ready.

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The Nature Place

The Nature Place is about a 3 mile ride away from Riverside Park, along the La Crosse River and through marshland. This state-of-the-art nature center directly borders Myrick Park and the La Crosse River Marsh, both offer stunning views and scenic bike trails just waiting to be explored.

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Afternoon: Hike the Bluffs

A visit to the La Crosse Region would be amiss without enjoying the bluffs. Stop for a pre-hike lunch at Alpine Inn and choose from a multitude of hiking trail options for the afternoon, with many interconnected trails and a range of difficulty, there is something for everyone.

Alpine Inn

Alpine Inn is a long-standing local favorite for pre- or post-hiking dining. Located at the intersection of Bliss Road and Grandad Bluff Road, Alpine Inn is a central point for accessing multiple interconnected trail systems and Grandad Bluff.

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Grandad Bluff

From Alpine Inn, pop over to Grandad Bluff Park for one of the most well-known views in the La Crosse Region. The 600-ft high bluff overlooks the city of La Crosse, with views of the Mississippi River Valley, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

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Gateway Trails

Located south of Grandad Bluff Road are the Gateway Trails. From Grandad Bluff Road, there are three different places to park, and access to multiple interconnected trails, ranging in difficulty. Offering blufftop views, the Gateway Trails are a favorite for hikers and bikers alike.

Gateway Trails Map >

Lower Hixon Trails

The Lower Hixon Trails are located north of Bliss Road. You can easily access the Oak or Aspen trails from Alpine Inn, or drive to the Hixon Forest Trailhead off of Highway 16. With stunning views of the city of La Crosse, marshland, UW-La Crosse, and many forms of wildlife, these trails are not to be missed.

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Evening: Drinks & Dinner

After a day on the trails, unwind with drinks and dinner at two historic destinations in downtown La Crosse. Stop for cocktails at the Hatchery, a former fish hatchery turned boutique hotel and event venue, with a view of the Mississippi River and Riverside Park. Then enjoy dinner at the Freight House Restaurant, originally a historic railroad freight house built in 1880, now serving up steak and seafood.

Hatchery Hotel & Events Venue

Listed on the National Register of Historic places and situated in iconic Riverside Park, the Hatchery is the perfect pre-dinner stop in downtown La Crosse. Sip on a carefully crafted cocktail in their lounge or from their park-side patio for a relaxing start to the evening.

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Freight House Restaurant

The Freight House Restaurant is a La Crosse Region institution, serving steak, seafood, wine, and cocktails in a historic railroad freight house. With delicious food, top-notch service, and live music, you’ll quickly see why the Freight House is a local favorite.

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Day 4: A Scenic Stop at Niagara Cave

Before you head home, stop for breakfast and coffee at Free Range Exchange, with locations in La Crosse, WI and Hokah, MN. If you’re looking to break up the drive to see a truly unique regional gem, check out Niagara Cave on your way back west.

Free Range Exchange

Start the day at Free Range Exchange for coffee and breakfast. Specializing in scratchmade baked goods (including many gluten free options), directly sourced items from local small businesses and farms, Free Range is a coffee shop, bakery, and mini farmers market in one.

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Niagara Cave

As you’re heading west out of the area, Niagara Cave is a hidden gem that is worth the stop. Hike one mile underground into some of the nation’s most unique caves, where you can discover 450-million-year-old fossils, and soak in the sites of an underground waterfall.

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