The La Crosse Region Bursts with Enchanting Adventure as Unique as Each Explorer.
The La Crosse Region is mere hours from the hustle and bustle of Midwest hubs and is nestled between ancient bluffs along the Mississippi River. Discover festive culture, cozy flavors, charming history, winter views, and unparalleled outdoor recreation!
Just Name Your Niche – IT’S IN OUR NATURE!
The La Crosse Region is just a road trip away and offers authentic experiences as unique as each member of your entourage. Brimming with adventure suitable for all ages, the area is famous for savory flavors, colorful culture, fiery vistas, and diverse attractions. From family-friendly dazzling light shows, exciting outdoor adventures, romantic restaurants, and artistic getaways – get ready to make memories with those that matter most between the bluffs and along the Mississippi River.
Elevate Your Outdoor Adventures
Whether you prefer to wander the multiple rivers or traverse the La Crosse Region’s miles of frosted trails, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in local adventure! Gear up for winter weather and hit the slopes! You’ll find trails ideal for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. If you’d rather hit the road and fat-tire bike amidst ancient snow-powdered bluffs, the area offers over 100 miles of paved and gravel trails. Visitors can find a wide variety of hiking, mountain biking, and cycling opportunities perfect for getting active amidst the Driftless topography.
The Savory Side
The La Crosse Region is famed for outstanding food and beverage havens. If you’re in search of the finer things and decadent fares, the Waterfront Restaurant, SAGRA Food & Wine, and the Charmant are excellent stops during your visit. Looking for burgers and classic bites? Taverns, pizzerias, ethnic establishments, and retro martini bars abound. Don’t forget to drink in adventure along the Coulee Craft Beverage Trail with the local distillery, four breweries, and eleven wineries! Each establishment offers seasonal specialties and unique ambiances.
Get Festive Year-Round
Perhaps nothing says as much about a community as the manner in which it comes together to celebrate. Local festivals are the perfect way to learn about the culture of a place–its people, traditions, and values. Every area has its quirky small-town festivals, and the La Crosse Region is no exception; from the annual sparkling Rotary Lights display and Between the Bluffs Beer & Bites Festival to seasonal events like holiday tours and fairs. There’s always a good excuse for celebrating together year-round.
Shopping & Historic Downtown
Historic Downtown La Crosse is a famed regional gem. Located next to Riverside Park on the Mississippi River, it shines with unique architecture and thrives with a variety of small businesses, restaurants, and shops.
The La Crosse Region has the largest shopping district in nine counties and is worth the trip! Finding one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs is easy, especially if you love to shop small. Onalaska also boasts a multitude of commercial stores and the Valley View Mall.
The Ancient Topography
The La Crosse Region is nestled in the Driftless Region – a unique part of the world with unparalleled views and ancient, distinct topography. “Drift” refers to glacial drift: the rock and sediment deposited by a glacier as it moves over an area of land. A small piece of the Upper Mississippi Region was left untouched during the last Ice Age, leaving no glacial erosion or deposits. While surrounding landscapes were flattened by glaciers, the Driftless Region remains with its original, rugged terrain. The natural topography reaches into parts of the Upper Midwest – however, the La Crosse Region is special; located where the Mississippi River and Driftless Region collide, beside the Great River Road.
View Signature Sights
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 our famous, Driftless bluffs proudly sit on the route. Our region is part of the 33 Mississippi River towns along Highway 35, and welcomes the many visitors that use the route to see the vivid fall foliage every year. Three famous stops while traveling the Great River Road include Grandad Bluff in La Crosse, Great River Landing in Onalaska, and Apple Blossom Scenic Overlook in La Crescent, Minnesota. It’s no secret the area is famous for breathtaking landscapes, historic monuments, legendary parks, and a plethora of other outstanding sights.
Family-Friendly Fun
Ready to warm up with an indoor activity? Check out these family-fun adventures! Follow clues, solve riddles, and make memories at La Crosse Escape Room or The Great Escape of La Crosse. Unleash your inner artist at All Glazed Up! with paint your own pottery, painting classes, and pottery wheels. Partake in action-packed fun at Jump Start Adventure Park with a multi-attraction indoor experience, perfect for youth and all ages. Get ready for your indoor winter escape!
Mesmerizing Arts & Culture
There’s no better time to warm up and appreciate the arts! From the Pump House Regional Arts Center to the La Crosse Center and the La Crosse Community Theater, La Crosse County has some of the region’s finest venues for experiencing visual and performing arts. Home to the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra and top-tier collegiate arts, music, and theatre programs, there is no shortage of opportunities for a night of cultured entertainment. Let’s not forget historic gems like Norskedalen Heritage & Nature Center, the Hixon House and more!
No matter your niche, your next adventure is calling and is just a road trip away. Celebrate this season where fun knows no bounds – the La Crosse Region awaits!
Shop Small & Keep It Local
From coming across one-of-a-kind merchandise to finding your favorite organic-grown produce, there are a multitude of reasons to support your local community and feel great about your purchases.
