The La Crosse Region is just a simple road trip away!
The La Crosse Region is an effortless road trip away from Sioux Falls, straight on I-90! On the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the are nestled between towering bluffs along the Mississippi River. Discover exciting flavors, charming history, captivating views, ancient topography, and unparalleled outdoor recreation.
Just Name Your Niche! Adventure Awaits.
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 craft beverages, sophisticated shops and colorful culture, captivating vistas and diverse attractions. From family-friendly dazzling light shows, exciting outdoor adventures like hitting the slopes, to romantic restaurants, and artistic getaways – get ready to make memories with those that matter most this winter! Explore between the bluffs and along the Mississippi River.
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.
This National Scenic Byway and All-American Road that traverses through ten states along the Mississippi River. Our region is one of 33 river towns to sit on the route.
View Signature Sights
It’s no secret the area is famous for epic landscapes, historic monuments, legendary parks, and a plethora of other outstanding sights. Four famous stops while visiting the area include Grandad Bluff and Riverside Park in La Crosse, Great River Landing in Onalaska, and Apple Blossom Scenic Overlook in La Crescent, Minnesota.
Grandad Bluff soars 600-feet high and overlooks the City of La Crosse, Mississippi River, and even across into Minnesota and Iowa! Tucked between Historic Downtown La Crosse and the Mississippi River, Riverside Park is also a must visit and is home to Moon Tunes, the La Crosse Queen paddleboat, and International Friendship Gardens. In neighboring city, Onalaska, Great river Landing plays host to the Great River State Trail, and across the river in La Crescent, Minnesota sits Apple Blossom Overlook with Mississippi River Valley sights that stretch for miles.
PC: @kalebwschuster
Elevate Your Outdoor Adventures
Whether you prefer to wander the multiple rivers or traverse the La Crosse Region’s miles of trails, you’ll quickly find yourself immersed in local adventure! Warm up and play this winter 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, Lovechild and the Charmant are excellent stops during your visit. Burgers and classic bites, ethnic entrees, and retro martini bars abound but around every riverbend is an outdoor dining oasis. With the many waterways of the La Crosse Region, waterside and heated patio dining promises great food and event better
views. Drink in adventure along the Coulee Craft Beverage Trail with the local distillery, four breweries, and ten wineries!
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 Kornfest, June Dairy Days, Oktoberfest, and Applefest, to Moon Tunes, Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine and Cheese Festival, and Rotary Lights. Don’t forget to check out our upcoming events calendar!
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.
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!
The La Crosse Region Visitor Guide
With the best things to do, upcoming festivals, regional history, and renowned business listings, these guides are your road-map to an exceptional La Crosse Region experience!
Seven Things You Didn’t Know
The majestic bluffs and grand Mississippi River are the backbones of the La Crosse Region. However, there are some unique facts about the area that you may not know!