Attractions and Places To See around La Crosse - Top 20

The La Crosse area, part of the unique Driftless Region, offers diverse hiking opportunities. You can explore trails in Hixon Forest, which provides nearly ten miles of dog-friendly paths with views of the region. For easier options, the Easy hikes around La Crosse guide features routes like the Snakeroot, Blazingstar and Quarry Loop Trail, and the Riverside Park Loop. Many trails offer stunning views of the bluffs and the Mississippi River Valley.

For breathtaking panoramic views, visit Grandad Bluff, which stands 600 feet high and offers vistas of the city, the Mississippi River Valley, and even parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Another excellent spot is the View of the Mississippi River from the Bridge, which provides expansive river views from a divided walkway suitable for biking and walking. Riverside Park also offers direct access to the river's edge with scenic promenades.

Yes, La Crosse offers several family-friendly options. Riverside Park is a great central hub with green spaces and paved trails, perfect for a stroll. The View of the Mississippi River from the Bridge has a safe, divided walkway for families to enjoy river views. Additionally, the Children's Museum of La Crosse provides interactive exhibits, and Myrick Park features the Kids Coulee Playground and access to the La Crosse River Marsh trails.

La Crosse boasts a rich cultural and historical landscape. The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a significant religious landmark with beautiful architecture and gardens. The Pump House Regional Arts Center, housed in a historic building, offers galleries, theater, and music. You can also explore the Dahl Auto Museum for vintage cars or the La Crosse Area Heritage Center for insights into the city's past. Don't miss the Riverside International Friendship Gardens within Riverside Park, celebrating global cultures.

La Crosse is excellent for cycling. The La Crosse Trailhead provides access to both the La Crosse State Trail and the Great River State Trail, which offers 101 miles of interconnecting bike trails. For mountain biking, Hixon Forest has challenging trails. You can find more routes in the Cycling around La Crosse and MTB Trails around La Crosse guides, including the Mississippi River & Apple Blossom Scenic Byway loop and various Hixon Forest loops.

Yes, several attractions in La Crosse are wheelchair-accessible. Riverside Park features paved trails and accessible areas along the riverfront. The La Crosse - International Friendship Garden is also noted as wheelchair-accessible. Additionally, the Rest Stop on the Great River Trail in Onalaska, just north of La Crosse, offers accessible facilities and a good viewpoint.

You can directly experience the Mississippi River from Riverside Park, which sits at the confluence of three rivers and offers walking trails along its banks. From here, you can also board La Crosse Queen paddlewheel boat cruises for sightseeing or dinner. Pettibone Park, located on Barron Island, provides a beach, fishing docks, and walking trails with river views. The river is also popular for kayaking and fishing.

The Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is an excellent location for wildlife viewing, especially birdwatching, with eagles, tundra swans, and various other bird species. The La Crosse River Marsh, accessible from The Nature Place in Myrick Park, is another prime spot for observing local wildlife. 7 Bridges Road & the Van Loon State Wildlife Area is also known for its diverse wildlife and importance as a bird area.

Yes, the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive offers picturesque views, particularly in the fall. This route winds past apple orchards and showcases the beautiful Mississippi River Valley, providing a lovely way to experience the region's natural beauty by car.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the panoramic views from Grandad Bluff and the expansive vistas of the Mississippi River. The accessibility of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking on trails like those accessed via the La Crosse Trailhead, to enjoying the river itself from Riverside Park, is also highly valued. The blend of outdoor adventure with rich cultural and historical sites, such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Pump House Regional Arts Center, makes for a diverse and engaging experience.

For a unique photo opportunity, check out The World's Largest 6-Pack, a quirky roadside attraction that reflects the city's brewing history. It's a fun, lighthearted stop that adds a touch of local character to your visit.