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La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a stupendous place recognized for its parks, structure, and historic websites. From out of doors adventures to cultural arts choices, La Crosse has a lot to supply for anybody searching for an awesome place to reside—or a unbelievable weekend getaway.
La Crosse County was settled by fur merchants within the late 18th century and additional populated and included by lumber barons within the mid-Nineteenth century. Today, La Crosse County is dwelling to world-class medical amenities. The two finest examples are Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System.
La Crosse Regional Airport gives day by day flights throughout the United States, so in case you are planning to fly in or out of La Crosse, look into Kayak to check gives from dozens of journey websites and discover the precise value for you.
The following are our hottest actions in La Crosse:
TLDR – Things To Do in La Crosse, WI
Looking for La Crosse issues to do with out moving into the nitty-gritty? Hey, presto!
List of Best Things To do in La Crosse, WI
The beautiful space of La Crosse is dwelling to a wealthy cultural scene for lovers of artwork and music. You can discover up-and-coming artists at First Friday Artwalks in Onalaska and La Crosse.
Get a fowl’s eye view of La Crosse from Grandad Bluff Park or get pleasure from advantageous artwork at galleries like River City Gallery. If you’re all in favour of historical past, go to native museums just like the La Crosse Area Heritage Center.
Below is our La Crosse guests’ information that can assist you explore many of the recreational activities and sights on this pretty metropolis:
1. La Crosse Segway Tours
If you’re visiting La Crosse for the primary time and questioning what to do, La Crosse Segway Tours could be an awesome begin.
The Segway is simple to be taught and appropriate for individuals of all ages. It’s additionally extremely enjoyable! You’ll get to discover the gorgeous Mississippi River valley and all of La Crosse’s most famous landmarks alongside the way in which.
La Crosse Segway Tours has three day by day excursions that start at 9:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 5:00 pm. Each tour can accommodate as much as 12 individuals. But, guests must e-book for teams of greater than 8. They additionally provide particular sundown excursions that begin two hours earlier than the sundown.
The tour guides are pleasant and educated concerning the metropolis. Best of all, they love sharing their information of La Crosse with guests!
2. Explore The Scenic View And Waterfront Of Riverside Park
If you’re up for a bit stroll, stroll right down to Riverside Park alongside the riverfront and luxuriate in some unimaginable surroundings, and even see if any festivals are occurring there!
Riverside Park is a public park alongside the banks of the Mississippi River. It has stunning gardens, riverside benches, paved paths, and woodlands. There are fountains, concert events, boat cruises, and recreational activities comparable to crusing and fishing.
Riverside Park hosts many occasions every year, together with Riverfest and Oktoberfest. It can also be an awesome place in case you are searching for date concepts in La Crosse.
If you’re on this neck of the woods and fancy staying the night time, test into the Hampton Inn & Suites La Crosse Downtown. It’s in an awesome location and has unimaginable decor, a pool, and tip-top workers.
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3. Explore Riverside International Friendship Gardens
Be certain to not miss a stroll by means of the beautiful Riverside International Friendship Gardens whereas at Riverside Park.
Riverside International Friendship Gardens is a beautiful place that includes many various gardens. The gardens had been constructed as a tribute to the tradition and traditions of La Crosse’s sister metropolis.
Visitors can stroll through spacious lawns and clusters of bushes, having fun with considered one of many distinct gardens. There are conventional Chinese, French, German, Russian, Irish, Cameroonian, and Norwegian gardens.
Some are easy and serene; others are lush and wildly colourful. Each one has a particular theme. Best of all, the gardens are free to go to at any time!
4. Take A Ride On The La Crosse Queen Cruises
La Crosse Queen cruises are a blast for individuals who are searching for romantic issues to do in La Crosse. These cruises are an effective way to spend a day with a date, mates, or your loved ones.
It’s a gradual trip by means of the river, so you may take within the sights and sounds of the town, which is very pretty on a sunny day. The crew is pleasant and offers good historic information concerning the constructing websites alongside the way in which.
There are many cruises to select from. You can get pleasure from a sundown cruise, a night cruise, a brunch cruise, or perhaps a non-public cruise to your group. Each cruise is exclusive in its personal method, and there’s something for everybody.
The 1.5-hour cruises depart twice day by day in the summertime, as soon as within the morning and as soon as within the early afternoon. There’s no cost for youngsters below 11 months previous (with a paid grownup), however anybody over that age has to purchase an grownup ticket to trip.
The cruises run from May by means of October. Check their schedule for occasions and different particulars, like if they’ve fireworks or not.
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5. Get A Bird’s Eye View Of La Crosse From Grandad Bluff Park
There are many free issues to do in La Crosse, however Grandad Bluff is the most effective. It’s a steep hike up the bluff (therefore the identify), however don’t let it scare you off!
When you get to the highest, there’s a unbelievable view of downtown La Crosse, and you may even see throughout to Minnesota on a transparent day. Grandad Park is an ideal place for taking snapshots of the town skyline.
It’s straightforward to get there: simply head out on Main Street east and switch onto Bliss Road. From there, you’ll see a parking zone and trailhead that’s simply accessible to all guests.
In complete, it’s a couple of mile lengthy, however that doesn’t imply it’s all steep climbs—in reality, it’s a average hike at most. The hiking trail itself is paved and well-maintained. The surrounding trees make this one of the most attractive parks in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
What’s extra, yearly on New Year’s Eve, fireworks are shot from the highest of Grandad Bluff to ring within the new yr.
If you occur to be there round New Year’s Eve, Gundersen Hotel & Suites is a superb place to remain. It has an awesome location in downtown La Crosse and is only a 15-minute drive from Grandad Bluff Park.
The resort gives free parking, breakfast, an indoor pool, Wi-Fi and a health middle, and lots of different amenities. I extremely advocate it!
6. Visit The Children’s Museum Of La Crosse
Those searching for child actions in La Crosse should head to the Children’s Museum of La Crosse.
It’s an awesome place in downtown La Crosse for youths to have enjoyable, be taught new issues, and spend time with household and mates. It gives hands-on reveals and applications that encourage curiosity and creativeness.
Kids can climb, crawl, and slide by means of tunnels; soar off a Cleary-Kumm Luckey Climber; slide down a burning home; faux to be a firefighter within the Fire Truck exhibition; get misplaced in an enormous Dino Maze; discover the massive tree home, or simply clear up varied puzzles all through the museum.
There are sufficient choices that some youngsters gained’t ever run out of issues to do! The museum additionally has a present store. Here you should purchase completely different toys to your youngsters and books about different topics which might be enjoyable for youngsters to learn.
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7. Hike And Enjoy Nature At Hixon Forest
A romantic picnic at Hixon Forest is the best selection with regards to discovering the highest romantic issues to do in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Hixon Forest is a pure space recognized for its climbing, mountain-biking trails, and scenic lookouts over La Crosse. But that’s not all!
The park additionally comprises a system of rivers, picnic spots, and lots of hiking trails that crisscross the land, every providing its personal exploration alternatives.
It’s a preferred place for picnics and hikes in the summertime when the forest is alive with greenery and open paths and viewpoints. But there’s nonetheless loads of magnificence to be present in fall.
The leaves change shade, creating beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges for hikers to get pleasure from. The odor of fall is considered one of our favourite issues. Enjoy a romantic stroll below the bushes with the one you love!
If you’re a household searching for rental property close to the Hixon Forest, the Morris House Apartment could also be best for you. The House contains many nice facilities comparable to air-con, a TV, free WIFI entry, and a heater. It additionally has a parking area onsite!
8. Paddle At Goose Island Campground & Park
Paddling at Goose Island Campground & Park is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in La Crosse. Just a 20-minute drive from the town’s coronary heart, this stunning campground gives a wide range of actions for campers, together with kayak and canoe leases.
Because it’s so near the Mississippi River and has loads of alternatives for water sports activities, Goose Island County Park is a superb place to see wildlife.
Take a dip within the lake or cool off with a swim within the pool. The park additionally has loads of great facilities for guests. For occasion, picnic tables, electrical energy, grill trash containers, volleyball court docket, and bike path).
There are additionally 100+ campsites and lots of playgrounds for youths. So when you’re searching for fun things to do in La Crosse, come out to Goose Island Campground & Park.
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9. Jump Start Adventure Park
Jump Start is a spot of pure fun and excitement, with one thing for everybody. The park focuses on offering all kinds of sights with the security of visitors in thoughts.
The park caters to all ages and expertise ranges with many play areas and sights. There isn’t any scarcity of enjoyable actions for your complete household—even the littlest vacationers get their very own particular part.
For the little ones, you may get pleasure from their Toddler Area options. For those that are a bit extra adventurous, you may check your expertise on an excessive nets course.
If you might be searching for some extra intense exercise, there may be at all times Jump Start’s Ninja Warrior Course or Trampoline Park to attempt your hand at!
And let’s not neglect concerning the competition-minded individuals on the market! The park has a parkour space with loads of obstacles to get your adrenaline going. All ages are welcome to come back out and play and expertise these wonderful amenities!
Jumpstart Adventure Park has change into a staple of La Crosse’s household leisure scene, and it’s straightforward to see why.
10. Watch The Sunset At Pettibone Park Beach
Looking without cost romantic issues to do in La Crosse this summer time? Look no additional than Pettibone Park Beach! You can’t beat the view of the sundown over the Mississippi River.
It’s a stunning scene. Nothing feels as peaceable and serene as sitting on the seashore with a great good friend or sweetheart, watching the waves roll in and listening to them lap towards the shore. You can really feel your self go from stress to rest in just some minutes whereas taking in that unimaginable sight.
The seashore has numerous area for everybody to unfold out and luxuriate in no matter they really feel like doing. You can learn a e-book, construct sandcastles, swim, or play frisbee. It additionally has a volleyball court docket if you wish to play these sports activities.
If you fancy spending a weekend on the seashore, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott La Crosse Downtown is a wonderful choice.
The resort gives free parking, breakfast, an indoor pool, Wi-Fi and a health middle, and lots of different amenities. The resort can also be inside strolling distance of Pettibone Park Beach.
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11. Ride Your Bike On The La Crosse River State Trail
La Crosse is a superb place to go bike riding. The La Crosse River State Trail is without doubt one of the finest locations within the metropolis. It’s nearly 22 miles lengthy and goes by means of some unimaginable surroundings.
It passes by means of a number of forms of terrain, together with wooded areas and wetlands. The surrounding space is inexperienced and luxurious in the course of the summer time months, making the entire experience feel more like a getaway from the city than a typical bike trip alongside metropolis streets.
The path is generally crushed limestone. So it’s not too laborious on the knees (until you have got actually dangerous knees). But it does have some inclines and declines that you simply’ll need to concentrate on earlier than you trip it when you’re not used to biking on hills.
12. Soak In Some Art At The Pump House Regional Arts Center
Soaking in some artwork on the Pump House Regional Arts Center is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in La Crosse. It’s a performing and visible arts middle with many galleries and phases.
The reveals right here change ceaselessly and embrace many various artists and mediums.
The Pump House options artists from the world and across the nation. It provides you loads of area to absorb their work.
I’d advocate trying out The Pump House when you’re searching for a chance to get artistic with your folks or household. It’s open from Monday to Saturday and has enjoyable occasions comparable to Artspire all year long. Don’t neglect to take a look at the artwork!
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13. Visit The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe
With its fascinating historical past and exquisite structure, it’s a place that may make your go to to La Crosse full. If you might be searching for a solution to expertise extra of the tradition and fantastic thing about La Crosse, it is a excellent spot to start out.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a non secular pilgrimage web site that pulls guests from throughout. The shrine has an extended historical past and attracts a crowd because of its wealthy aesthetic, stunning panorama, and the joy of being on an journey.
As we enter the shrine, we’re greeted by a big room with statues, crosses, altars, and devotional areas filled with prayerful data on the lifetime of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Only once we flip round can we see the true magnificence of this sacred place: there stands an infinite statue of Our Lady holding three unborn youngsters in her arms.
There are a number of forms of lodging accessible close to the shrine, starting from fundamental rooms to suites and villas. Wilson Schoolhouse Inn can also be an awesome choice for households visiting the shrine over a weekend!
The schoolhouse gives many facilities comparable to free parking, air-con, a TV, free Wi-Fi entry, a washer & dryer, and a heater.
14. Enjoy A Winter Sleigh Ride At Sunset Riding Stables
For these searching for youngsters’ actions in La Crosse throughout winter, Sunset Riding Stables is a perfect place. They provide each hayrides and sleigh rides year-round!
With over 229 acres of wooded bluffs, bonfires, and horse-drawn sleigh rides, you’ll by no means run out of issues to do.
Sunset additionally has an indoor lounge that may be rented for events or conferences. It has a big fire and picnic tables the place you may calm down. Sunset gives hayrides, sleigh rides, path rides, boarding, and classes.
Their workers are pleasant and useful, so that you’ll by no means really feel such as you don’t belong right here. I extremely advocate this place if you wish to get out of the town for a few hours.
You can spend high quality time together with your important different after work or on weekends, or deliver the children alongside for an unforgettable expertise.
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15. Explore Copeland Park
Copeland Park is an previous, historic baseball discipline that serves as the house of the La Crosse Loggers.
This beautiful place has been round for nearly 100 years. The park was initially inbuilt 1909 and has since been renovated to suit trendy requirements. The present capability is sort of 4,000 individuals.
It’s the proper measurement for a neighborhood park that gives the precise facilities and activities for visitors trying to get outside.
It has every part you could possibly need. Baseball and softball fields, batting cages, tennis courts, lighted basketball courts, a shelter with restrooms and electrical energy, an open-air shelter, an ice rink, a splash pad, picnic tables, barbecues, and only a bunch of inexperienced area.
Sure, the facilities go away one thing to be desired at occasions, however general, this place has every part you could possibly ever need for enjoyable in La Crosse.
Fans of all ages can come out to get pleasure from this historic ballpark and cheer on our beloved Loggers!
16. Climb Mount La Crosse
The La Crosse, WI space gives loads of things to do for those looking for fun issues. But when you’re searching for a bit extra of an journey, then take into account climbing Mount La Crosse.
It’s solely a brief drive from La Crosse. It’s straightforward to get there and gives unbelievable views of the city and river valley while you attain the highest.
Mt. La Crosse has 18 slopes serviced by three double chair lifts and a single rope tow.
The mountain gives a full-service rental store with handy hours for renting gear, waxing skis, and tuning boards.
Whether you’re an skilled skier, snowboarder, or simply studying the ropes, Mt. La Crosse has slopes and trails catering to all snowboarding and snowboarding expertise ranges.
For teams visiting Mt. La Crosse Ski Area, this 3BR 3BA rental property is ideal. It gives three bedrooms, and three loos and sleeps as much as eleven individuals comfortably. The home gives a TV, swimming pool, fire, WIFI, heater, parking, and so on.
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17. Visit The Dahl Auto Museum
Visiting the Dahl Auto Museum is a must for anyone who loves cars. The museum celebrates the Dahl household’s involvement in auto dealerships for 5 generations.
Although it isn’t an enormous museum, the Dahl Auto Museum is a pleasant place that shows the evolution of automobiles through the years.
It’s fairly cool seeing how automobiles have modified through the years, particularly while you begin fascinated about what options had been developed after which dropped as time went on.
The museum has some traditional automobiles over 100 years previous and others newer however nonetheless traditional fashions. Most of the autos are in glorious situation.
The museum provides you the sensation of stepping again to an easier time when automobiles had been simply beginning. The spotlight of the museum is the gathering of Fords and Dahl.
The museum is open Wednesday by means of Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. There is an admission price for these aged 9 and older, and free admission for youngsters below eight accompanied by a paying grownup.
See Related: Best Museums in the US You Need to Visit
18. Ride Along The Great River State Trail
The Great River Trail is a 24-mile-long path that runs alongside the Mississippi River in Wisconsin. The path is open for walking and biking in the course of the hotter months. It’s additionally good for snowmobiling, cross-country snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the course of the colder months.
The path travels by means of a few of the most scenic components of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. It runs by means of the prairies and backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. The path is generally flat and appropriate for strolling and biking.
The path hyperlinks to the La Crosse River State Trail by way of a brief highway route in La Crosse. So you can also make a loop from La Crosse to Trempealeau to Chippewa Falls to Onalaska, then again to La Crosse.
The Great River State Trail welcomes practically 70,000 guests every year who benefit from the scenic path alongside the river marshes, hardwood forests, and wildlife preserves.
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