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Lacrosse, Wisconsin: Where the Fun Never Stops – Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

La Crosse earns the trip and the sacred ground carries it. The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe sits on over 100 acres. It runs chapels, statues, gardens and devotional areas. The FSPA Chapel was built by the Franciscan Sisters. That chapel has stood here for over 150 years.

Are you planning a trip to La Crosse, Wisconsin and wondering what to do and see? You are in the right place. La Crosse is a small city set in the Driftless Region, surrounded by bluffs and hills. There are plenty of activities to do and places to visit in La Crosse that will make the trip stay with you.

Working through Downtown La Crosse is the thing to do. Walk along the Mississippi River and take the scenery. Visit the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, where the Black, La Crosse, and Mississippi Rivers converge. The gardens are well landscaped and maintained and run a quiet and calm setting. You can also take the Dahl Auto Museum, which holds a collection of vintage cars and motorcycles.

For outdoor time, La Crosse has plenty to offer. Biking is a busy pastime here, with miles upon miles of road, mountain, and multi-use trails. You can also go hiking, fishing, kayaking, or canoeing. For family time, visit the Riverside Amusement Park, which runs a spread of rides and attractions for all ages. And do not forget to sit down to some of the cooking La Crosse runs, from farm-to-table restaurants to local breweries.

Key Takeaways

• Downtown La Crosse and the Riverside International Friendship Gardens offer beautiful scenery and peaceful settings.
• Outdoor adventures such as biking, hiking, and water activities are popular in La Crosse.
• La Crosse offers a variety of family-friendly activities, culinary delights, and local events and festivals.

Exploring Downtown La Crosse

If you are looking for a good way to spend a day in La Crosse, Downtown is the answer. With its blend of history, architecture, and entertainment, Downtown La Crosse suits anyone who wants to work through this city. Here are the things to do and places to visit in Downtown La Crosse:

La Crosse Segway Tours

For an unusual way to see Downtown La Crosse, take La Crosse Segway Tours. These guided tours carry you through the heart of the city, which gives you a chance to take all the sights and sounds of Downtown a different way. First-time rider or experienced pro, La Crosse Segway Tours suits working through everything Downtown runs.

Riverside International Friendship Gardens

For a quieter day, head over to the Riverside International Friendship Gardens. These gardens sit right on the banks of the Mississippi River, and they open out over the water and the surrounding landscape. With its calm atmosphere and its scenery, the Riverside International Friendship Gardens suits slowing down and taking the country in.

Dahl Auto Museum

Anyone who takes to cars and history will not want to miss the Dahl Auto Museum. This museum is home to a broad spread of vintage and classic cars, alongside a number of exhibits on the history of the automobile. With its serious collection of cars and its exhibits, the Dahl Auto Museum is one to see for anyone interested in the history of transportation.

So history, architecture, or just a good day out, Downtown La Crosse has a version of each. So why not head over to Main Street and start working through everything this city runs? You will not go away disappointed.

Outdoor Adventures in La Crosse

La Crosse is a city surrounded by natural country, which makes it strong ground for outdoor enthusiasts. From canoeing and kayaking to hiking and biking, there are plenty of outdoor days to be had in La Crosse.

Canoe and Kayak Excursions

One of the stronger ways to work through the natural country of La Crosse is a canoe or kayak excursion. The city sits on the Mississippi River, which is home to a spread of wetlands and wildlife. You can rent a kayak or canoe and work the river lands on your own, or you can take a guided tour with a local outfitter.

Grandad Bluff

For a wide view of the city, Grandad Bluff is the place to go. This landmark sits on the east side of the city and stands at an elevation of 1,183 feet above sea level. From the top of the bluff, you can see the entire city and the surrounding countryside. It is strong ground for a picnic or a hike.

Hiking and Biking Trails

La Crosse is home to a spread of hiking and biking trails that wind through the parks and green spaces of the city. The Great River State Trail is a busy destination for bikers, while Hixon Forest is strong ground for hikers. The county park and Riverside Park also run plenty of trails for hikers and bikers alike.

A slow day on the river or a hard hike through the forest, La Crosse has a version of each. So pack the bags, grab the gear, and get ready for a run that stays with you.

Family Fun in La Crosse

La Crosse works well for families to visit with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. A playground, hands-on exhibits, or games, this place covers a lot of ground. Here are a couple of family-friendly places to take:

Children’s Museum of La Crosse

If you’re looking for a place where your kids can learn while having fun, the Children’s Museum of La Crosse is the perfect spot. With hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and educational activities, your kids will be entertained for hours. They can explore the human body, learn about science, and even pretend to be a firefighter or a chef. The museum is geared towards kids aged 1 to 12, but there’s plenty for older kids and adults to enjoy too. Admission is affordable, and the museum is open seven days a week.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park is a park in downtown La Crosse. It is strong ground for taking your kids out for a picnic, a walk, or just the playground. The park runs plenty of open space for running around, and there are several play structures for kids of all ages. You can also rent bikes, kayaks, or canoes to work the Mississippi River. During the summer, the park hosts several events, outdoor concerts, movies, and festivals among them. Riverside Park covers a lot of ground.

La Crosse is strong ground for families, with plenty of activities that kids will take to. From the Children’s Museum of La Crosse to Riverside Park, there is plenty to do. So pack up the family and head to La Crosse for a full vacation.

Culinary Delights in La Crosse

Are you after your next run at eating well? La Crosse has you covered with its varied food scene. From classic Wisconsin supper clubs to ethnic restaurants serving Thai or Mexican fare, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds.

Craft Beer Tasting

Beer lovers will not want to miss the craft beer scene in La Crosse. Grab a Reel Craft Beer Passbook and work through the breweries and taprooms of the city. Try a pale ale at Turtle Stack Brewery, or a Duvel-style ale at Pearl Street Brewery. You can even take a brewery tour and pick up the brewing process while drinking your way through some of it.

Local Cuisine

Looking for some local flavor? Take Digger’s Sting for surf and turf with a craft cocktail, or Bodega Brew Pub for locally-crafted beer and strong pub fare. For a meal out of the ordinary, head to The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern, where you can eat on the Mississippi River and take the views while you do it.

The food scene in La Crosse is one to see for anyone who eats well. With over 100 culinary eateries, you will eat in a setting like no other among the bluffs on outdoor patios, in retro martini bars, renovated historic buildings, or classic pubs. So what are you waiting for? Come and work through the cooking of La Crosse.

The numbers here hold up better than the size suggests. Grandad Bluff stands 1,183 feet above sea level. The shrine covers over 100 acres of river valley. The food scene runs to over 100 culinary eateries. And the Loggers have played at Copeland Park since 2003.

La Crosse Events and Festivals

La Crosse is a city that knows how to run an event, and the way to take that is by attending one of the many events and festivals held throughout the year. Here are two of the busier events that you cannot miss.

Oktoberfest

Ah, Oktoberfest. The time of year when beer flows like water, and everyone puts on their lederhosen and dirndls. The Oktoberfest in La Crosse is one of the largest in the country, and the reason is clear. With over a week of festivities, live music, parades, and of course plenty of beer among them, this place covers a lot of ground. And grab a bratwurst and some sauerkraut while you are there, and do not forget to raise a stein to Prost.

Riverfest

For a more family-friendly event, Riverfest is the answer. Held every summer on the banks of the Mississippi River, Riverfest is a celebration of all things summer. With carnival rides, games, and food vendors, it suits a day with the family. And let us not forget the live music, because Riverfest always runs a strong lineup of local and national acts. So grab a corn dog and a funnel cake, and get ready for a day in the sun.

Whatever time of year you visit La Crosse, there is always something going on. From the annual Oktoberfest to the summer of Riverfest, these events are just a taste of what the city runs. So grab friends and family, and get ready to build something you remember.

Sporting in La Crosse

La Crosse is a city that takes to its sports, and there are plenty of chances for you to get in on the action. Die-hard fan or just after a good day out, this lively Wisconsin city covers a lot of ground.

Loggers Games at Copeland Park

Baseball fans will not want to miss the chance to catch a game at Copeland Park, home of the La Crosse Loggers. This minor league team has been a fixture in the city since 2003, and their games always hold up. With affordable tickets, a friendly atmosphere, and plenty of food and drink options, it suits a summer evening.

And even if you are not the biggest baseball fan, there is plenty else to take at a Loggers game. From the antics of the team mascot to the between-innings entertainment, there is always something going on to keep you occupied. And who knows, you might just come away a baseball fan.

Sporting Arenas

But baseball is not the only game in town. La Crosse is also home to a number of other sporting arenas where you can catch everything from hockey to basketball to roller derby. So die-hard fan of a particular sport or just after a good day out, this city has a version of each.

Some of the top arenas to take include the Omni Center, which hosts everything from hockey games to figure skating competitions, and the La Crosse Center, which is home to a spread of events throughout the year. And for something a little more out of the ordinary, take the Coulee Region Chill, the junior hockey team of La Crosse. With their fast-paced games and loud fans, they always hold a crowd.

So sports fan or just after a good day out, La Crosse has plenty. From baseball games to hockey matches to roller derby bouts, there is always something going on in this lively Wisconsin city. So grab your friends, put on your team colors, and get ready for a full day.

Art and Culture in La Crosse

If you are looking for a dose of culture in La Crosse, you are in luck. From theater and performing arts to museums and galleries, there is plenty to see and do. Here are the spots to take:

Theater and Performing Arts

La Crosse is home to several theaters and performing arts venues, the Cappella Performing Arts Center among them. This medium-sized venue hosts a spread of performances throughout the year, plays and musicals through to dance shows and concerts. For a laugh, take the improv comedy troupe at The Pump House Regional Arts Center. And for something a little different, head over to the Weber Center for the Performing Arts, which runs experimental and avant-garde performances.

Museums and Galleries

For a dose of history and culture, head to the La Crosse County Historical Society. This museum runs exhibits on the history of the region, Native American artifacts, pioneer life, and more among them. If contemporary art interests you more, take one of the many galleries in the area, such as the Pump House Gallery or the Contemporary Art Gallery at Viterbo University.

Whatever your interests, La Crosse runs plenty of art and culture. So grab a book, head to a show, or work through a museum, because you will not go away disappointed.

Sacred Spaces in La Crosse

La Crosse is a city with a deep history of faith communities, and that shows in the many sacred spaces across the area. Religious or not, these spaces open up the history and culture of the region in a way little else does.

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world. Set on over 100 acres of the Mississippi River Valley, this shrine runs a spread of chapels, statues, gardens, and devotional areas. For a quiet place to reflect and reset, this is the place to be.

FSPA Chapel

The FSPA Chapel is a space that has been part of the history of La Crosse for over 150 years. This chapel was built by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and it remains a well-loved part of the community to this day. For a quiet place to sit and think, or to pick up more of the history of the area, this is a strong place to visit.

Working through the history of the region, or simply after a quiet place to reflect, the sacred spaces of La Crosse have a version of each. So why not take a break from the schedule and spend some time in these quiet places? You will not regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any kid-friendly things to do in La Crosse that won’t make me want to pull my hair out?

Yes, there are. La Crosse works well for families, and there are plenty of things to do with your little ones that will not have you screaming into a pillow. For starters, you can take a scenic boat tour on the La Crosse Queen Cruises, which will keep the kids occupied. Another strong option is All Glazed Up, where you can let your kids get creative with some pottery painting. And for something that teaches them a little, take the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. This place covers a lot of ground.

What are the top things to do in La Crosse at night? (Besides sleeping, of course)

Well, if you are after a good time once the sun goes down, you are in luck. La Crosse runs a working nightlife scene, with plenty of options to keep you occupied. One of the stronger places to start is Bodega Brew Pub, Inc., which runs a strong selection of drinks and a friendly room. Beer lovers should take Pearl Street Brewery, which sits a little off the main track but is worth the trip. And for some live music, head over to the Root Note for some strong tunes.

What are the best outdoor attractions in La Crosse that won’t make me break a sweat? (I’m asking for a friend who’s allergic to exercise)

Do not worry, we will not judge your friend for not wanting to break a sweat. There are plenty of outdoor attractions in La Crosse that suit a slow day out. For some scenery, take the La Crosse River State Trail, which opens out over the surrounding area. Another strong option is the Riverside Park, which is strong ground for a picnic or a slow stroll. And if you are feeling a little bolder, you can always take a scenic drive along the Great River Road.

Frequently asked questions about Lacrosse, Wisconsin

Which La Crosse park suits a family day?

Riverside Park, easily. It runs open space and several play structures for every age. You can rent bikes, kayaks or canoes there too. The park hosts concerts, movies and festivals all summer. Copeland Park is where the baseball is instead.

Which La Crosse museum is worth an hour?

The Children’s Museum, if anyone small is with you. It runs hands-on exhibits and interactive displays throughout. Children can work the human body and some science. The Dahl Auto Museum takes the vintage cars instead. The county historical society covers the region itself.

Which La Crosse festival is worth planning around?

Oktoberfest, without much argument. It is one of the largest in the country. It runs over a week of music, parades and beer. Riverfest is the family-friendly one instead. That runs every summer beside the Mississippi River.

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