La Crosse

Travel Guide

Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
This southwest Wisconsin city offers gorgeous hilltop views, year-round outdoor pursuits and an important religious site.

La Crosse lies between the banks of the Mississippi River and a series of steep bluffs. Natural beauty and outdoor recreation are the biggest draws, but the city also captivates with its children’s activities and cultural offerings.

A good way to introduce yourself to the area is with a walk to the top of Grandad Bluff, a steep hill that can be seen from most parts of the city. From the summit, enjoy views of the city, the Mississippi River and the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Hike on several trails at the top of the bluff.

You can also stroll along the forest trails and open spaces of Riverside Park or find a pleasant place to sit and watch river traffic go by.

Become part of the river scenery on a cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen. This is a replica of the paddle steamers that used to be a common sight on the Mississippi River in the late 19th century. Alternatively, travel through the river’s backwaters on an eco-tour.

For family-orientated fun, treat the kids to a trip to the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. Then make your way to Myrick Park for Kids Coulee. This playground has climbing structures, swings, a maze and tunnels. Children with disabilities can enjoy the equipment too.

Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. Non-Catholics are also welcome to enjoy the tranquility and tour the church to view its paintings and sculptures.

If you are in La Crosse during the winter, there’s no need to stay indoors when the snow falls. Go snowmobiling on over 600 miles (966 kilometres) of trails or cross-country ski at Drugan’s Castle Mound. Try snowshoeing and ice fishing at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Centre.

Reach La Crosse by bus, car or train. You can also fly into La Crosse Regional Airport, located on French Island and connected to the mainland by a bridge. Pack your suitcase for outdoor adventures whatever the season.

Where to stay in La Crosse

La Crosse showing a city and night scenes

Historic Downtown La Crosse

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown La Crosse. A stop by La Crosse Center or Oktoberfest Grounds might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown La Crosse
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Northside

While visiting Northside, you might make a stop by sights like Black River Beach and Riverside Amusement Park.

Northside
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Lower Northside

While Lower Northside isn't home to many top sights, Oktoberfest Grounds and La Crosse Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Lower Northside
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Grandview-Emerson

Though Grandview-Emerson may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Oktoberfest Grounds and La Crosse Center.

Grandview-Emerson
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Washburn

While visiting Washburn, you might make a stop by sights like Mississippi River and City Brewery.

Washburn
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Bluffside

While there might not be top attractions in Bluffside, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Oktoberfest Grounds and La Crosse Center.

Bluffside
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
GrandStay Hotel & Suites
2.5 out of 5
525 Front Street North, La Crosse, WI
The price is S$143 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
S$143
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this hotel in La Crosse. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Close to shopping and dining. Easy to get around town from this location!"

Reviewed on 16 Mar,2025

GrandStay Hotel & Suites
AmericInn by Wyndham La Crosse Riverfront-Conference Center
AmericInn by Wyndham La Crosse Riverfront-Conference Center
2.5 out of 5
1835 Rose Street, La Crosse, WI
The price is S$124 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
S$124
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this beach hotel in La Crosse. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everything was great. BUT, It was advertised to have a bar and restaurant available, which it had neither. That should be CHANGED on the website."

Reviewed on 18 Mar,2025

AmericInn by Wyndham La Crosse Riverfront-Conference Center
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI
2.5 out of 5
2110 Rose St, La Crosse, WI
The price is S$112 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
S$112
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in La Crosse. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice Lobby, breakfast area and pool area. Room was clean"

Reviewed on 10 Mar,2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
3.5 out of 5
7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Lake Geneva. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,724 reviews)
"Lots of activity’s for the kids. Nice waterpark for 5-10 age range"

Reviewed on 16 Mar,2025

Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
The Dylin
The Dylin
4 out of 5
611 E Dayton St, Madison, WI
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Madison. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kohl Center and Camp Randall ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Great location, clean, easy -- really great stay!"

Reviewed on 9 Mar,2025

The Dylin
Scandinavian Lodge
Scandinavian Lodge
3.5 out of 5
10506 State HWY 57, Sister Bay, WI
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly aparthotel in Sister Bay. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,377 reviews)
"This is our second time staying at the Scandinavian. First time was in 2023. Last year we stayed at the Newport. Huge mistake and absolutely terrible experience. We came back to the Scandinavian and so glad we did! Front desk staff are so pleasant and helpful. Our room (209) was wonderful! A huge ..."

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2025

Scandinavian Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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