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La Crosse is a city of about 52,000 people on the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin, where the Black and La Crosse rivers join the Mississippi beneath tall limestone bluffs. It began as a fur trading post and grew into a lumber and brewing center, and today it is a college town with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Viterbo University and Western Technical College.
The classic view is from Grandad Bluff, which rises about 600 feet above the city and looks across the river into Minnesota and Iowa. Downtown has a well-preserved brick commercial district along Pearl and Main streets, while Riverside Park offers river walks, a museum and boat cruises. The city is also home to the World's Largest Six-Pack, painted storage tanks at the City Brewery.
La Crosse is known for Oktoberfest USA, held each fall since 1961. Outdoor fans can paddle the backwaters, bike the La Crosse River State Trail toward Sparta, or drive the Great River Road along the bluffs.
A limestone bluff rising about 600 feet above La Crosse, with a road to the top and an overlook across the city, the Mississippi River and into Minnesota and Iowa. Trails on the bluff are popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Go at sunset, and expect wind and cooler air at the top.
A downtown park where the Black, La Crosse and Mississippi rivers meet, with paved walks, the tall Hiawatha statue, a bandshell, gardens and docks for riverboats. Bald eagles gather here in winter. It is the center of summer festivals. Walk the levee to watch barges and paddlewheelers pass.
A city park on the edge of the La Crosse River Marsh with trails and boardwalks into the wetland, a playground, picnic areas and the Myrick Park Center. The marsh is great for spotting herons, turtles and muskrats. Easy walking and biking paths connect to campus and the bluffs.
A paddlewheel riverboat that runs sightseeing, lunch and dinner cruises on the Mississippi from Riverside Park, passing bluffs, backwaters and a lock and dam. Narration covers river history and wildlife. Cruises run from spring to fall; book ahead for dinner trips and bring a light jacket.
An arts center in the city's restored 1880 water pumping station, with free gallery exhibitions of regional artists and an intimate theater for concerts, jazz and comedy. It is a small but lively venue a short walk from downtown. Check the schedule for evening performances.
The 1859 Italianate home of lumber baron Gideon Hixon, preserved with nearly all of its original furnishings, including a striking Turkish nook. Guided tours by the La Crosse County Historical Society show how the lumber elite lived. Open in summer; check tour days and times.
Six storage tanks at the City Brewery on South Third Street painted to look like a six-pack of beer, said to hold enough to fill millions of cans. It is a quick, fun photo stop that recalls the city's long brewing history. View it from the street; there are no tours of the tanks.
A richly decorated Romanesque chapel at the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, known for marble, mosaics and stained glass and for perpetual prayer held here since 1878. Free guided tours are offered on a schedule. Dress respectfully, and keep quiet as people pray inside.
A German-style festival held each year since 1961 around the end of September, with beer tents, polka bands, food stands and the big Maple Leaf Parade. It draws big crowds to the festival grounds on the north side. Book rooms early and use shuttles rather than driving.
The heart of downtown La Crosse, lined with 19th-century brick buildings now holding shops, bookstores, cafes and pubs. The Pearl ice cream parlor is a local favorite. Walk the area in the evening, when restaurants and bars are busiest.
A crushed-limestone rail trail of about 21 miles from La Crosse east to Sparta through farmland, wetlands and small towns, connecting to the Elroy-Sparta trail. It is level and easy for cyclists. A state trail pass is required for riders 16 and older; carry water in summer.
A small museum in Riverside Park run by the La Crosse County Historical Society, with exhibits on the Mississippi River, steamboats, the region's Native peoples and the 1870 War Eagle steamboat wreck. It is a good primer before a river cruise. Open seasonally; check hours.
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