Nestled within Wisconsin’s Driftless Region is a city famous for its Mississippi River views, Historic Downtown, annual Oktoberfest celebrations, and awesome hiking: La Crosse.
I spent a summer weekend exploring this region of Wisconsin and a few of its wonderful outdoor offerings.
This post details how to spend a weekend in La Crosse, Wisconsin, including where to stay and what to add to your itinerary.
While my stay in La Crosse was hosted by Explore La Crosse, all opinions are always my own and I was not paid for this post or these words.
When you make purchases through the links in my post, I may earn commissions at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As always, I only provide links to products and services I recommend. Read my full disclosure here.
Where to Stay in La Crosse:
While there are several hotels in La Crosse, including many conveniently located in the historic downtown region, Gundersen Hotel and Suites is just a few blocks away from downtown and offers updated, spacious rooms at a very reasonable price.
Weekend in La Crosse: Best Things to Do
Hike or Drive to Grandad Bluff
3020 Grandad Bluff Road, La Crosse, WI 54601
Arguably, one of the best views in the state of Wisconsin is on top of a 600-foot bluff that overlooks the Mississippi River Valley: Grandad Bluff.
While many people hike to the top of Grandad Bluff, the beautiful lookout is also accessible via your vehicle. From the top of Grandad Bluff you can see a wide range of Wisconsin and even see into Minnesota and Iowa.
To access the multitude of trailheads or the top parking area, take Bliss Road until you reach Grandad Bluff Road, where you’ll take a right. You’ll reach Grandad Bluff Road and if you continue up the road just a bit further, you’ll hit a dead-end parking lot where you can park and then walk the short distance to the overlook.
The path to the overlook is fully paved and there are bathrooms that are open seasonally.
The Rooftop Terrace at The Charmant
101 State St, La Crosse, WI 54601
One of the best spots for drinks with a view in downtown La Crosse is at The Rooftop Terrace located in The Charmant Hotel. The hotel is located in an old candy factory and is currently the only boutique hotel in La Crosse. Even the rooftop terrace showcases the uniqueness of the hotel.
While the Rooftop Terrace is open seven days a week for afternoon bar and food service, the space can be rented for private events, so check their website or call before you visit to ensure it’s not closed for an event.
Get Ice Cream from The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor
207 Pearl St, La Crosse, WI 54601
If you’ve heard of La Crosse before, you’ve probably heard of The Pearl and their delicious ice cream. This famous ice cream parlor originally opened in 1993 and is known for their homemade ice cream and waffle cones. The Pearl also uses real Wisconsin dairy for their ice cream and makes everything in small batches.
Another fun fact? The Pearl is located in a building that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
I had the s’mores sundae which had chocolate ice cream, marshmallow creme, graham cracker crumbs, whipped cream and a cherry on top. I’m a huge fan of marshmallows and it was delicious! The Peanut Butter Chocolate ice cream flavor was also so good.
Explore Riverside Park
100 State St, La Crosse, WI 54601
Located within walking distance of the historic downtown area is Riverside Park. The park is located along the riverfront and is often home to local events throughout the summer. You’ll find beautiful artwork within the park. The most well-known is the giant Eagle statue at the entrance to the park.
One spot you don’t want to miss in the park is the Riverside International Friendship Gardens located at the north end of the park. La Crosse has several international sister cities, which are represented within the gardens. The area is free to visit and well-maintained.
While I was visiting La Crosse, the annual Artspire event produced by the Pump House Regional was taking place in the park. Artists lined the park showcasing and selling their handmade pieces while food vendors provided nourishment to event-goers. The main rotunda in the park featured local performers, including the local Ho-Chunk Singers and Dancers who engaged the audience in native dances around the park.
Visit the Murals at Artist Alley
In 2019, eight local artists worked together with Downtown Mainstreet, Inc. and other local businesses to produce murals in an area of the historic downtown known as Artist Alley. While some of the artwork has changed over the years, the alley remains as vibrant as ever.
If you take a walk down Artist Alley today, you’ll find over ten murals showcasing themes of positivity, acceptance, and love.
The alley is not very long so it’s a great area for an easy stroll, and it’s the perfect spot for photographers to practice their skills or for subjects to use as a unique backdrop.
Ride the Great River State Trail
The 24-mile Great River State Trail runs from La Crosse to Trempealeau along an abandoned Chicago-Northwestern railroad line. Along with providing many amazing views, the trail also runs through two National Wildlife Refuges – Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge and Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
I recommend parking and accessing the trail at the Great River Landing in Onalaska where you can also see the iconic Sunny the Sunfish sculpture, use the restroom, and chat with a visitor center employee.
A State Trail Pass is required for bicyclists who are 16 and older. The pass is $25 for an annual pass or $5 for a daily pass and can be purchased online or at several outdoor retailers.
Conclusion
I highly recommend spending a weekend in La Crosse this summer! There’s so much to do in this city and you’ll want to go back again and again because one weekend just isn’t enough.
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