How does lacrosse work. Lacrosse Rules and Gameplay: A Comprehensive Guide to Box Lacrosse

How does box lacrosse differ from field lacrosse. What are the key rules and strategies in box lacrosse. Why is box lacrosse popular in North America. How do teams score points in box lacrosse. What equipment is required for box lacrosse.

Table of Contents

The Origins and Evolution of Box Lacrosse

Box lacrosse, a fast-paced and exciting variant of the traditional field game, has a rich history deeply rooted in North American culture. This indoor version of lacrosse emerged in the 1920s and 1930s in Canada, transforming the ancient Native American sport into a modern spectacle.

The invention of box lacrosse is often attributed to Paddy Brennan, a field lacrosse player and referee from Montreal. Frustrated by the constant interruptions caused by balls going out of bounds in the field game, Brennan experimented with indoor matches at the Mount Royal Arena during the early 1920s. This innovation led to the development of a more compact and intense form of lacrosse.

Interestingly, box lacrosse quickly gained popularity among Native American communities, becoming the primary version played on reservations in both the United States and Canada. It holds a unique distinction as the only sport in which American indigenous people are sanctioned to compete internationally, participating as the Iroquois Nationals team.

Understanding the Basics of Box Lacrosse

Box lacrosse is played inside an ice hockey rink, utilizing the existing glass and rink boards. The playing surface consists of a green dieter turf carpet laid over the hockey ice, creating a unique environment for the sport. This enclosed space leads to a high-scoring game, with teams averaging a combined 25 goals per match in the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

Key Elements of Box Lacrosse:

Each team fields six players: five runners and one goaltender
Games consist of four 15-minute quarters
Teams typically dress 19 players (17 runners and two goaltenders) per game
Players rotate on and off the floor in shifts, similar to ice hockey
Ties at the end of regulation are decided in sudden-victory overtime

Essential Rules and Regulations in Box Lacrosse

To fully appreciate the intricacies of box lacrosse, it’s crucial to understand its fundamental rules and regulations. These guidelines govern gameplay, ensure fair competition, and contribute to the sport’s fast-paced nature.

Time Format and Team Composition:

Four 15-minute quarters with 2-minute breaks between quarters and a 15-minute halftime
21-man active roster, with 19 players dressed for games (17 runners and two goalies)
Six players on the floor per team: five runners and one goalie

Possession and Timing Rules:

8-Second Violation: Teams must advance the ball past midfield within 8 seconds of gaining possession
Face-Offs: Used to determine possession at the start of each quarter and after every goal
Shot Clock: 30-second countdown for the offensive team to take a shot on goal

How does the shot clock impact gameplay in box lacrosse. The 30-second shot clock adds a sense of urgency to offensive plays, preventing teams from stalling and ensuring a fast-paced game. If a team fails to shoot on goal within the allotted time, they lose possession, encouraging quick decision-making and strategic play.

Key Terminology and Techniques in Box Lacrosse

To truly understand and appreciate box lacrosse, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the sport’s unique terminology and techniques. These elements contribute to the game’s strategy and excitement.

Offensive Techniques:

Cradle: A skill used to keep the ball secure in the stick’s pocket by rocking it back and forth
Hidden Ball Play: A deceptive strategy where a player without the ball mimics possession to confuse the defense
Breakaway: A one-on-one scoring opportunity between a shooter and the goalie

Defensive Strategies:

Body Check: A defensive technique used to slow an opponent with the ball, executed above the waist and below the neck
Crosscheck: Using the shaft of the stick to push an opponent, aiming to force a missed or poor shot

Why is the crease rule important in box lacrosse. The crease rule, which prohibits offensive players from entering the 9-foot radius around the goal, is crucial for maintaining fair play and protecting goalkeepers. It adds an extra layer of strategy to scoring attempts, as players must carefully time their shots and movements to avoid violating this rule.

Penalties and Infractions in Box Lacrosse

Like many contact sports, box lacrosse has a system of penalties to maintain fair play and player safety. Understanding these infractions is crucial for players, coaches, and spectators alike.

Types of Penalties:

Minor Penalties: Result in 2 minutes in the penalty box
Major Penalties: 5 minutes in the penalty box for more severe infractions
Loss of Possession: Occurs for violations like illegal screens, shot clock violations, and improper face-offs

How do penalties affect team strategy in box lacrosse. When a team is short-handed due to penalties, they must adapt their defensive strategy to cover more space with fewer players. This often leads to intense power-play situations where the offensive team has a significant advantage, potentially changing the course of the game.

The Unique Playing Environment of Box Lacrosse

The enclosed nature of box lacrosse creates a distinct playing experience that sets it apart from its outdoor counterpart. The use of hockey rinks as the playing field introduces several unique elements to the game.

Features of the Box Lacrosse Environment:

Enclosed space with boards and glass, similar to ice hockey
Green dieter turf carpet covering the rink floor
Smaller playing area compared to field lacrosse

How does the enclosed environment impact gameplay in box lacrosse. The confined space of box lacrosse leads to more frequent physical contact, faster transitions between offense and defense, and a greater emphasis on precision passing and shooting. The boards and glass can be used strategically for rebounds and creative plays, adding an extra dimension to the game.

The Role of Indigenous Culture in Box Lacrosse

Box lacrosse holds a special place in Native American and First Nations cultures, serving as a modern continuation of the traditional lacrosse games played for centuries. The sport’s significance extends beyond mere competition, embodying cultural identity and spiritual values.

Indigenous Influence on Box Lacrosse:

Adopted as the primary version played on many reservations
Iroquois Nationals team competes internationally, representing indigenous nations
Incorporation of traditional values and customs into modern gameplay

Why is box lacrosse significant in Native American communities. For many indigenous people, box lacrosse serves as a link to their ancestral heritage, allowing them to celebrate and preserve their cultural traditions through sport. It provides a platform for cultural expression, community building, and international recognition of Native sovereignty.

Strategies and Tactics in Professional Box Lacrosse

At the professional level, box lacrosse is a game of strategy and skill, with teams employing various tactics to outmaneuver their opponents and secure victory. Understanding these strategies can enhance appreciation for the sport’s complexity.

Offensive Strategies:

Quick transitions from defense to offense
Utilizing the shot clock to create pressure on the defense
Executing set plays and designed formations

Defensive Tactics:

Man-to-man and zone defense systems
Aggressive checking to disrupt offensive flow
Strategic use of the boards to limit opponent movement

How do professional box lacrosse teams adapt their strategies during a game. Professional teams constantly analyze their opponents’ tactics and adjust their own strategies accordingly. This might involve changing defensive formations, altering offensive plays, or modifying player matchups to exploit weaknesses and maximize strengths. The ability to adapt quickly is often a key factor in determining the outcome of high-level box lacrosse matches.

Box lacrosse continues to evolve as a sport, with rule changes and tactical innovations shaping its future. As it gains popularity beyond its traditional strongholds in Canada and Native American communities, the game is likely to see further refinements and increased global recognition.

The unique blend of speed, skill, and strategy in box lacrosse makes it an exciting sport for players and spectators alike. Its rich cultural heritage, combined with modern athleticism, ensures that box lacrosse will remain a vibrant and dynamic part of the sporting landscape for years to come.

As the sport grows, it faces challenges and opportunities. Expanding its reach while maintaining its cultural significance, improving player safety without compromising the game’s intensity, and balancing tradition with innovation are all crucial considerations for the future of box lacrosse.

Whether you’re a player, coach, fan, or simply curious about this unique sport, understanding the rules, strategies, and cultural importance of box lacrosse can deepen your appreciation for this exciting and dynamic game. As it continues to captivate audiences and inspire athletes, box lacrosse stands as a testament to the enduring power of sport to bridge cultures, challenge athletes, and create unforgettable moments of competition and camaraderie.

Box Lacrosse 101 | NLL

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Overview

Box lacrosse is played inside the confines of an ice hockey rink, with glass and rink boards intact. The playing surface consists of a green dieter turf carpet that is laid down over the hockey ice. Combined, teams score an average of 25 goals during an NLL game.

Each game consists of four fifteen-minute quarters. A tie at the end of regulation is decided in sudden-victory overtime. Each team has five runners (forwards, transition players, and defensemen) and a goaltender on the floor during the game. Each team dresses 19 players (17 runners and two goaltenders) per game, and the players rotate on and off the floor in shifts, similar to ice hockey.

History of Box Lacrosse

Lacrosse is a traditional indigenous people’s game and was first encountered by Europeans when French Jesuit missionaries in the St. Lawrence Valley witnessed the game in the 1630s. Lacrosse for centuries was seen as a key element of cultural identity and spiritual healing to Native Americans.

Box lacrosse is a modern version of the game that was invented in Canada during the 1920s and 1930s. The roots of indoor lacrosse are obscure, but its invention has been attributed to one Paddy Brennan, a field lacrosse player and referee from Montreal, who, being annoyed by the constant slowing of play from balls going out of bounds in the field game, experimented with indoor games at the Mount Royal Arena during the early 1920s.

The form was also adopted as the primary version of the game played on Native American reservations in the US and Canada by Iroquois and other Native peoples. It is the only sport in which the American indigenous people are sanctioned to compete internationally, participating as the Iroquois Nationals.

_{Sources: World Lacrosse, Harvard, Peterborough Examiner}

NLL Rules

Rosters: 21-man active roster, each team dresses 19 players for games (17 runners and two goalies). A team shall be composed of six players on the floor, five runners, and one goalie.

Time Format: Four 15-minute quarters; two minutes between quarters; 15-minute halftime.

Timeouts: Each team may take one 45-second timeout per half.

Sudden-Victory Overtime: Games ending regulation play with a tie score are decided by a sudden-victory overtime period. Play continues until a goal is scored. More than one overtime period is played if necessary.

8-Second Violation: Occurs when the team on offense fails to advance the ball past midfield within 8 seconds after taking possession at their end of the floor.

Face-Offs: To determine possessions at the start of each quarter and after every goal, two players face their sticks at midfield with a referee placing the ball between the heads of the sticks. A small scrum usually occurs to secure the ball.

Shot Clock: Similar to professional and collegiate basketball, a 30-second clock begins counting down when a team assumes possession of the ball. The offensive team must put a shot on goal during that time or they will lose possession. If they shoot on goal without scoring and recover possession of the ball (via rebound/loose ball recovery off the goaltender or goal posts), the clock is reset for a new 30 seconds.

Terms of the Turf

Body Check: Used to slow an opponent who has the ball; must be above the waist and below the neck.

Breakaway: One-on-one (shooter on goalie) scoring opportunity.

Cradle: Skill used to keep the ball inside the pocket of the stick by rocking it back and forth.

Crease: Nine-foot radius surrounding the goal. Only the goalie can stand in this area with the ball. Shooters or their teammates can not stand on (or inside) the line or their goal won’t count. Any violation of this rule will disallow the goal. If a player is diving into the crease on a shot, the ball has to cross the goal line before any part of their body touches the crease.

Crosscheck: A defensive strategy using the shaft of the stick to push on an opponent to force a missed or bad shot.

Hidden Ball Play: A player without the ball cradles his stick, drawing the attention of the defense, while a teammate who has the ball passes or shoots on net.

Loose Ball: Occurs when there is no possession and the ball is bouncing, rolling, or rebounding off the boards or goaltender. Loose ball recoveries are a tracked statistic.

Loss of Possession: Illegal screens, 30-second shot clock violation, 8-second half-court violation, loose ball push, and illegal procedure during faceoffs are among the acts that can cause a team to lose possession of the ball without sending a player to the penalty box.

Major Penalty: Five minutes in the penalty box for infractions such as high sticking, boarding, face masking, fighting, and spearing. Two goals can be scored during a major penalty before the offending team will be back to full strength. The offending player will remain in the penalty box until the five-minute duration has passed.

Man Down: When a team has one less player on the floor than their opponent.

Minor Penalty: Two-minute penalty for infractions such as delay of game, elbowing, holding, illegal crosschecking, slashing, and tripping, for example. The team with the man advantage can score one goal before the offending team is back to full strength and the offending player is released from the penalty box.

Offensive Pick: The legal interference by an offensive player from a set position on a defensive player who is trying to defend the ball carrier.

Outlet Pass: The first pass from the goaltender or defender that begins the transition from defense to offense.

Penalty Box: Where a player goes to sit while serving a minor or major penalty.

Power Play: When a team has an extra man advantage because the other team has at least one player in the penalty box

Screen Shot: When the goaltender can’t see a shot because someone is in the way.

Shorthanded: When a team has one or more players in the penalty box and the opponent is at full-strength or has more players on the floor.

Play of the Game

Minor Penalties: On two-minute personal fouls, the penalized player is released from the penalty box if a goal is scored before the expiration of the two minutes.

Major Penalties: On five-minute major personal fouls, the penalized player stays in the box for the duration of the penalty, though the offending team returns to full strength if two goals are scored against them during the five minutes. When a second major penalty is imposed on the same player in a game, an automatic game misconduct penalty shall be imposed.

Use of Penalty Shot: Since a team cannot be more than two men down at a time, if a third penalty is called, the official will award a penalty shot to the non-offending team.

Ejection from Game: Players can be ejected from a game for several reasons including being the third man participating in a fight or accumulating two major penalties in one game.

Slow Whistle (Delayed Penalty): If a defending player commits a minor or major penalty against an opponent in possession of the ball, the 30-second shot clock expires, or a goal is scored or possession is gained by the non-offending team.

Coincidental Penalties: When each team is given the same amount of penalty time arising out of the same incident, the offending players shall not be released until the expiration of the penalty. Teams do not lose floor strength, and the ball is awarded to the team who was in possession prior to the fouls.

Floor: Indoor lacrosse is played on a hockey rink covered by an artificial turf playing surface, which is usually referred to as the floor or the carpet (as opposed to the field). There must be boards around the sides of a minimum height of 3′ high. Dimensions are 200′ x 85′ but may be altered.

Goals: are 4′ (high) x 4’9″ (wide). The circle around the goal known as the crease is 9’3″ in diameter. An offensive player is not allowed to step into the crease area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many teams are in the NLL?
With the recent addition of the Las Vegas NLL franchise, the league sits at 15 teams. The Panther City Lacrosse Club will start play in 2021-22 season at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX. The NLL has franchises in Albany, Buffalo, Calgary, Colorado, Georgia, Halifax, Las Vegas (will play beginning in the 2022-23 season), New York, Panther City, Philadelphia, Rochester, San Diego, Saskatchewan, Toronto, and Vancouver.
How many games does each team play during the regular season?
Each NLL team plays 18 regular-season games, nine at home and nine on the road. The season traditionally starts in December and runs through April. Playoffs begin in May.
Where can I watch NLL games?
Outside of attending NLL games live, fans throughout North America can watch all NLL games on ESPN+. Albany FireWolves fans can also watch locally on WNYA My4TV.
In addition, a select Game of the Week airs on NLL Facebook in season and is archived on @NLL on Facebook for anyone to view, anytime.
Is box lacrosse just field lacrosse but indoors?
The objective of the game, much of the equipment, and some of the terminology is the same but that is where it ends. A team is trying to outscore their opponent, all players (outside of the goalie) use short-shaft lacrosse sticks (no long poles), and there are picks, seals, crease violations, faceoffs, and more.
The biggest differences are in the spacing. Playing in a hockey rink with confined boards and glass limits the space the players have to utilize. There are fewer players on the floor at a time than on a field and the pace is quicker due to the smaller play area and a shot clock.
The goals are much smaller (4’x4’9”) versus field and the goalie wears much more padding in box lacrosse. That, along with the smaller spacing, usually makes for players’ accuracy and handling skills being more advanced than in field. Unlike field, box players will typically only use their dominant hand.
If you are a field lacrosse fan, a lot of elements will look similar, with the obvious changes being game play structure and pace. Many players play both field and box lacrosse, the skills gained in one version of the game translates well to the other.
Why do goalies wear so much protective equipment?
Have you ever felt a lacrosse ball? A lacrosse ball is a very dense rubber ball. Professional lacrosse players can shoot the ball upwards of 100mph given clear space. Because of the smaller environment of box lacrosse, goalies wear this equipment to best protect themselves from any potential injuries when saving a shot with the body. Box goalies usually save the ball with their body versus field lacrosse, where a goalie typically saves using their stick.
What is a crease violation?
A crease violation occurs in several ways. One is when an offensive player comes into contact with any part of the crease while cradling the ball. A crease violation can also occur when an offensive player runs through the crease and is the next person to touch the ball. When shooting on goal, as long as the ball is beyond the goal line before any part of the player’s body touches the ground, it is a good goal. If the offensive player lands in the crease before the ball is beyond the goal line, the goal will not count.
Is fighting allowed?
Yes, with a caveat. Fighting can occur during lacrosse but both players will receive penalties (usually a five-minute major). The referees have the discretion to call additional penalties depending on the incident. Additional fines and suspensions can occur as a result of a fight.
What happens if the goal moves on a shot?
Unlike hockey, the goals aren’t staked into the ground. They are still difficult to move but a goalie may accidentally move the goal off its mark. If this occurs and a ball is shot on net, the ball must cross the goal line (where the goal normally sits). A goal can be counted if the goal is not in its primary position. Arenas have cameras above the goal to help check if the ball crossed the line where the goal would have been.
How do referees determine whether an infraction is a change of possession or a penalty?
Referees use their discretion as to whether an infraction is worthy of a penalty or just a change of possession. A change in possession is less serious in nature, considered a statistical turnover, and both teams remain at full strength. Minor penalties result in a two minute penalty where the offending team will go one man down. Major penalties result in a five minute penalty.
Does music play over gameplay?
Yes! Music is constantly playing during NLL games, adding to the fast-paced and exciting atmosphere throughout the league. Unlike basketball, music plays constantly and varies throughout the league. It adds a unique character to the game and keeps fans engaged through the night. The PA announcer also has a role in the game and frequently gets the crowd hyped for their team!
How do the playoffs work?
A total of eight NLL teams qualify for the playoffs. The three regular-season division champions will be the top three seeds, the three second-place teams in each division will be seeded four through six, and the teams with the next two best records from any division will be seeds seven and eight. For the single-game Elimination in the first round, the first seed will host the eighth seed, the second seed will host the seventh seed, the third seed will host the sixth seed, and the fourth seed will host the fifth seed.
The four winning teams from the first round will play in the second round. The winner of Seeds 1 vs. 8 will play the winner of Seeds 4 vs. 5, and the winner of Seeds 2 vs. 7 will play the winner of Seeds 3 vs. 6.
The NLL Cup Finals is a best-of-three series, with the higher-seeded team hosting Game 1 and Game 3 (if necessary)
I saw many NLL players playing for other lacrosse leagues, how does that work?
Because of the shortened season time compared to sports like the MLB, NHL, or NBA, players are able to play in multiple lacrosse leagues throughout the year to hone their skills and grow the game. Since lacrosse is a year round sport, there are always games happening with the best players in the world!

LAX 101 | Hotshots Lacrosse

Boys Lacrosse Rules and Terminology

A high school boys lacrosse game is forty-eight minutes, consisting of four twelve-minute quarters.

In the event of a tie, the teams play sudden death overtime.

10 players play at a time; 1 goalie, 3 defensemen, 3 midfielders, and 3 attackmen.

Each team must retain 3 players in its offensive half of the field and 4 players in the defensive half of the field at all times. Failure to do so results in a technical foul off-sides penalty.

Play begins with a “face-off” at midfield. After a goal, play resumes with a face-off.

A player who touches or goes beyond the sideline or endline or causes the ball to do the same (last player to touch the ball) is considered out of bounds. Possession is awarded to the other team.

On a missed shot, possession is awarded to the player closest to the ball at the time it goes out of bounds.

Personal Foul penalties (slashing, tripping, blows to the head, late hit, unnecessary roughness, illegal stick, etc.) are always time-serving (1:00-3:00). Much like hockey, time serving penalties are served by the offending player in the penalty area of the substitution box, thus giving the offended team an extra man advantage called “EMO” or a “man-up” opportunity. Unless the penalty is a “non-releasable” penalty (unsportsmanlike conduct, illegal stick, or illegal contact to the head), the penalty is released if the offended team scores a goal.

Technical Foul penalties (off-sides, crease violation, illegal procedure, pushing, etc.) are change of possession fouls unless the team that is fouled has possession, in which case they are time serving (:30) and the rules governing their release are the same as with personal fouls.

The Areas of The Lacrosse Field

“X” – refers to the area directly behind the goal crease. Most offenses, both settled and unsettled, are initiated through “X”.

“The Box” – refers to two places on the lacrosse field – the first is the area delineated by the restraining line (side to side) and the two lines running from the restraining line to the endline. Offensive and defensive players must remain in the box during a face-off until one of the midfielders participating in the face-off gains possession or the ball enters the box area. In the last two minutes of a game, the winning team, or both teams if the game is tied, must keep the ball inside of their offensive box once it enters that area, or the result is a turnover.

The second “box” is the substitution area at midfield. Similar to ice hockey, teams may substitute players through the box while the ball is in play – one player comes off, one player goes on. These substitutions must occur on the proper side of midfield to avoid going offsides.

“The Crease” – technically, it is the 9’ radius around the goal, but it also refers to the area directly in front of the goal. Offenses typically have at least one player “on the crease” at all times – similar to having a player in the lane in basketball.

“The Hole” – a defensive term for the area in front of the goal (crease area). Coaches will often yell to their players to “get in the hole” in unsettled defensive situations.

“Down the Side” – refers to a fundamental strategy in the transition game and unsettled situations in which the team going from defense to offense pushes the ball “down the side” to an attackman on the wing, who then distributes it to a second attackman at “X”.

Some Common Lacrosse Terms

Attack or Attackmen – the 3 offensive specialist that operate around the goal at the offensive end of the field.

Middie or Midfielders – the 3 players who operate primarily in the center portion of the field, playing both offense and defense.

Defense, Close Defense or Defensemen – the 3 players who work in coordination with the goalie to prevent the opposition from scoring.

Long Pole – refers to a midfielder who is a defensive specialist and plays with a longer stick. The rules allow only 4 long sticks to be on the field at one time.

Face-Off Man – usually midfielder who specializes in the face-off

Chasing the Shot – after a shot, the closest player (team) to the ball, when it goes out, is awarded possession. Thus, players will “chase a shot” to the point where it goes out of bounds.

Check-Up – a defensive term which means for all of the players on defense to find a player to defend (man to man).

Clearing – the running or passing of the ball from the defensive half of the field to the offensive.

Cradling – The rhythmical coordinated motion of the arms and wrists that enables a player to keep the ball secure in his stick and ready to be passed or shot.

Extra-Man or Man Up – A one-man offensive advantage (at least) that occurs following a time-serving penalty – usually 6 on 5.

Fast Break – a transition scoring opportunity in which the offense enjoys at least a one-man advantage – usually a 4 on 3.

Feeding – passing the ball to a teammate who is in a position to shoot.

Goal Line Extended or “GLE” – the imaginary line from the goal line to the sideline

Ground Ball – A loose ball anywhere on the playing field

Man-Down – the defensive situation that arises from a time-serving penalty against a team in which their defense is in at least a one-man disadvantage – usually 6 on 5.

Riding – The act of attempting to prevent a team from clearing the ball.

Slide – A move by a defender to give support to a teammate who has been beaten by his man.

Slow Break – refers to an unsettled offensive situation in which the offense has at least a one-man advantage, but the advantage is not as obvious as a “fast break.” In a slow break situation, the offense tries to get the ball to a player at “X” and find the open man.

For more lacrosse terminology, CLICK HERE.

La Crosse, Wisconsin 2023: The Best for Travelers

La Crosse: Essential Things to Do

Things to Do

Must-see places, must-see itineraries, and branded attractions.

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Grandad Bluff
Geological Formations
Riverside Park
Parks
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Churches and Cathedrals
Dahl Auto Museum
Specialty Museums
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Motherhouse
Religious Sites
Turtle Stack Brewery
Brewery
Riverside International Friendship Gardens
Gardens
Children’s Museum of La Crosse
Children’s Museums
Goose Island County Park
Parks
HIXON House
Historical attractions

A residence

A combination of charming, modern, tested and present.

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The Charmant Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites La Crosse Downtown
Home2 Suites by Hilton La Crosse
Granty Residential Suites Hotel
Gundersen Hotel & Suites
Radisson Hotel La Cross
Settle Inn La Cross e Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott La Crosse Downtown / Mississippi Riverfront
Candlewood Suites La Crosse

Tourist places to eat, drink and celebrate.

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Lovechild
$$$$ • American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Pearl Ice Cream Parlor
$ • Dessert, American
Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern
$$$$ • Steak- House, Bar, American
Buzzard Billy’s
$$ – $$$ • American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly
The Freighthouse Restaurant
$$$$ • American, Steak house, Vegetarian options
Piggy’s
$$ – $$$ • American, Bar, Pub
The Crow
$$ – $$$ • American, Bar, Pub

9 0015

Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery

$$ – $$$ • American, Irish, Bar

Digger’s Sting Restaurant
$$ – $$$ • American, Steakhouse, Seafood
4 Sisters Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant
$
$ – $$$ • American, Bar, Contemporary

La Crosse is great for

La Crosse Distilling Co.
$$ – $$$ • American, Bar, Gastropub
Howie’s
$$ – $$$ • American, Bar, Pub
La Crosse Pettibone Boat Club 9000 5
$$ – $$$ • American, Bar
Sloopy’s Alma Mater Tavern
$ • Bar, Pub
River rats
$ • American, Bar, Pub
Heroes Bar and Grill
$$ – $$$ • Bar, American, Grill
La Crosse Bierhaus
$$ – $$$ • American, Pub
9002 0
Alpine Inn
$ • American, Bar, Pub
Moxie’s
$$ – $$$ • Bar, Pub
The Driftless Ax
$$ – $$$ • Bar, Pizza, Pub 9 0005

Best outdoor entertainment

Pettibone Park
Parks
Goose Island County Park
Parks
Riverside International Friendship Gardens
Gardens 9000 5
Pettibon Resort
Mount La Crosse
Ski and snowboarding

After sunset

River rats
$ • American, Bar, Pub
Heroes Bar and Grill
$$ – $$$ • Bar, American, Grill
La Crosse Bierhaus
$$ – $$$ • American, Pub
Alpine Inn
$ • American, Bar, Pub
Moxie’s
$$ – $$$ • Bar, Pub
The Driftless Ax
$$ – $$$ • Bar, Pizza, Pub

9000 2

Food and drink

The Freighthouse Restaurant
$$$$ • American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian options
Le Chateau
$$$$ • French, Seafood, European
Piggy’s
$$ – $$$ • American, Bar, Pub