Looking to Visit La Crosse, Wisconsin. 15 Can’t-Miss Activities Looking to Visit La Crosse, Wisconsin. 15 Can’t-Miss Activities Take a Mississippi River cruise for gorgeous views Looking to Visit La Crosse, Wisconsin? 15 Can’t-Miss Activities Keywords used. Discover La Crosse, Wisconsin: 15 Must-Do Activities for an Unforgettable Visit

What makes La Crosse, Wisconsin a must-visit destination. How can you experience the best of La Crosse’s natural beauty, history, and culture. Where to find unique shops and outdoor adventures in this charming riverside city.

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Explore the Majestic Mississippi River

La Crosse, nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience one of America’s most iconic waterways. A river cruise is an excellent way to take in the breathtaking scenery and learn about the area’s rich history.

Mississippi River Cruise Options

Sightseeing cruises
Dinner cruises
Sunset cruises
Private charters

Why should you consider a Mississippi River cruise in La Crosse. These tours provide unparalleled views of the surrounding bluffs, wildlife, and riverfront architecture. You’ll gain insights into the river’s significance for transportation, commerce, and ecology from knowledgeable guides.

Discover Wildlife at La Crosse River Marsh

The La Crosse River Marsh is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. This urban wetland offers a surprising diversity of wildlife just minutes from downtown.

What to Expect at La Crosse River Marsh

Over 200 bird species
Extensive trail system
Native prairie plants
Scenic boardwalks

How can you best explore the La Crosse River Marsh. Consider renting a kayak or canoe to navigate the waterways, or bring binoculars for birdwatching from the observation platforms. The marsh is particularly beautiful during spring and fall migrations.

Step Back in Time at Riverside Museum

The Riverside Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into La Crosse’s past. Located in Riverside Park, this museum showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage and its connection to the Mississippi River.

Highlights of the Riverside Museum

Native American artifacts
Steamboat era exhibits
Local industry displays
Interactive exhibits for children

What makes the Riverside Museum unique. Its location in a historic pump house adds to the authentic atmosphere. The museum’s exhibits are thoughtfully curated to appeal to visitors of all ages, making it an ideal stop for families and history buffs alike.

Experience a Paddlewheel Adventure on the La Crosse Queen

For a truly nostalgic river experience, board the La Crosse Queen, a modern-day replica of the grand riverboats that once dominated the Mississippi. This paddlewheel boat offers a variety of cruises that combine sightseeing with entertainment.

La Crosse Queen Cruise Options

Narrated sightseeing tours
Pizza cruises
Sunday brunch cruises
Fall color cruises

How does the La Crosse Queen differ from other river cruises. The paddlewheel boat provides a more authentic riverboat experience, complete with the rhythmic sound of the wheel churning through the water. It’s an excellent way to imagine what river travel was like in the 19th century.

Explore Unique Shops in Downtown La Crosse

Downtown La Crosse boasts a charming mix of historic architecture and modern amenities. The area is home to a diverse array of locally-owned shops, boutiques, and galleries that offer unique shopping experiences.

Must-Visit Shops in Downtown La Crosse

Pearl Street Books – independent bookstore
The Wine Guyz – wine shop and tasting room
Generous Earth Pottery – handmade ceramics
Drift Mercantile – curated home goods and gifts

Why is shopping in downtown La Crosse special. The emphasis on local businesses means you’ll find one-of-a-kind items and personalized service. Many shops are housed in beautifully restored historic buildings, adding to the charm of your shopping experience.

Hike Grandad Bluff for Panoramic Views

No visit to La Crosse is complete without a trip to Grandad Bluff. This 600-foot bluff offers stunning panoramic views of the city, the Mississippi River valley, and the surrounding tri-state area.

Things to Do at Grandad Bluff

Scenic overlook with interpretive signs
Hiking trails of varying difficulty
Picnic areas
Rock climbing (with proper permits)

When is the best time to visit Grandad Bluff. While beautiful year-round, fall offers spectacular views of autumn foliage. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to take in the scenery. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking vistas.

Sample Local Flavors at the Cameron Park Farmers Market

The Cameron Park Farmers Market is a beloved La Crosse tradition, offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods from local vendors. It’s a great way to experience the region’s agricultural bounty and meet local farmers and artisans.

What to Expect at the Cameron Park Farmers Market

Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Locally-produced honey and maple syrup
Artisanal cheeses and baked goods
Handmade crafts and jewelry
Live music and entertainment

How can you make the most of your farmers market visit. Arrive early for the best selection, bring reusable bags, and don’t be afraid to ask vendors about their products. Many are happy to share recipes and preparation tips. The market is a great place to pick up unique local gifts or ingredients for a picnic lunch.

Discover La Crosse’s Brewing Heritage

La Crosse has a rich brewing history dating back to the 19th century. Today, visitors can explore this heritage through brewery tours, tastings, and beer-themed events.

Brewing Experiences in La Crosse

Pearl Street Brewery tours and taproom
608 Brewing Company’s experimental brews
Turtle Stack Brewery’s riverside location
Annual Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine & Cheese Festival

What makes La Crosse’s brewing scene unique. The city’s breweries often incorporate local ingredients and draw inspiration from the region’s natural beauty. Many are located in historic buildings, adding to the sense of connection with La Crosse’s brewing past.

Explore the Great River State Trail

The Great River State Trail offers 24 miles of scenic biking and hiking along a former railroad bed. This trail is part of the larger Mississippi River Trail system and provides a wonderful way to experience the region’s natural beauty.

Great River State Trail Highlights

Scenic views of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Connection to other regional trails
Access to small river towns and local attractions

How can you best enjoy the Great River State Trail. Consider renting a bike in La Crosse and planning a day trip along the trail. Pack a picnic lunch and take advantage of the numerous rest areas and scenic overlooks. The trail is relatively flat, making it accessible for cyclists of all skill levels.

Visit the Dahl Auto Museum

Car enthusiasts will appreciate the Dahl Auto Museum, which showcases over 100 years of automotive history. The museum features a impressive collection of restored classic cars, with a focus on Ford models.

Dahl Auto Museum Exhibits

Vintage cars from every decade of the 20th century
Ford memorabilia and advertising
Interactive displays on automotive technology
Rotating exhibits on specific themes or eras

Why is the Dahl Auto Museum worth a visit. Beyond the impressive car collection, the museum offers insights into how the automotive industry shaped American culture and the local La Crosse economy. It’s a nostalgic trip for older visitors and an educational experience for younger ones.

Enjoy Outdoor Recreation at Pettibone Park

Pettibone Park, located on an island in the Mississippi River, offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. This 200-acre park is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Activities at Pettibone Park

Swimming beach
Boat launches
Picnic areas and shelters
Disc golf course
Playgrounds

How can you make the most of a day at Pettibone Park. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the park’s various amenities. The beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming on hot summer days, while the boat launches provide easy access for fishing or kayaking adventures.

Experience La Crosse’s Vibrant Arts Scene

La Crosse boasts a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters, and performance spaces. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences throughout the year.

Arts and Culture Highlights in La Crosse

La Crosse Community Theatre productions
Pump House Regional Arts Center exhibits and classes
Weber Center for the Performing Arts shows
Annual La Crosse Arts Festival

What makes La Crosse’s arts scene special. The city’s commitment to supporting local artists and performers creates a diverse and dynamic cultural landscape. Many venues are housed in beautifully restored historic buildings, adding to the charm of the experience.

Take a Segway Tour of La Crosse

For a unique and fun way to explore the city, consider taking a Segway tour. These guided tours offer an efficient and entertaining method to see La Crosse’s highlights while learning about its history and culture.

Segway Tour Options in La Crosse

Downtown and Riverside Park tour
Historic neighborhoods tour
Sunset river view tour
Custom private tours

Why choose a Segway tour in La Crosse. These tours cover more ground than walking tours, allowing you to see more of the city in a shorter time. The novelty of riding a Segway adds an element of fun and adventure to your sightseeing experience.

Relax at Myrick Park

Myrick Park is a beautiful green space that offers a peaceful retreat within the city. The park features a variety of amenities and is home to the Myrick Park Center, which houses educational exhibits on local ecology.

Attractions at Myrick Park

EcoPark with native plant gardens
Kids Coulee playground
Hiking and biking trails
Marsh boardwalk
Zoo pasture with bison and elk

How can families best enjoy Myrick Park. The Kids Coulee playground is a highlight for children, offering imaginative play structures. The EcoPark provides opportunities for hands-on learning about local ecosystems, while the zoo pasture allows visitors to observe large animals in a naturalistic setting.

Experience La Crosse’s Festival Scene

La Crosse is known for its vibrant festival scene, with events throughout the year celebrating everything from music and food to the city’s cultural heritage. These festivals offer visitors a chance to experience the community’s spirit and enjoy unique entertainment.

Notable La Crosse Festivals

Oktoberfest USA – one of the largest outside of Munich
Riverside Roots Festival – celebrating American roots music
La Crosse Irishfest – showcasing Irish culture and music
Rotary Lights – holiday light display in Riverside Park

Why should you plan your visit around a La Crosse festival. These events offer a concentrated dose of local culture, cuisine, and entertainment. They’re an excellent way to mingle with locals and experience the city at its most vibrant and celebratory.