La Crosse

La Crosse sits on the eastern bank of the Upper Mississippi River in southwestern Wisconsin, where the Black and La Crosse rivers converge with the main waterway. Bordered by sandstone bluffs rising roughly 500 feet (150 meters) above the river valley, the city anchors Wisconsin's Driftless Area—a rugged expanse of steep coulees, wooded ridges, and spring-fed creeks bypassed and left unflattened by the last glacial ice age.

With approximately 52,000 residents in the city and nearly 140,000 in the wider metropolitan area, La Crosse blends an industrial river-port past with the energy of a regional educational hub. The campuses of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Viterbo University, and Western Technical College bring over 15,000 students into the city, supporting independent coffeehouses, local performance spaces, and a dense concentration of taverns and eateries along historic downtown brick streets.

The local climate features four distinct seasons. Summers bring warm, humid weather with July highs averaging 85°F (29°C), ideal for paddling the river sloughs and hiking bluff trails. Autumn brings crisp air and brilliant red and gold forest canopies across the coulees, coinciding with the city's signature Oktoberfest festivities. Winters are cold and snowy, with January highs around 26°F (-3°C) and lows near 9°F (-13°C), creating reliable conditions for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing before spring thaw arrives in April.

By Air

La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) is located on French Island, 5 miles (8 km) north of downtown La Crosse (10 to 15 minutes by car).

• Airlines and routes: American Airlines (operated by American Eagle) and United Airlines provide daily regional jet flights to Chicago O'Hare (ORD, flight time 1 hour 15 minutes). Allegiant Air offers seasonal direct flights to Phoenix/Mesa (AZA) and Orlando/Sanford (SFB).
• Alternative hubs: Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) lies 150 miles (241 km) northwest (2.5 hours by car or direct Amtrak/bus), offering extensive domestic and international connections. Dane County Regional Airport in Madison (MSN) sits 135 miles (217 km) east (2 hours by car).
• Airport transfers: Taxis and rideshares (Uber and Lyft) connect LSE to downtown for $15–$22 USD. MTU city bus Route 7 serves French Island on weekdays.

By Train

Amtrak operates daily passenger rail service to the historic La Crosse Amtrak Station (601 St. Andrew St), located 1.5 miles north of downtown:

• Borealis: Daily regional daytime service operating between Saint Paul (Union Depot) and Chicago (Union Station) via Milwaukee. Features Coach and Business Class seating, free Wi-Fi, and a café car. Travel time to Saint Paul is 2.5 to 3 hours ($20–$45 USD); to Milwaukee is 3.5 to 4 hours ($28–$55 USD); to Chicago is 5.5 hours ($35–$65 USD).
• Empire Builder: Daily long-distance service connecting Chicago and the Pacific Northwest (Seattle and Portland) via Saint Paul, Fargo, and Spokane. Features Coach, Business Class, and private Sleeper accommodations (Roomettes and Bedrooms including all onboard meals).
• The station waiting room is open daily with ticketing kiosks, restrooms, and short-term parking.

By Bus

Intercity coach services connect La Crosse to regional Midwest hubs:

• Jefferson Lines: Operates daily routes stopping downtown at Grand River Station (314 Jay St) and near the UW–La Crosse campus (521 East Ave N). Connects to Minneapolis (3.5 to 5 hours, 1–2 departures daily, $29–$48 USD / ~$29–$48), Madison (2.5 to 3 hours, 2 departures daily, $25–$50 USD / ~$25–$50), and Milwaukee (4.5 to 5.5 hours, $45–$65 USD / ~$45–$65).
• SMRT Bus (Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit): Regional rural commuter bus network running weekdays between La Crosse and neighboring communities including Viroqua, Prairie du Chien, Sparta, and Tomah. One-way fares cost $5.00 USD / ~$5.00 (cash only upon boarding).

By Car

La Crosse connects smoothly to the Upper Midwest interstate and highway system:

• Interstate 90 (I-90): Skirts the northern edge of the city, connecting east to Madison (140 miles / 225 km, 2 hours 15 minutes) and Milwaukee (210 miles / 338 km, 3 hours 15 minutes), and west into Minnesota toward Rochester (75 miles / 120 km, 1 hour 15 minutes) and the Twin Cities (155 miles / 250 km, 2.5 hours).

• US Highway 61 / US Highway 14: Crosses the Mississippi River on the Cass Street and Cameron Avenue bridges into La Crescent, Minnesota.

• Wisconsin State Highway 35: Runs north-south along the Wisconsin bank of the river, forming part of the national Great River Road scenic byway.

• Driving from downtown Chicago takes roughly 4 to 4.5 hours (275 miles / 443 km via I-90 West).

• Municipal Transit Utility (MTU): City bus system operating 8 fixed routes serving downtown, North Side, South Side, French Island, Onalaska, and La Crescent (MN). Regular adult single fare is $1.50 USD (youth ages 4–17 pay $1.25; seniors 65+ and passengers with disabilities pay $0.75; children 3 and under ride free). Free transfers are issued upon request. Fare passes can be purchased on smartphones through the MTU Mobile Pay app. Real-time bus tracking and arrival times are integrated into the Transit app.

• Rideshare and Taxis: Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city and surrounding county. Local taxi fleets include Coulee Region Taxi (+1-608-784-8294). Short rides between downtown, campus, and riverfront parks cost $10–$16 USD.

• Cycling: Paved bike paths run along Riverside Park, through the La Crosse River Marsh (Marsh Trails), and link into long-distance paths such as the Great River State Trail starting just north in Onalaska.

• Walking: Downtown's street grid between Front Street along the river and 7th Street is flat and convenient for pedestrians visiting shops, theaters, and restaurants.

• Grandad Bluff Park: The premier overlook in the region, rising 590 feet above the valley on the city's eastern boundary (accessible via Bliss Road). The observation platform provides sweeping views across the Mississippi River, its network of sloughs, and the opposing bluffs of Minnesota and Iowa. Open daily 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (May through October; daylight hours in winter). Free entry.

• Riverside Park and International Friendship Gardens: Located along Front Street on the Mississippi River bank. The 20-acre park contains manicured walking promenades, a performance bandshell, and the International Friendship Gardens displaying traditional garden designs from sister cities in China, Germany, Norway, France, Ireland, and Russia. Free entry.

• Historic Hixon House (429 7th St N): An authentic 1859 Italianate residence built by pioneer lumberman Gideon Hixon. Preserved with nearly all original 19th-century furnishings, Victorian woodwork, and an aesthetic Turkish Nook. Open for guided tours Memorial Day through October (Friday–Saturday 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM–2:00 PM; tours on the hour). Adults $12 USD, seniors $10 USD, students $6 USD.

• Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (5250 Justin Rd): A major Catholic pilgrimage destination situated across 100 wooded acres in the bluffs south of the city. Features a Tuscan Italianate church designed by architect Duncan Stroik, an outdoor Stations of the Cross path, and a café. Open daily 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (open until 6:00 PM June through Labor Day). Free entry and parking.

• World's Largest Six-Pack (1111 3rd St S): Six massive industrial fermentation storage tanks at the City Brewing Company facility painted to resemble gigantic beverage cans, with an aggregate capacity of over 688,000 gallons (equivalent to over seven million cans). Free roadside viewing.

• Pump House Regional Arts Center (119 King St): A visual and performing arts facility housed in an 1880 municipal water pumping station with original brickwork and timber. Features rotating contemporary art galleries, a 140-seat theater, and ceramics workshops. Gallery admission is free; theater tickets vary by production.

• Pettibone Park: Situated on Barron Island across the Mississippi River bridges from downtown. Offers a sandy public swimming beach, a 27-hole disc golf course, picnic pavilions, and boat launches looking back toward the city skyline. Free day-use.

• Hike and Mountain Bike Hixon Forest: Over 800 acres of protected city woodland lining the eastern bluffs. Main trailheads at Myrick Park (2000 La Crosse St) and Fauna Lane lead to miles of switchback trails, including the Rotary Vista Trail climbing to Grandad Bluff and dedicated singletrack loops for mountain bikers. Free access year-round.

• Cruise on the La Crosse Queen: A modern diesel-powered paddlewheel riverboat operating sightseeing excursions on the Mississippi River from Riverside Park docks. Offerings include 1.5-hour narrative sightseeing cruises ($24–$28 USD), weekend brunch cruises ($38–$44 USD), and Friday–Saturday dinner cruises ($52–$60 USD). Runs daily from early May through late October.

• Attend Oktoberfest USA: Wisconsin's largest autumn festival, established in 1961 and held annually on the last full weekend of September. Festivities span the Downtown Festgrounds and Northside Festgrounds with authentic polka and brass bands, Bavarian beer halls, craft tents, a carnival, and two major processions: the Torchlight Parade on Thursday night and the Maple Leaf Parade on Saturday morning.

• Catch a Ballgame at Copeland Park (1130 Copeland Ave): Known locally as "The Lumber Yard," this classic 3,500-seat stadium hosts the La Crosse Loggers of the collegiate Northwoods League. Regular season runs from late May through early August. General admission tickets cost $9–$13 USD.

• Watch a Movie at The Rivoli Theatre (117 N 4th St): A restored 1920s cinema featuring second-run blockbusters and cult films. Theater seating includes café-style tables with beer, wine, and freshly baked pizzas served to your seat during screenings. Tickets cost $4–$6 USD.

• Paddle the Mississippi River and Black River Sloughs: Rent single or tandem kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards from local outfitters near Riverside Park or Pettibone Park to explore quiet backwaters, lotus beds, and bird-rich wetlands along the Mississippi Flyway.

• Lovechild Restaurant (300 3rd St S) — Modern American ($$$): An award-nominated dining destination renowned for its creative, scratch-made seasonal menu. Specializes in handmade pastas, prime steaks, seafood crudo, and artisanal desserts paired with an extensive international wine list. Reservations recommended.
• The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern (328 Front St S) — American & Seafood ($$$): Riverfront establishment offering floor-to-ceiling views of the Mississippi River. The upscale dining room serves USDA prime dry-aged steaks, fresh walleye, and oysters, while the adjacent tavern serves craft burgers, flatbreads, and local draft beer on a riverbank patio.
• The Freight House (107 Vine St) — Steakhouse & Supper Club ($$): Housed in a historic 1880 Chicago and North Western freight depot with heavy timber rafters and gas lanterns. Serves prime rib, charbroiled steaks, king crab, and classic Wisconsin Friday fish fries accompanied by an expansive salad bar.
• Fayze's Restaurant & Bakery (135 4th St S) — American & Bakery ($$): Downtown staple popular for hearty breakfasts, famous Talame sourdough toast, eggs Benedict, specialty pancakes, soups, and hot sandwiches. Features an on-site bakery counter with fresh cookies, rolls, and fruit pies.
• The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor & Confectionery (207 Pearl St) — Ice Cream & Soda Fountain ($): 1930s-style confectionery complete with marble counters, antique soda taps, and a player piano. Serves homemade small-batch ice cream in fresh-baked waffle cones, phosphate sodas, sundaes, and handmade chocolates.

• Pearl Street Brewery (1401 St. Andrew St): Independent craft brewery housed in a 19th-century footwear manufacturing building on the North Side. The taproom pours flagship brews such as Downtown Brown ale, Java Lava stout, and seasonal IPAs, with live music on weekends.
• Historic 3rd Street Tavern Strip: A dense concentration of taverns, sports bars, and live-music pubs situated between State Street and King Street, popular on weekends with university crowds and sports fans.
• The Root Note (115 4th St S): Downtown café serving pour-over coffees, espresso, organic teas, sweet and savory crepes, and craft beer, frequently hosting acoustic musicians and poetry readings.
• Jules' Coffee House (213 Pearl St): Long-running espresso bar serving organic fair-trade coffee, espresso drinks, baked goods, and light lunch fare in a relaxed setting with outdoor sidewalk seating.

• Budget — Super 8 by Wyndham La Crosse (1625 Rose St): Simple, functional lodging located off I-90 and Rose Street, 2 miles north of downtown. Offers free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Nightly rates: $65–$95 USD.
• Budget — Travelodge by Wyndham La Crosse (Mormon Coulee Rd): Clean, no-frills roadside motel located on the south side of town with microwave-equipped rooms and free parking. Nightly rates: $60–$85 USD.
• Mid-range — Courtyard by Marriott La Crosse Downtown/Mississippi Riverfront (500 Front St S): Modern riverfront hotel situated adjacent to Riverside Park and the La Crosse Center. Features an indoor pool, fitness center, The Bistro restaurant, and rooms with Mississippi River views. Nightly rates: $125–$175 USD.
• Mid-range — Radisson Hotel La Crosse (200 Harborview Plaza): Full-service downtown hotel overlooking the river with an indoor pool, airport shuttle, and on-site Three Rivers Lodge restaurant. Nightly rates: $120–$165 USD.
• Upscale — The Charmant Hotel (101 State St): Luxury 67-room boutique hotel set inside a restored 1898 candy factory near Riverside Park. Features exposed timber beams, original brick walls, a French-inspired rustic restaurant, a wood-fired rooftop bar with river vistas, and artisan chocolates delivered at check-in. Nightly rates: $185–$265 USD.
• Camping — Pettibone Resort and Campground (333 Park Plaza Dr): Waterfront camping facility on Barron Island on the Mississippi River across from downtown. Offers shaded tent sites, full hookup RV sites, hot showers, and a canoe/kayak launch. Tent sites from $28–$35 USD/night; RV sites $45–$60 USD/night.

• Pearl Street Shopping District: Downtown La Crosse along Pearl, Main, and 3rd streets features independent local retailers, including vintage clothing boutiques, antique stores, and used bookstores such as Pearl Street Books (323 Pearl St).
• Cameron Park Farmers Market (Cameron Park, 4th and King streets): Open Friday evenings (4:00 PM–8:00 PM) from May through October and Saturday mornings, offering regional Wisconsin cheeses, local berries, maple syrup, honey, bakery goods, and handmade crafts from local producers.
• Valley View Mall (3800 WI-16, Onalaska): Regional enclosed shopping mall 5 miles northeast of downtown, anchored by national department stores, specialty apparel chains, and casual dining outlets.

• Winona, Minnesota (30 miles / 48 km northwest, 35 minutes via US-61): A historic river town framed by the limestone landmark Sugar Loaf bluff. Highlights include the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, displaying masterworks by Monet, Van Gogh, and Homer alongside marine art, and a historic downtown with Victorian architecture.
• Wildcat Mountain State Park & Kickapoo Valley Reserve (45 miles / 72 km east, 55 minutes via WI-33): Located in the Driftless hills near Ontario. Features sweeping ridgetop overlooks of the Kickapoo River valley, extensive hiking trails, and premier gentle-water canoeing and kayaking along the meandering Kickapoo River.
• Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (60 miles / 96 km south, 1 hour 15 minutes via the Great River Road / WI-35): Wisconsin's second-oldest European settlement, situated at the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. Features the Villa Louis Victorian estate on St. Feriole Island, Fort Crawford Museum, and riverboat cruises.
• Trempealeau and Perrot State Park (20 miles / 32 km northwest, 25 minutes via WI-35): Quiet river community where the Trempealeau River meets the Mississippi. Perrot State Park offers steep bluff trails to Brady's Bluff with panoramic views of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge.
• Madison, Wisconsin (140 miles / 225 km east, 2 hours 15 minutes via I-90): Wisconsin's capital city, situated on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona. Known for the Wisconsin State Capitol building, the University of Wisconsin campus, the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and a renowned dining scene along State Street.