La Crosse, Wisconsin
Where the Black, La Crosse & Mississippi Rivers Meet
Major Attractions
Iconic landmarks and experiences that define La Crosse
Riverside Park Must See
Historic riverfront park featuring the International Friendship Gardens, band shell, and paddlewheel boats along the Mississippi. Home to Rotary Lights each winter.
Grandad Bluff
A 600-foot bluff offering panoramic views across three states and the full Mississippi River Valley. One of the most photographed spots in Wisconsin.
Historic Downtown & Pearl Street
Vibrant shopping and entertainment district with craft breweries, boutiques, and beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture.
La Crosse Queen Paddlewheeler
Authentic paddlewheel boat offering scenic river cruises, dinner cruises, and special event cruises on the Mississippi River.
Dahl Auto Museum
Classic car collection showcasing vintage automobiles and La Crosse transportation history. A must for car enthusiasts visiting the Coulee Region.
Oktoberfest USA Annual
One of the Midwest's largest Oktoberfest celebrations, held annually since 1961. Expect parades, live music, and authentic German festivities every fall.
Popular Restaurants
From riverfront dining to beloved local institutions
Parks & Scenic Areas
25+ parks, bluffs, beaches, and river trails across the Coulee Region
Hixon Forest 2,000+ Acres
Massive nature preserve with 30+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through stunning bluff country above the city.
Myrick Park & Zoo
Family-friendly park with a free zoo, marsh boardwalk, playground, and EcoPark nature center. A beloved local staple.
Pettibone Park & Beach
Popular beach on Barron Island with swimming, boating, picnic areas, and the Pettibone Boat Club on the Mississippi.
Black River Beach
Sandy beach at the confluence of the Black and Mississippi Rivers. Excellent for swimming and catching unforgettable sunsets.
Great River State Trail
A 24-mile paved trail following the Mississippi River through wetlands and river backwaters. Perfect for cycling and birding.
Goose Island Park
River island park with camping, boat launches, and excellent fishing for catfish and walleye along the Mississippi.
Colleges & Schools
Higher education anchors La Crosse as a regional hub for students and healthcare professionals
University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Home to 10,500+ Eagles. Renowned for health sciences, business, and liberal arts. Beautiful campus near the bluffs.
Viterbo University
Franciscan liberal arts university serving 2,500 students. Strong programs in nursing, education, and fine arts.
Western Technical College
Two-year technical college offering 65+ programs in health sciences, business, and skilled trades for regional workforce development.
La Crosse School District
Serving 7,000+ students across Central, Logan, and LaCrossroads high schools, plus numerous elementary and middle schools.
Aquinas Catholic Schools
Private Catholic K–12 education system known for strong academic programs and competitive athletic traditions.
Healthcare & City Resources
World-class medical care and key city infrastructure serving the greater Coulee Region
Gundersen Health System
Major regional medical center and Level II Trauma Center. The first energy-independent health system in the United States, serving western Wisconsin and beyond.
Mayo Clinic Health System
Part of the renowned Mayo Clinic network, providing comprehensive healthcare services across the region with access to world-class specialists.
La Crosse Center
Multi-purpose arena and convention center hosting concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and major community gatherings on the riverfront.
La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE)
Regional airport with daily flights to Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis. Located just 8 miles from downtown La Crosse.
Historic Preservation
Three National Register Historic Districts showcase Victorian and early 20th-century architecture throughout the downtown corridor.
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Events and Things to do in La Crosse Wisconsin April 2026
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Events and Things to do in La Crosse Wisconsin March 2026
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History of La Crosse Wisconsin
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Events and Things to do in La Crosse Wisconsin January 2026
Date Event (Link) Location Time Notes Dec 31, 2025 Rotary Lights (last night of season) Riverside Park (La Crosse) Varies (see link) Holiday lights walk/drive Dec 31, 2025 Countdown to Noon Year | Children’s Museum Children’s Museum of La Crosse 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Family/kids celebration + noon balloon drop Dec 31, 2025 Kids […]
Events and Things to do in La Crosse Wisconsin December 2025
Date / Period Event / Activity Description / Notes Nov 28, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 (daily evenings) Rotary Lights at Riverside Park Holiday light display with over 3 million lights — drive-through or walk/ride through the park; a classic festive tradition for La Crosse. (TravelWisconsin) Dec 5, 2025 Holiday Faire Friday Holiday-themed festive event […]
Events and Things to do in La Crosse Wisconsin November 2025
Date Event Description Nov 4-5, 2025 18th Annual Sustainable Business Council Conference (La Crosse Center) Premier Upper-Midwest business-to-business sustainability conference. (La Crosse Local) Nov 6-8, 2025 La Crosse New Music Festival (Annett Recital Hall, UWL) Series of concerts and discussions exploring new music and its connection to place. (UW-La Crosse) Nov 13-15, 2025 Holiday & […]