La Crosse, WI

Travel Guide

Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
This southwest Wisconsin city offers gorgeous hilltop views, year-round outdoor pursuits and an important religious site. 

La Crosse lies between the banks of the Mississippi River and a series of steep bluffs. Natural beauty and outdoor recreation are the biggest draws, but the city also captivates with its children’s activities and cultural offerings.

A good way to introduce yourself to the area is with a walk to the top of Grandad Bluff, a steep hill that can be seen from most parts of the city. From the summit, enjoy views of the city, the Mississippi River and the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Hike on several trails at the top of the bluff.

You can also stroll along the forest trails and open spaces of Riverside Park or find a pleasant place to sit and watch river traffic go by.

Become part of the river scenery on a cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen. This is a replica of the paddle steamers that used to be a common sight on the Mississippi River in the late 19th century. Alternatively, travel through the river’s backwaters on an eco-tour.

For family-orientated fun, treat the kids to a trip to the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. Then make your way to Myrick Park for Kids Coulee. This playground has climbing structures, swings, a maze and tunnels. Children with disabilities can enjoy the equipment too.

Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. Non-Catholics are also welcome to enjoy the tranquility and tour the church to view its paintings and sculptures.

If you are in La Crosse during the winter, there’s no need to stay indoors when the snow falls. Go snowmobiling on over 600 miles (966 kilometers) of trails or cross-country ski at Drugan’s Castle Mound. Try snowshoeing and ice fishing at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center.

Reach La Crosse by bus, car or train. You can also fly into La Crosse Regional Airport, located on French Island and connected to the mainland by a bridge. Pack your suitcase for outdoor adventures whatever the season.

Where to stay in La Crosse

La Crosse showing night scenes and a city

Historic Downtown La Crosse

4.5/5(37 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are top of the list for many visitors to Historic Downtown La Crosse. A stop by La Crosse Center or Oktoberfest Grounds might round out your trip.

Historic Downtown La Crosse
Default Image

Northside

If you're spending some time in Northside, Black River Beach and Riverside Amusement Park are top sights worth seeing.

Northside
Default Image

Grandview-Emerson

While Grandview-Emerson might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Oktoberfest Grounds and La Crosse Center.

Grandview-Emerson
La Crosse, WI from ~590 ft up.

Bluffside

While Bluffside might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Oktoberfest Grounds and La Crosse Center.

Bluffside
Default Image

Lower Northside

Lower Northside might not have many top sights, but Oktoberfest Grounds and La Crosse Center are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Lower Northside
Default Image

Washburn

If you're spending some time in Washburn, Mississippi River and City Brewery are top sights worth seeing.

Washburn
GrandStay Hotel & Suites

GrandStay Hotel & Suites

2.5 out of 5
525 Front Street North, La Crosse, WI
The price is ¥16,663 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥16,663
¥19,162 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in La Crosse. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,027 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

GrandStay Hotel & Suites
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI

2.5 out of 5
2110 Rose St, La Crosse, WI
The price is ¥13,318 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥13,318
¥15,316 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in La Crosse. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,027 reviews)
Always happy to stay here
"One of my go-to hotels in La Crosse. Quiet, right off the main road, comfy and welcoming."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, La Crosse, WI
Radisson Hotel La Crosse

Radisson Hotel La Crosse

3.5 out of 5
200 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI
The price is ¥19,284 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥19,284
¥22,177 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in La Crosse. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
Great troubleshooting by Anthony
"Special shout out to Anthony on 9/17 who did some quick-thinking troubleshooting to resolve a problem with our reservation. I thought I reserved a double queen room but when we arrived, there was one bed in an ADA room. We had had a long day's drive and really wanted/needed our own beds to rest. ..."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

Radisson Hotel La Crosse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
River Front Property

River Front Property

La Crosse
Stay at this vacation home in La Crosse. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Black River Beach and Shenanigans Entertainment Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (101 reviews)
"The views were amazing, It was perferct for what we needed it for, everything was available that we needed."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

River Front Property
Great 1 Bedroom unit with easy access to everything

Great 1 Bedroom unit with easy access to everything

La Crosse
Stay at this vacation home in La Crosse. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Black River Beach and Shenanigans Entertainment ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
"Great location, close to downtown, mall, river etc. very clean. Close to good coffee and restaurants. Great place"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Great 1 Bedroom unit with easy access to everything
Eclectic Unique Cozy 1-bedroom apartment with WiFi, AC in charming La Crosse

Eclectic Unique Cozy 1-bedroom apartment with WiFi, AC in charming La Crosse

2 out of 5
La Crosse
Stay at this apartment in La Crosse. Enjoy laundry facilities, concierge services, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Children's Museum of La Crosse ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This place was great for our stay in La Crosse. Plenty of room for me and my 2 teenage kids. My only disappointment was that vrbo had the property pinned across the street from the La Crosse Center where I was attending a conference but the actual location of the property was 4 blocks away. So what ..."

Reviewed on Sep 2, 2025

Eclectic Unique Cozy 1-bedroom apartment with WiFi, AC in charming La Crosse
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near La Crosse

Other places like La Crosse