La Crosse, Wisconsin Travel Guide

Discover La Crosse, Wisconsin - a riverside gem offering stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural experiences, and a warm community atmosphere.

Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, La Crosse is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich cultural experiences. Known for its stunning river views and lush bluffs, the city offers a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts and casual travelers alike. Whether you're hiking through the scenic trails of Grandad Bluff or taking a relaxing riverboat cruise, the natural landscape of La Crosse is sure to leave you in awe. Beyond its natural splendor, La Crosse boasts a lively downtown area filled with charming shops, eclectic restaurants, and historic landmarks. The city's strong sense of community is palpable as you stroll through its streets, where local festivals and farmers' markets bring people together in celebration. Don't miss a visit to the Dahl Auto Museum or the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, where you can get a taste of the city's diverse cultural heritage. La Crosse is also a hub for craft beer lovers, with numerous local breweries offering tours and tastings of their unique brews. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse adds a youthful energy to the city, with plenty of cultural events and sporting activities. Whether you're here for the outdoor adventures, the cultural experiences, or simply to relax by the river, La Crosse promises an unforgettable visit.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring La Crosse.

Visit Grandad Bluff for the best panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Explore the downtown area on foot to fully appreciate its historic charm and local shops.
Check out the local brewery scene; Pearl Street Brewery is a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts.
Plan your visit around local festivals such as Oktoberfest or the La Crosse Riverfest for a unique cultural experience.
Take a riverboat cruise to see the Mississippi River from a unique perspective.

Explore La Crosse: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in La Crosse

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Riverside Park

Explore Riverside Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin - a tranquil escape by the Mississippi River with stunning views and family-friendly activities.

4.7

Riverside Park

Explore Riverside Park in La Crosse, WI – a scenic park offering stunning river views, beautiful gardens, and endless recreational activities for all ages.

4.7

Grandad Bluff Park

Discover the stunning views and natural beauty of Grandad Bluff Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a must-visit destination for every traveler.

4.8

Copeland Park

Discover the natural beauty and recreational delights of Copeland Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a perfect getaway for nature lovers and families.

4.4

Best landmarks in La Crosse

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Riverside Park

Discover the serene beauty of Riverside Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin—an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

4.7

Grandad Bluff Park

Experience the stunning vistas and natural beauty at Grandad Bluff Park in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where adventure and tranquility await.

4.8

The Charmant Hotel

Experience the elegance of The Charmant Hotel in La Crosse, where historic charm meets modern luxury for an unforgettable getaway.

4.6

Children's Museum of La Crosse

Discover endless fun and learning at the Children's Museum of La Crosse, where imagination meets exploration for kids and families alike.

4.7

Best restaurants in La Crosse

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Buzzard Billy's

Discover Buzzard Billy's in La Crosse: Where American comfort meets Cajun spice in a lively atmosphere.

4.6

North Country Steak Buffet

Savor an unforgettable dining experience at North Country Steak Buffet in La Crosse - where delicious food meets family-friendly hospitality.

4.6

La Crosse Family Restaurant

Enjoy hearty meals in a family-friendly atmosphere at La Crosse Family Restaurant - where comfort food meets affordability.

4.3

The Crow

Experience the best of American cuisine at The Crow in La Crosse - where local flavors meet exceptional service.

4.5

Best bars in La Crosse

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Bodega Brew Pub, Inc.

Discover the lively Bodega Brew Pub in La Crosse, WI, where craft beer and unique cuisine create a vibrant dining experience.

4.5

River Rats Bar & Grill

Experience riverside dining at River Rats Bar & Grill, where delicious grilled dishes meet stunning views of the Mississippi River.

4.4

Del's Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife of La Crosse at Del's Bar, known for the best Bloody Marys and a friendly dive bar atmosphere.

4.6

Recovery Room Sports Pub & Grill

Savor delicious grill classics and craft beverages in La Crosse's lively sports pub, perfect for food lovers and sports fans alike.

4.5

Best nightclubs in La Crosse

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Del's Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Del's Bar in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where great cocktails and a lively atmosphere await you.

4.6

The Helm Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife of La Crosse at The Helm Bar, where drinks, music, and great company come together for an unforgettable evening.

4.5

The Starlite Lounge

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Starlite Lounge in La Crosse, a top destination for cocktails and cozy gatherings.

4.6

Brothers Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Brothers Bar in La Crosse, where affordable drinks meet an energetic atmosphere.

3.9

Best shops in La Crosse

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Valley View Mall

Experience the ultimate shopping and dining destination at Valley View Mall in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where retail therapy meets family fun.

3.9

Village Shopping Center

Explore the Village Shopping Center in La Crosse, WI for a diverse shopping experience, dining options, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for all visitors.

4.3

Bridgeview Shopping Center

Experience shopping at its finest at Bridgeview Shopping Center - a vibrant destination in La Crosse, WI with diverse stores and dining options.

3.8

Sweet Shop

Experience the ultimate sweet escape at Sweet Shop in La Crosse, WI, where candy dreams come true and every bite is a delight.

4.8

Explore La Crosse on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in La Crosse, mapped for you.

La Crosse Essentials

La Crosse is accessible by various means of transportation. The La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) is the nearest airport, with regular flights connecting to major hubs like Minneapolis-Saint Paul and Chicago. The city is also reachable by Amtrak's Empire Builder line, which stops at the La Crosse Amtrak Station. For those traveling by road, Interstate 90 runs directly through La Crosse, making it easily accessible by car or bus.
Once in La Crosse, getting around is straightforward. The city offers a public bus system, La Crosse MTU, which runs several routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available. For those who prefer biking, there are several bike rental shops and plenty of bike paths. Walking is another convenient option, especially in the downtown area where many attractions are located.
The currency used in La Crosse is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in the downtown area, so withdrawing cash is convenient. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit places that do not accept cards.
La Crosse is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any city, it's wise to stay cautious. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas. The downtown area is usually safe but be cautious in some neighborhoods like Washburn and Lower North Side, which have reported higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying expensive items openly.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. La Crosse has several medical facilities, including Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System, which provide comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual attire is generally acceptable, but if dining in upscale restaurants, business casual is recommended. Religion: Respect all religious practices and sites. La Crosse has a mix of religious communities, and it is polite to be aware of their customs. Public Transport: Be respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Avoid loud conversations and keep the bus clean. Greetings: A friendly handshake is common. Smiling and saying 'hello' is a great way to greet locals. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like cheese curds and fish fry. Tipping around 15-20% is customary in restaurants.
To experience La Crosse like a local, visit the Riverside Park for a leisurely walk along the Mississippi River. Check out the local farmers' market for fresh produce and artisan goods. Attend a La Crosse Loggers baseball game if you visit during the season. Explore the historic downtown area, filled with unique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Don't miss the Oktoberfest USA celebration if you're visiting in the fall; it's one of the largest in the Midwest.

When is the best time to visit La Crosse?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for La Crosse

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in La Crosse. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haʊ-di]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [siː jə]
- YesYeah
  [jɛ]
- NoNah
  [nɑː]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [pliːz/jʊr ˈwɛlkəm]
- Thank youThanks
  [θæŋks]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [ˈpɑrdn mi/maɪ bæd]
- How are you?How's it goin'?
  [haʊz ɪt ˈɡoʊɪn]
- Fine. And you?Good. You?
  [ɡʊd juː]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [jə spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
- I don't understandI dunno
  [aɪ ˈdənoʊ]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?
  [kæn aɪ ˈtʃɛk aʊt ðə ˈmɛnjuː]
- I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [aɪm ˌvɛdʒəˈtɛriən]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [ʧɪrz]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [ʧɛk pliːz]
- Help!Help!
  [hɛlp]
- Go away!Get lost!
  [ɡɛt lɔst]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [kɔl ðə kɑps]
- Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [kɔl ə dɑk]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [aɪm lɔst]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [aɪm sɪk]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [aɪ ˈwɑnə baɪ]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [ʤʌst ˈbraʊzɪŋ]
- How much is it?How much?
  [haʊ ˈmʌʧ]
- That's too expensiveThat's spendy
  [ðæts ˈspɛndi]
- Can you lower the price?Can you give me a deal?
  [kæn juː ɡɪv miː ə diːl]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [ɪts wʌn]
- Half past (10)Half ten
  [hæf tɛn]
- MorningMorning
  [ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [ˌæftərˈnun]
- EveningEvening
  [ˈivnɪŋ]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [ˈjɛstərˌdeɪ]
- TodayToday
  [təˈdeɪ]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [təˈmɑroʊ]
- 1One
  [wʌn]
- 2Two
  [tuː]
- 3Three
  [θriː]
- 4Four
  [fɔr]
- 5Five
  [faɪv]
- 6Six
  [sɪks]
- 7Seven
  [ˈsɛvən]
- 8Eight
  [eɪt]
- 9Nine
  [naɪn]
- 10Ten
  [tɛn]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wɛrz ðə]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [wʌts ðə əˈdrɛs]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me?
  [kæn juː ʃoʊ miː]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [wɛnz ðə nɛkst bʌs]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [ə ˈtɪkɪt tu]

History of La Crosse

La Crosse, located along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin, was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago). The city's name derives from the sport of 'lacrosse,' which French fur traders observed being played by the Native Americans in the area.
The first European settlers arrived in La Crosse in the early 19th century. Nathan Myrick, often credited as the founder of the city, established a trading post in 1841. This post became a central hub for commerce and trade, attracting more settlers and leading to the establishment of the city.
By the mid-19th century, La Crosse had grown significantly due to its strategic location along the Mississippi River. The arrival of the railroad in 1858 further boosted the city's growth, making it a major transportation and commercial center in the region.
During the late 19th century, La Crosse became a significant player in the lumber industry. The city's location made it an ideal spot for logging companies to transport timber down the Mississippi River. This industry brought wealth and prosperity to La Crosse, contributing to its rapid development.
In the early 20th century, La Crosse saw the establishment of several educational institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1909. The city also became known for its cultural events, such as the annual Oktoberfest celebration, which started in 1961 and has since become one of the largest festivals in the Midwest.
Post-World War II, La Crosse underwent significant modernization. The economy diversified from its reliance on the lumber industry to include manufacturing, healthcare, and education. This diversification has helped La Crosse maintain its economic stability and continue to grow into the 21st century.