La Crosse

La Crosse is a city on the Mississippi River, in western Wisconsin. Riverboats depart from Riverside Park, where the International Friendship Gardens feature landscape styles from around the world. The Riverside Museum traces the city's history. Dahl Auto Museum has restored classic cars. Grandad Bluff Park offers trails and views of the city. The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Catholic site on wooded grounds.

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La Crosse Trip Planner

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Top attractions in La Crosse

1. Grandad Bluff

4.9

(265)

Cliff

Nature & Parks

Far-reaching views over the Mississippi River Valley from a bluff with a viewing platform & shelter.

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The view is gorgeous. There's ample parking, and the walk from the parking lot to the bluff is short. We took our friends here because they had never seen it and they loved the view too!

Darcy M — Google review

A cool spot. Great panoramic view. I went in the middle of the day, but I can imagine a great sunset view from here.

Dana N — Google review

This is a breathtaking view of at least three states. Gorgeous at any time, but during the Fall especially so.

Penny W — Google review

A gem in La Crosse for those who love nature and must see. Note that if you want to see the scenic overview, you have to put “Grandad Bluff Park” into your GPS which is about 0.5 miles further up the road. Pics taken in early fall just as leaves were starting to change colors. So peaceful and a true nature lover escape.

Good C — Google review

Interesting place ;) the views are stunning.

Been’ T — Google review

Great views of La Crosse and greater Wisconsin! A quick 5-10 minute drive and you are at the peak. Just a few switchbacks and tighter corners but nothing too bad. Dog friendly if they are leashed and well mannered.

Thor D — Google review

Amazing views even during the rain.

R&S S — Google review

Beautiful views of the Mississippi River Valley

Chris Z — Google review

2. Riverside Park

4.7

(3013)

Park

Nature & Parks

This enduring park has trails, open spaces & a band shell & also hosts an annual Riverfest.

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Fantastic views of the Mississippi River and lots of stunning and spectacular flower arrangements scattered throughout the park.

Rick W — Google review

Very beautiful place. I loved the sea front and it has plenty of places to seat. One can also rent a boat.

Joy C — Google review

Riverside Park is a public park located on the riverfront of downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. It's beautiful place on the bank of Mississippi River. It's just at walking distance from downtown. The serene view of the river and surrounding makes it a must visit. The ferry licated in the part is operated on specific schedule not throughout the year. Usually May to mid Oct. Check the operating schedule in advance...

Mukesh K — Google review

Pleasantly surprised by this park. Awesome walk along the river. A bunch of art on the north end. Glad we stopped.

Rockford W — Google review

Don’t forget to stop here and Friendship Gardens Mississippi River front plus confluence of Black and LAX rivers. Beautiful natural views and impressive community engagement. This area really comes together with a variety of amenities and features Would really love to see a live music or community event here. Or be down here during the rush of a La Crosse Center event

Hank Z — Google review

Just go! You won't regret it's beautiful.Rest rooms are. Lea,pets allowed on leashes.

Toni K — Google review

“Riverside Park is one of the best places in La Crosse to walk dogs and enjoy the riverfront. We come here often because the scenery, paths, and open space make it easy to get dogs around real distractions—fountains, people, bikes, and the lights in winter. It’s always clean, dog-friendly, and a great spot to relax. One of our favorite places to spend time in La Crosse.”

Rick P — Google review

Wished we had more time here. It's beautifully done and The Friendship Garden is wonderful.

Lisa H — Google review

3. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

4.9

(713)

Shrine

Sights & Landmarks

Modern, neoclassical church with frescoes, a large mosaic, a cafe & a religious gift shop.

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We were blessed to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on a beautiful sunny, summer day. There is a gift shop, restaurant, washrooms and a welcome center closest to the parking lot. They offered us water and snacks. It was so wonderful to meet Enid who was volunteering. The views of the landscape and gardens were quite lovely. Be prepared to walk! High heels are not recommended. There are carts available for those who do need a ride. They have a map in Spanish and English with the different paths to the main church, rosary walk, votive chapel, stations of the cross, memorial to the unborn, as well as several statues of saints. Most adorable Savior, in Thy wondrous love for us Thou dost remain in the blessed Sacrament of the Altar. O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! Virgin most holy, by thy holy and immaculate heart, make us enter into the adorable Heart of thy divine Son, Jesus Christ. O sweet St. Joseph obtain for us the gift of prayer and of perpetual union with Jesus and Mary. Amen Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!

Tina X — Google review

Beautiful grounds and a break from the city bustle. I visited during a beautiful week here in Wisconsin, and the grounds were meticulous maintained. Super friendly staff that would take you up to the Shrine via a golf cart if needed. It is about a half-mile walk up a paved trail that passes through some beautiful sculptures. The Shrine is in perfect condition and there is a new construction project going on to expand services. Really worth the trip for anyone, not just Catholics. Plenty of free parking and handicapped services are available.

Chadwick — Google review

A place of beauty, peace and deep spirituality. I visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe while in La Crosse, and it was truly wonderful. The whole site is incredibly peaceful, set in the middle of nature with several walking paths, gardens, and quiet areas for reflection. The walk up to the church is scenic and thoughtfully designed, with stops along the way like the Stations of the Cross and other devotional areas. It feels like a retreat from the world, very calm and serene. The church itself is stunning—beautiful classical architecture, very clean and well-maintained, with a reverent atmosphere even when it’s quiet. You can tell a lot of love and care went into the design and upkeep. There’s also a small café and a gift shop, both really nice and welcoming. Staff were kind and helpful. Even if you’re not religious or just curious, this place is absolutely worth a visit for the natural beauty, art, and peaceful atmosphere. Wear comfy shoes as there’s some walking involved. But there’s also a shuttle if needed!

Sofia P — Google review

The place was incredibly welcoming and pleasant. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the statues and shrine. We managed to attend the 11 am mass in Spanish, which was convenient since we had our young son and needed to return to the office promptly. The weather was perfect for this time of year, neither too hot nor too cold.

Lizbeth R — Google review

We koved it. Drove 2 hours to witness it. It was beautiful inside and out. The gifts shop was a tad bit pricy. But the trip was worth it for us. As it was Hispanic heritage month they were having mass in Spanish. There were a lot of people, including busloads.There were two or three buses of people who came together. We're definitely going back, just not every weekend sort of thing.

Regina G — Google review

An incredible place. We had limited time but I look forward to coming again. It very hilly and they don't have a great way to see all the Shrine. They will give a ride to the main church. I walked back so the other people I was with could see some more of the Shrine. It was the perfect place to go before the hospital.

Glenn E — Google review

Beautiful wooded setting. A bit of an uphill climb from the visitors center to the shrine. But worth it. If you have mobility problems, they do have golf carts to drive you to the top.

Laura B — Google review

Beautiful grounds and chapels for quiet reflection. They also offer golf cart rides to the main shrine church from the visitors center; the chapel in the picture is an easy short walk up a paved path. Please note they do close at 5pm!

Laura C — Google review

4. Children's Museum of La Crosse

4.7

(869)

Children's museum

Museums

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Always love coming here when we visit! Went on a weekday and wasnt busy at all. Maybe 4 other families... kids were still in school so might be why it wasn't busy. Great prices. 3 levels. The water feature is always a hit. So many rooms and areas and interactive things for the kiddos to do, but not over stimulating. Will return!

Trinity 4 — Google review

I’ve been to the museum many times over the years since it opened. First as a classroom teacher of kindergarten students and now as a grandparent. The musuem is always a delight. Engaging exhibits, colorful, engaging and clean. There’s always something new to learn and each level.

Mary H — Google review

Was a great place to stop at on our road trip. They keep the facility clean and sanitized. There is a lot of activities for all ages. Little one was entertained for 5 hours and didn’t wanna leave afterwards. We parked in the parking deck just next door. Building was easy to find and a great price!! Would go to again if passing by.

Dorky M — Google review

Such a fun place! If you have a kiddo on the cusp on 1 years old I would go while they are still free (under 1 is free) but then if you’re wanting to go again when they can experience more of it, I’d wait until they are closer to 2 to make their ticket worth paying for! There was lots of interactive activities and very kind staff!

Megan W — Google review

There was a lot of themed options. Wished they could have been a little more engaging at times. We really liked the exhibit with the snakes, tortoise, and spiders. Wish La Cross had more of a historic scene to it, however, I was really disappointed in the community feeling in general. I more than likely would not put this on my top ten unless there was more in the town to capture a family friendly euphoria.

Molly T — Google review

We had a lot of fun with our 2 kids aged 18 months and 8 years. There were activities for toddlers, little kids, and big kids. 3 floors of fun for $8 was well worth the price. There were interactive STEM and pretend play activities including controlling water flow in a model River, a dinosaur maze where you could dress up, a bank, a Kwik Trip gas station and convenience store, and a whole lot more. We spent 2 hours here easy and could have stayed another 2 as we didn’t get to everything before they closed.

Chelsea K — Google review

I recently visited the Children's Museum of La Crosse for the first time in 20 years, and it was an amazing experience! Growing up, I remember field trips here in grade school, and coming back as an adult with my niece and nephew while visiting from Arizona was truly special. The museum feels like a mini city of La Crosse, with so many interactive exhibits for kids to explore. My niece and nephew had an absolute blast playing and discovering new things. One of the coolest surprises was seeing one of the original Myrick Park Zoo boat rides—such a nostalgic and awesome touch! The museum is well-maintained, engaging, and packed with hands-on activities that make learning fun. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this is a must-stop for families with kids! Highly recommend!

Joseph G — Google review

We had so much fun here. The kids loved the Kwik Trip upstairs, climbing all the way from the basement up to the third floor in the climbing structure, and using the big crane. Everything was fun and each kid had different things they didn't want to quit playing with. I loved that there was learning incorporated into everything. There were 3 floors, elevators and stairs, restrooms on every floor right in the middle where you can get to them quickly and easily. They even had a sign saying you can get a change of clothes at the front desk if someone had an accident. Definitely one of the most family friendly buildings I've been to. I wasn't looking at it from an accessibility viewpoint, but as I'm reflecting back on it, it seems like it would be very wheelchair accessible too.

Amanda N — Google review

5. Dahl Auto Museum

4.8

(255)

Museum

Specialty Museums

Exhibits on automobiles & the Dahl's family-owned dealership, with lots of classic cars on display.

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A true gem and a must see when visiting La Crosse. This museum showcases the beauty of cars from the early 1900s until today. Outstanding collection of cars and hood ornaments. Visited on 6.28.2025. Highly Recommend!

Rick W — Google review

A great walk down memory lane! The autos are spectacular, history and details accompany each one, and the venue is meticulously maintained. It was very enjoyable.

Diana B — Google review

If you love cars - this place is for you. Come see one of the largest collections of cars in Wisconsin.

Alex W — Google review

Very interesting little car museum with knowledgeable personnel. Lots of history and information to read on displays.

Deborah B — Google review

Very nice and interesting I'm very historical with a car dating back to 1911

Michael B — Google review

Very interesting if you like cars!!

Dervin — Google review

Great experience here. Over 100 years of automotive history presented by the group that owns Dahl Automotive. The docent on site was very friendly and informative.

Ken W — Google review

Very unexpected but awesome place to spend time. Loved all the Ford's from early 1900 to the Ford GT's on display. One can spend close to 1Hr in the museum. Did not expect the museum to wow me but it left a lasting impression.

Dheepak G — Google review

6. Franciscan Sisters Of Perpetual Adoration Motherhouse

5.0

(16)

Church

Sights & Landmarks

Slide 1 of 8

Gorgeous Italian chapel in the middle of the city. If you email the convent, you can get a personal tour by one of the sweet sisters. They are all very welcoming and will show you EVERYTHING. The back chapel of perpetual adoration is stunning although they don’t allow visitors to take photos there.

Madeleine M — Google review

A most immersion experience from the first time I entered the chapel. So many prayers have been said there over a century. If you haven't felt the presence of God, it's here.

Pam H — Google review

Very nice sister gave us a tour very beautiful Church

Ben B — Google review

I've never been there. But I hear it's real nice. I hope some day get to check it out.

David T — Google review

Beautiful chapel

Kali K — Google review

Absolutely wonderful!

John O — Google review

Beautiful inside and out with wonderful staff, and the sisters are amazing.

Amber M — Google review

Beautiful welcoming people and an amazing chapel.

Julie H — Google review

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Other notable attractions

Turtle Stack Brewery

Brewery

Food & Drink

Historic Hixon House Museum

Temporarily Closed

Museum

Sights & Landmarks

Summer-only tours of a genteel, early 19th-century home with period furnishings & artifacts.

Pump House Regional Arts Center

Art center

Sights & Landmarks

Riverside Amusement Park

Temporarily Closed

Miniature golf course

Water & Amusement Parks

Family fun attraction offering a miniature golf course, a go-kart track & batting cages.

Mary Of The Angels Chapel

Association / Organization

Sights & Landmarks

La Crosse River State Trail

Park

Nature & Parks

Scenic 21-mi. trail for biking, jogging & walks through forest, prairies, wetlands & over bridges.

Copeland Park

Park

Sights & Landmarks

Riverside International Friendship Gardens

Garden

Nature & Parks

Landscaped gardens with gazebos & other features, dedicated to the town's sister cities abroad.

Riverside Museum

Permanently Closed

Museum

Park

Museum tracing the history of La Crosse County with industrial & cultural exhibits & artifacts.

La Crosse Public Library

Public library

Libraries

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La Crosse throughout the year

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Weather in La Crosse

Here's the historical average temperature in La Crosse over a full year based on data compiled by NASA: for more details by month, see the weather in La Crosse in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, or December

Monthly temperature highs and lows in La Crosse

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Plan on the go with our free travel app

With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline.

Access and edit your trips wherever you go — even without a connection.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

La Crosse

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