Pack your bags for La Crosse County, just off Wisconsin’s Great River Road, where the fun never takes a season off! With every turn of the calendar, you’ll discover new adventures, festivals, and local flavors that make each visit truly one-of-a-kind. Follow along as we explore the best things to see and do all year long!
Spring
The wait is over—spring has arrived in La Crosse County! Embrace the longer days and fresh blooms as you set out to explore the county’s scenic spots, family fun zones, and historic highlights!
Scenic Spots
Begin your spring adventure at the Riverside International Friendship Gardens! Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River, these gardens are dotted with roses, sculptures, and towering trees—each representing La Crosse’s sister cities and the global connections that make this spot so special. Wander, reflect, and feel a little more connected to the world.
After wandering through the Friendship Gardens, take a moment to find quiet reflection at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Set in a peaceful, scenic landscape filled with colorful plants and soothing water features, the Shrine welcomes all who seek a deeper connection and a sense of calm this spring.
Family Fun Zones
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, head indoors to exciting spots where kids can play, explore, and stay active!
First up: Play Grounds of La Crosse, Wisconsin’s largest indoor park! Spanning over 17,000 square feet, this family fun zone offers play areas for all ages, a giant jumping pillow, a triple-lane Ninja Warrior course, a basketball court, plus more. It’s the perfect place for families to burn energy and make lasting memories.
Can’t get enough indoor fun? Keep the energy high at Jump Start Adventure Park—another must-visit indoor playground that offers trampolines, obstacle courses, and beyond! Rain or shine, family fun is always within reach in La Crosse County.
Historic Highlights
Don’t worry, history buffs, we didn’t forget about you! At the Dahl Auto Museum, history and horsepower unite! Walk among beautifully restored cars that once traveled the legendary Great River Road, and learn how this scenic highway connected communities along the Mississippi.
Step back even further in time with a visit to the historic Hixon House Museum, where La Crosse’s Victorian era comes alive. This 1858 mansion, filled with original furnishings and unique details, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s early days and the lives of one of its most influential families.
Summer
As spring colors fade, La Crosse County gears up for summer—a season packed with endless recreation and community celebrations that invite you to explore, relax, and connect!
Endless Recreation
In La Crosse County, summer is made for adventure, with endless recreation by both water and land. Choose your vessel—kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard—and make your way through scenic waterways like the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse Rivers! If you’re looking to up the ante, explore by boat—and don’t forget your fishing poles!
Prefer to stay on dry land? The area is crisscrossed with trails perfect for hiking and biking, from peaceful paths like the Great River State Trail to the more challenging climbs of Hixon Forest and the Blufflands. Dozens of parks and picnic areas offer beautiful spots to relax, play, and soak up the sunshine. Fill your days with outdoor fun—no matter your pace or passion.
Community Celebrations
Aside from the endless recreation, La Crosse County’s summer calendar is packed with community celebrations that bring locals and visitors together all season long! Every month, you can catch free outdoor concerts at Moon Tunes in Riverside Park and enjoy food, music, and local vendors during 4th Fridays—a downtown tradition.
The excitement ramps up with once-a-summer festivals: Riverfest kicks off in July with days of live music, family fun, and fireworks along the riverfront. Country Boom brings top country acts and festival vibes, while Kornfest serves up small-town charm with classic festival fare and entertainment.
Must-Visit Markets
And we can’t talk about summer in La Crosse County without mentioning a few must-visit farmers’ markets—the iconic Wisconsin staples that capture the spirit of the season!
La Crosse Farmers Market: Soak up all the community spirit at Burns Park! Shop the best of the best—crisp produce, homemade goodies, and locally raised meats. Stop by Fridays from 3:30 to 6:30 pm, May through October, for a true taste of La Crosse.
Holmen Farmer’s Market: Beloved by locals, the Holmen market is a midweek treat you won’t want to miss. Browse stands overflowing with garden-fresh veggies, fragrant flowers, artisan breads, honey, eggs, and jams every Wednesday from 3 to 6 pm, June through September.
Onalaska Farmers Market: Kick off your Sunday morning at Onalaska’s market, where local growers and makers offer everything from just-picked produce to unique handmade crafts. Open Sundays, 8 am to 1 pm, May through October—perfect for stocking up for the week.
West Salem Farmer’s Market: Discover small-town charm at its finest every Wednesday afternoon at the corner of Jefferson & Mill Streets. Shop fresh fruits and veggies, browse local crafts, and connect with neighbors from 3 to 6:30 pm, June through October.
Looking for more local flavor? Cruise the Great River Road and discover even more farmers’ markets and hidden gems along the Mississippi.
Fall
Summer may fade, but the excitement continues! As the leaves begin to turn, La Crosse County welcomes a season filled with unique festivals, delicious fall flavors, and unforgettable scenic drives.
Festivals & Frights
If you’re looking for the ultimate autumn celebration, La Crosse’s Oktoberfest is a must. For over 60 years, this beloved tradition has brought the community together for parades, live music, Bavarian eats, and, of course, plenty of local brews!
Ready for a scare? The Onalaska Jaycees Haunted House is the place to be when October rolls around. Locals and visitors alike line up for this frightful favorite! Get your heart racing and your Halloween spirit soaring—if you dare!
Farm Flavors & Fun
After all the festivals and frights, it’s time to slow down and savor the season’s flavors with a little farm fun! First and foremost, don’t miss your final opportunity to wander the local farmers’ markets before they pack up for the year! Stock up on all your favorites before the snow falls.
For that classic fall adventure, Rainbow Ridge Farms in Onalaska is a go-to spot. This farm lets you meet goats, sheep, and chickens, take a hayride, and even find the perfect pumpkin! Just down the road in West Salem, another fall favorite awaits—Hidden Trails!
At Hidden Trails, you can pick your own apples, wander through a corn maze, or hop on a wagon ride surrounded by gorgeous fall colors. And don’t forget to grab a caramel apple or some cider donuts—because fall just isn’t complete without a sweet treat!
Scenic Drives
Speaking of fall colors, we know just the spot for an unforgettable drive—Wisconsin’s Great River Road! This iconic National Scenic Byway winds along the Mississippi River, offering breathtaking views of fiery red, orange, and golden-yellow foliage set against towering bluffs and shimmering waters.
Winter
From colorful foliage to sparkling snow, La Crosse County’s seasons shift—and so do the adventures! Gear up for downhill thrills, quiet trails, and local eats.
Downhill Thrills
If winter’s adrenaline-pumping adventures are calling your name, Mt. La Crosse is the place to answer! Just a short drive from downtown La Crosse, this legendary ski area has been a local staple since 1959 and boasts the steepest vertical drop in Wisconsin—516 feet of pure downhill excitement!
Quiet Trails
If you’re craving a slower, more peaceful way to enjoy the snowy season, La Crosse County has you covered with some truly beautiful cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options. One of the fan-favorite spots is the Coulee State Forest. Here, you can glide along miles of groomed trails that wind through quiet woods and gentle hills.
For another dose of winter serenity, head out on the La Crosse River State Trail. This scenic path is perfect for a leisurely ski or snowshoe trek, with wide-open views and plenty of fresh air. It’s the kind of place where you can truly slow down, listen to the crunch of snow underfoot, and maybe even spot a deer or two along the way!
Local Eats
When it’s time to refuel after a day of exploring La Crosse County, these local favorites serve up delicious meals with unique character.
If you’re in the mood to celebrate—whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, or just because—Le Chateau sets the scene for an unforgettable meal. Cozy up in their inviting dining room and let the flavors transport you straight to France.
Prefer to keep things casual? Head over to The Crow, where the vibe is easygoing, the burgers are creative, and the drinks are always on point. Catch up with friends or just treat yourself after a day of play!
And for even more dining options, take a drive along Wisconsin’s Great River Road, packed with fantastic restaurants and cozy cafes you can’t miss.
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The adventure is ready when you are…So why wait? Your next great adventure starts here. And don’t stop with La Crosse—there are many more incredible counties waiting to be discovered along Wisconsin’s Great River Road. Stay tuned for the next adventure!
*This article is brought to you by Friends of the Wisconsin Great River Road and Wisconsin DOT.
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Hailey Rose: Writer for Discover Mediaworks. A born & bred Wisconsinite with a love for fishing, hunting, and enjoying the great outdoors.
