10 Things to Do in La Crosse, Wisconsin’s River City

Let’s explore La Crosse, a pretty little city along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin. The river plays a large role in La Crosse’s trading history, and it still anchors the city today with its beauty. My multigenerational family was charmed by La Crosse’s historic architecture, friendly small‑town vibe, and abundance of outdoor adventures. Here are the 10 best things to do in La Crosse, from the beautiful Riverside Park and local museums to scenic views from the surrounding towering bluffs.

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1. Riverside Park

Any visit to La Crosse should start in the beautiful Riverside Park. This sweeping green space stretches about 30 acres (12 ha) along the banks of the Mississippi River. This park sets La Crosse apart from other parks in Midwestern cities with its riverfront location, public art displays, and access to nature trails. Families will appreciate picnic spots throughout the park and a small children’s playground.

Riverside Park is a hub of community activity. In the winter holiday season, it transforms into a glowing wonderland during Rotary Lights, featuring a live nativity, carriage rides, an ice skating rink, and free s’mores. Every July, Riverfest entertains locals and visitors with food vendors, carnival rides, live music, fireworks, and more patriotic fun.

Riverside Park Bandshell

One of the park’s most recognizable features is the Riverside Park Bandshell, built in 1930 in Art Deco style. A summer concert series and year-round jazz orchestra performances keep the park jamming.

Riverwalk

Soak up Mississippi River views as you stroll Riverside Park Riverwalk. This charming half-mile paved path extends from the north entrance past the riverboat dock to the International Friendship Gardens.

2. International Friendship Gardens

As a travel enthusiast and botanic garden lover, my favorite part of Riverside Park is undoubtedly the whimsical International Friendship Gardens. This collection of globally themed gardens commemorates La Crosse’s sister cities in France, China, Germany, Russia, Norway, Ireland, and Cameroon. What’s more, these public gardens are free and open daily.

3. Outdoor Recreation

The city of La Crosse is an outdoor lover’s dream with its mix of riverfront beauty, easy‑access trails, and year‑round recreation. Visitors can enjoy miles of places to hike, bike, and paddle. Even in winter, the Great River State Trail becomes a popular route for cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing.

Marsh Trail

One of the easiest ways to enjoy La Crosse’s beautiful scenery is by wandering the Marsh Trail, a peaceful boardwalk path that begins inside Riverside Park. A wooden bridge leads you into the quiet wetlands of the La Crosse River Marsh, where lush greenery and the sounds of birds create a serene escape just steps from downtown.

La Crosse Bike Share

To explore La Crosse’s miles of trails on two wheels, it’s easy to rent a bike right from inside Riverside Park. Head to the Drift La Crosse Bike Share station near the riverboat dock to unlock a bike using their app. This simple, self‑serve system lets you cruise along to the scenic Marsh Trail and beyond.

4. La Crosse Queen Cruises

To really experience the Mississippi, hop aboard the La Crosse Queen. This paddlewheel boat offers a relaxing river cruise through the waterways of the La Crosse region. Choose from a variety of paddlewheel trips. There’s a Saturday Dinner Cruise, a Captain’s Sunday Brunch Cruise, a Pizza Cruise, or a narrated Sightseeing Cruise.

5. Historic Downtown La Crosse

If you like historical buildings, quirky shops, and walkable streets, you’ll love Downtown La Crosse. Soak up the beauty of the city’s Victorian architecture of the Steamboat Era as you stroll. Don’t miss 7th Street S. with its brick storefronts and preserved facades.

The downtown area is packed with inviting local businesses. In addition to typical retail stores and boutiques, this college town has an abundance of second-hand stores. Vinyl collectors like my teenage son will want to pop into Deaf Ear Records. Meanwhile, bookworms shouldn’t miss Pearl Street Books with its array of new, used, and specialty books.

6. Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman

Admire the Gothic Revival style of Saint Joseph the Workman Cathedral in the heart of La Crosse. It’s made from local limestone and named for the husband of the Virgin Mary. The current cathedral was completed in 1962, replacing the original St. Joseph Cathedral, which had stood on the site since the 1860s. If you want to learn more about this church’s history and role in La Crosse, come on Fridays at 4 pm for a free 20-minute guided tour.

7. Local Museums

La Crosse offers a fun mix of cultural attractions, including a few museums worth visiting, depending on your interests.

Pump House Regional Arts Center

The Pump House Regional Arts Center is a great place to start. It’s so-named because it’s housed in the original 1880s municipal water-pumping station that once supplied the city with water drawn from the Mississippi River. This non-profit hub features three free Exhibition Galleries that display rotating local artwork for sale. There’s also an on-site Art Studio offering classes in such mediums as pottery and printmaking, with one-day workshops sometimes available. The Performing Arts Theater hosts live music concerts, dance performances, festivals, film screenings, and more.

Children’s Museum of La Crosse

Families with little kids will love the affordable, non-profit Children’s Museum of La Crosse. Three floors of interactive exhibits are designed for children ages 10 and younger. Kids especially appreciate the climb-aboard Fire Truck, the Kid Kwik Trip make-believe store, and the popular Mighty Mississippi water play zone.

Dahl Auto Museum

Car lovers can drive back in time to Dahl Auto Museum to learn about the history of automobiles and view an array of Ford cars, from a beautifully restored 1911 Ford Model T Roadster to a 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition, and beyond. Look for the Starlite Drive-In, a tribute to La Crosse’s old drive-in theater that operated from 1949–1978. This museum is operated by Dahl Automotive La Crosse, the eighth-oldest Ford dealership under continuous family ownership in the U.S.

8. Pearl Ice Cream Parlor

In summer, expect a long line outside Pearl Ice Cream Parlor on Friday and Saturday nights. This nostalgic spot opened in 1993 but has a 1930s-style soda fountain design. In addition to cups, cones, and sundaes, you can purchase gourmet coffee drinks, chocolates, and candies. Pearl Ice Cream Parlor scoops dozens of flavors, from seasonal options like Lavender Honeycomb and year-round classics like Butter Pecan, to their local favorite, Salted Caramel.

9. Beans and Brews

La Crosse has a lively beverage scene, with an impressive number of coffee houses and brewpubs for a city of only about 51,000 residents.

Grounded Patio Café is where to go for delicious coffee drinks and teas plus yummy quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can also order smoothies, beer, and wine. Weather allowing, enjoy live music on their lovely outdoor patio.

With German brewing roots and cold weather great for lager fermentation, Wisconsin boasts one of the best craft beer cultures in the country. For a taste of La Crosse brews, head to Turtle Stack Brewery, a popular place for locals and visitors alike. Choose from a rotation of nine handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

10. Grandad Bluff

No list of the best things to do in La Crosse would be complete without a visit to Grandad Bluff for one of the most scenic views in Wisconsin. From the top of the bluffs, you can see downtown and the surrounding residential neighborhoods (including my nephew’s house!), the Mississippi River, and bridges into Minnesota. You’ll also find informational signs explaining geology and local history, plus access to hiking trails in Hixon Forest.

Why La Crosse Is Worth a Visit

My multigen family originally came to La Crosse for a wedding, but this beautiful place surprised us with so many things to see and do that we can’t wait to return. Whether you’re planning a road trip along the Great River Road or looking for a Midwest weekend getaway, this city is a sweet spot to soak up small city charm and scenic river views.

La Crosse, Wisconsin FAQ

What is La Crosse known for?

La Crosse is known for its beautiful riverfront setting, Riverside Park, historic downtown architecture, and the scenic bluffs that frame the Mississippi River Valley.

When is the best time to visit La Crosse?

Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant weather for enjoying parks, river cruises, and outdoor activities. Winter brings holiday events like Rotary Lights and opportunities for snowshoeing and cross‑country skiing.

Is La Crosse walkable?

Yes. The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, with shops, restaurants, museums, and the riverfront all within a short walk.

What are the best family-friendly things to do in La Crosse?

Families love Riverside Park, the Children’s Museum of La Crosse, Pearl Ice Cream Parlor, and easy outdoor adventures.

How do you get to Grandad Bluff?

The easiest way to reach Grandad Bluff is to drive. From downtown La Crosse, take Main Street East. It will curve and become Bluff Pass Drive, which winds up the hill to the overlook. At the top, you’ll find a parking lot just steps from the viewing platform.

Is La Crosse a good stop on a road trip?

Absolutely. Its riverfront parks, historic downtown, and bluff‑top views make it a great stop along the Great River Road or any Midwest road trip.

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Which of these fun things to do in La Crosse tops your list of must-dos? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

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