9 Things You Have to Add to Your La Crosse, Wisconsin Bucket List

Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River, we were blown away at how much there is to do in La Crosse, Wisconsin. From outdoor exploring, river adventures and a great downtown scene. We had a great couples weekend away. We spent a summer weekend, but I am already planning a fall trip back because the bluffs along the river I’m sure just absolutely change with colors. Here’s nine things you need to check out on your next trip to La Crosse, Wisconsin.

1. Take in the City from the Rooftop Terrace of the Charmant Hotel

Located on the 5th Floor of the Charmant Hotel, this is the best way to get a birds eye view of the city. With a large selection of beer, wine and cocktails and additionally, they have pizzas and sides and starters. If you’re looking for a full meal, start your night downtown at The Restaurant available Monday - Saturday from 5:00pm-9:00pm note they are closed on Sundays. If you’re hoping to catch sunset from the roof be sure to get there early especially on weekends, it does fill up fast.

2. Take a Paddle Boat Ride down the Mississippi with La Crosse Queen Cruises

Looking to get onto the river vs. just seeing it from around town and on the overlooks? Take a Paddle Board Ride on the Mississippi with La Crosse Queen Cruises. Offering cruises from Sunday Brunch, Pizza Night, Three Hour Scenic Cruise or a 1.5 Hour Sightseeing Cruise. We did the 1.5 Hour sightseeing cruise at 1:30 on Friday to kick off our weekend in La Crosse. We learned about the area, saw wildlife and got to enjoy a beautiful summer day on the water!

Caramel Latte in front of the latte mural at Grounded Cafe La Crosse

3. Check out the Newly Renovated Grounded Patio Cafe

You know I’m never going to a new to me place and not scoping out the best places to grab a coffee. I was invited in by the owner of the newly renovated Grounded Patio Cafe and they nailed the vibes. Cozy inside space, huge patio, a latte art mural on the outside. This just really hit all my boxes from a coffee shop standpoint and you have to check it out the next time you’re in La Crosse.

4. Pre-Dinner Happy Hour Sips at La Cave

Looking for speakeasy, castle, fancy cocktail and charcuterie vibes, I have found THE SPOT. La Cave is located inside Mons Anderson Mansion. La Cave is housed in the original houses winter kitchen and wine cellar and can be found down a spiral staircase into the basement. We tried a few unique cocktails- our favorite was Summer Silk and split a charcuterie platter. They are open Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-Close, but I would highly recommend getting there at 5 because it does fill up and it’s a small space.

5. Go Shopping Downtown

No trip to a new city would be complete without a little retail therapy and exploring the small businesses that make up the heart of the city. When you visit La Crosse you need to stop in at Larson’s General and Drift Mercantile. Drift Mercantile has everything you could ever want in terms of cute Wisconsin gear, souvenirs, gifts and more. It’s “the shop” you’re looking for when your on vacation to get a little something to bring home that’s not to cheesy or touristy but also is a cute vacation vibe. Larson’s General is filled with sustainable goods, reusable products, refillable home goods and the cutest little children’s section. We got reusable freeze pouches to bring home to make our daughter popsicles!

6. Grab a Cocktail or Ice Cream from Cocktails and Cream

How can you say no to a refurbished VW looking van that sells ice cream and cocktails? After walking around the International Friendship Garden, we went next door and got a cool drink to sip on while we waited for our river boat cruise. The also have ice cream (include boozy ice cream) which how fun for a summer happy hour or post dinner drink and dessert in one?!

7. Watch Sunset from Grandad Bluff

We actually made it up to Grandad Bluff too late, the day we were going to watch sunset was very stormy and right at sunset the sky cleared and gave us the most incredible sunset over the Mississippi. By the time we got our car and up the bluff it was almost dark, but this was highly reccomendded by many to check out during our trip! Guess I’ll need to go back and try to hit it next time (maybe fall with all the colors?!)

8. Explore Artist’s Alley

While walking around with your coffee, or want to break up your shopping be sure to stop by Artist’s Alley a collection of murals. Opened in 2019, according to the press release, “The project is a collaboration with over eight local artists and Downtown Mainstreet, with support from La Crosse SOUP, and Sherwin-Williams of La Crosse. This alley of murals represents a new step toward marking Downtown La Crosse a place full of life, energy, and the arts for all to enjoy.” They all were so fun to view and see the immense talent, but my favorite was the colorful woman (not the real name just my description) by Astone Hall 19 you can see her pictured below!

9. TAKE A HIKE AT LYTLE’S LANDING

Looking for a way to get outside and explore. Located about 15 minutes outside of La Crosse hike Lytle’s Landing. You can also paddle on the the water but the river was too high so we weren’t able to get out on the water. The trail crosses the Black River, you’re able to see some unique bridges and walk over marshes and floodplains giving a nature view and vibe just outside of the city. Note: because there is standing water and the river you’re going to want to bring bug spray!

Overall, I can’t believe what a relative hidden gem is from the Twin Cities. Only 2.5 hours away makes for a perfect weekend trip from Minnesota or a quick staycation depending on what part of the state you’re from. Looking for a place to stay during your trip? Check out the Charmant Hotel. Located in a refurbished Chocolate Factory just a few blocks from the Mississippi River and two blocks from Third Street this is a central hub to your weekend adventures. Plan to valet your car ($15 a day to avoid street parking and a ticket) and plan to walk to most of your stops for the weekend!

This blog was written in conjunction with Explore La Crosse on a paid visit, but all recommendations are my own. Want to see more from this trip? Check out my reel and photo post on my Instagram or my story recap!

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