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City and county seat of La Crosse County, Wisconsin
Photo: MaxMillion, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
La Crosse is a city in the Coulee Region of Southwest Wisconsin on the Mississippi River. It is the county seat of La Crosse County. It's nestled between the river and picturesque bluffs that rise behind it. With a city population of around 50,000 and the metropolitan area just under 100,000, La Crosse offers visitors plenty of activities to do and sights to see, without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of bigger cities.
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La Crosse has rejuvenated its downtown, which features a collection of bars, restaurants, high-end hotels and shops presented with an old-town feel. There is also the La Crosse Center, a large civic center with ongoing events almost daily.
An expansive walkway and park straddles the river with excellent views of the Cass Street Bridge, Pettibone Park, and Minnesota.
Numerous trails of varying difficulty levels course through the many bluffs behind the city, with magnificent views at the top.
This park adjacent to UW-La Crosse is great for having a picnic and relaxing. It features an eco-park (under construction) and connects to a trail that runs under Highway 16 and climbs up the bluffs. This is the best place in town to go with younger kids: it features an expansive cooperatively built playground for all ages and abilities.
On an island in the Mississippi, this park has a beach and a free Frisbee Golf Course (don't forget your disks).
The Pump House is a multi-disciplinary cultural center, providing a space for the visual, literary, and performing arts. Programming utilizes the repurposed building’s three art galleries, 140-seat theater, art classroom with pottery studio, and meeting spaces.
The largest talking cow in the world. For 25¢, she will tell you facts about Wisconsin. It is next to the building that was used in 1964 New York World's Fair, which now serves as a radio station.
For an excellent time, visit the Pearl Street Brewery, in a more than 100-year-old boot factory, this is one of Wisconsin's finest craft breweries. Live music by local and regional musicians is featured every Friday on their Happy Hour Stage and brewery tours take place each Saturday.
Formerly known as the Heileman Brewery, City Brewery hosts the world's largest six-pack. Tours, which includes samples of some of their brews, are available on weekdays during the summer and on the weekends all year.
The local team plays at Copeland Park, also known as "The Lumber Yard."
Formerly owned by one of La Crosse's lumber barons, Hixon is an Italianate house that reflects the Victorian style. A unique Turkish Nook and original furnishings make this house special.
Go see a movie at this unique dinner theater. The historic main theater features a grandiose decor and comfortable atmosphere. Lean back and catch a movie while enjoying one of their several draft beers and taking down a delicious pizza, made fresh to order. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for students.
An old-fashioned ice cream parlor where the ice cream is homemade and you can find elusive flavors such as bubble gum, superman, and even blue moon. They also offer a vast variety of old-fashioned candy. A great place for kids!
It's in a northern suburb shopping area and includes more than 80 stores including Macy's, Barnes & Noble, JC Penney, and Sears.
By train
By bus
There are two intercity bus stations in La Crosse. One is at Grand River Station downtown. The other serves the University of La Crosse and is located at the Student Union building.
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La Crosse · Regional · LSE
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