Step into La Crosse's historic downtown, where 19th-century architecture tells stories of the bustling riverboat era. Over 100 National Register buildings line these charming streets. The Mississippi River creates a stunning backdrop for local adventures at Riverside Park.
Explore the Weber Center for Performing Arts or browse boutique shops housed in century-old storefronts. Riverside cafes and craft breweries offer perfect spots to unwind after touring the Children's Museum. The free downtown trolley makes getting around this walkable district effortless.
La Crosse's Northside offers a peaceful retreat from downtown bustle with tree-lined streets and mid-century homes. This family-oriented area combines suburban charm with budget-friendly lodging options. Black River Beach and Riverside Amusement Park provide local recreation spots for visitors seeking authentic experiences.
The neighborhood features scattered family restaurants and casual cafes serving American comfort food at wallet-friendly prices. Wide sidewalks and quiet streets create perfect morning walks through this genuine slice of middle-class American life. Transportation requires a car, but ample free parking makes exploration easy.
La Crosse's Lower Northside welcomes visitors with tree-lined streets and historic homes from the early 1900s. This quiet residential area offers a glimpse into authentic local life away from tourist crowds. Well-preserved bungalows with wraparound porches create a quintessential Midwestern charm.
The neighborhood provides budget-friendly accommodations in converted historic homes and vacation rentals. While lacking tourist attractions within its boundaries, Black River Beach and the La Crosse Queen Cruise Dock are nearby. The peaceful environment makes it perfect for travelers seeking an authentic slice of residential Americana.
Perched above La Crosse, Grandview-Emerson offers a peaceful residential retreat with tree-lined streets and well-maintained mid-century homes. Grandad Bluff Park crowns the neighborhood with breathtaking 600-foot limestone overlooks providing panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley below.
This family-oriented area provides an authentic slice of Midwestern life away from tourist crowds. Hiking trails wind through oak and maple forests where eagles soar overhead. Though dining options are limited within the neighborhood, downtown La Crosse attractions are just a short drive away.
While Bluffside might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Oktoberfest Grounds and La Crosse Center.
Discover the most popular places to visit in La Crosse
Photo by Kayla Schneider
Open Photo by Kayla Schneider
Oktoberfest Grounds
8.0/10 (121 reviews)
La Crosse's Oktoberfest Grounds host the Midwest's longest-running German celebration since 1961. Visitors enjoy authentic polka music, traditional cuisine, and spectacular Torchlight and Maple Leaf parades each September.
Photo by Kayla Schneider
Open Photo by Kayla Schneider
Riverside Park
9.4/10 (839 reviews)
This riverside sanctuary features international gardens and scenic Mississippi River trails. Enjoy a nostalgic paddlewheel cruise on the La Crosse Queen or attend seasonal festivals in this tranquil waterfront setting.
Photo by Jessica Jahnke
Open Photo by Jessica Jahnke
Grandad Bluff Park
9.6/10 (494 reviews)
Perched 600 feet above La Crosse, Grandad Bluff offers breathtaking tri-state views across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and spectacular Mississippi River Valley vistas.
City Brewery
8.6/10 (90 reviews)
Home to the iconic "World's Largest Six-Pack," City Brewery occupies the historic G. Heileman Brewing Company facility. Snap photos of this quirky landmark while exploring downtown La Crosse.
La Crosse Center
8.8/10 (441 reviews)
The La Crosse Center hosts everything from concerts to conventions along the banks of the Mississippi River. Enjoy premium seating with river views, then explore downtown's dining scene just steps away.
Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe
9.0/10 (224 reviews)
This hilltop shrine offers spiritual serenity amid 100 acres of woodland trails and devotional areas. Explore the neoclassical church's sacred art before dining at Culina Mariana Café with panoramic valley views.
Goose Island County Park
Wisconsin's largest county campground offers over 400 sites along the Mississippi River backwaters. Paddle the designated canoe trail for close encounters with the area's diverse wildlife and serene waterscapes.
Valley View Mall
7.8/10 (218 reviews)
Valley View Mall draws shoppers from 50 miles away with its mix of national retailers and dining options. Enjoy a relaxed experience by visiting on weekday afternoons when crowds are thinner.
"Very beautiful area overlooking the Mississippi. Very convenient to all of downtown shops and restaurants.
The hotel restaurant was okay for breakfast but poor for dinner.Large rooms too."
"Such a pleasant stay. I stayed for three nights and don’t have a single complaint! Convenient location, super clean rooms and the staff is wonderfully helpful and friendly. Highly recommend!"
"From check-in to check-out, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. The architecture and renovations created such a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the rooms were beautifully designed with thoughtful amenities throughout. Everywhere we went, we were met with smiles—it truly felt like a place where you belong.
Definitely on our list for another visit."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a vacation to La Crosse costs! Our packages simplify travel planning and maximize your savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to La Crosse?
January, October and December are the best times to search for cheap La Crosse vacation packages. Choosing to travel in quieter months means you can usually find lower prices on hotels and flights.
How many days is enough for La Crosse?
You can easily visit all the major attractions in La Crosse within a few days, including the popular Shenanigans Entertainment Center & Sports Bar. If you're after an extended La Crosse vacation, look at which kind of activities and day tours are available nearby.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to La Crosse?
La Crosse has everything you need for an awesome getaway — cycling, watersports and nature are just the start. Whether you'd like to check out sights such as Riverside Park and Oktoberfest Grounds, or take the road less traveled, you'll have plenty to explore on your La Crosse vacation.
How to find the best La Crosse package deals?
Landing a cheap La Crosse package deal is a cinch with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and trip dates under our "Packages" tab, set your maximum budget, apply some filters and see what's available. You can tweak your search by "Area," "Amenities," "Property type" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most pocket-friendly La Crosse package deals. Want a simple trick to score the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider traveling on a weekday, when prices are usually lower.
Is it cheaper to book a La Crosse vacation as a package?
An Expedia vacation package could land you great savings when compared to booking stays and flights individually. Better still, you can customize your La Crosse getaway to match your exact style. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Browse our bundle deals and find out how much you can save.
When to book a vacation package to La Crosse?
Score fantastic discounts by booking your flights ahead of time with Expedia. If spontaneity is more your style, take advantage of our last-minute deals for a spur-of-the-moment La Crosse getaway.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later La Crosse vacation packages?
Your La Crosse break should be an escape from your busy life, not a source of money-related stress. So to allow you more flexibility, we've teamed up with online lender Affirm to offer you our Book Now, Pay Later vacations. Choose one of our vacation packages with payment plans and break down the cost over 3, 6 or 12 months. Plus, there aren't any hidden or late payment fees to worry about.
La Crosse, Wisconsin, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a mix of stunning scenery and exciting activities. Explore popular attractions like local museums, enjoy festive parades, and take a campus tour. Don't miss the chance to hike beautiful trails and relax in the city's parks, making your visit a memorable experience filled with entertainment and natural beauty.
Shopping
For shopping in La Crosse, visit Valley View Mall, where you'll find a variety of stores and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, check out The Craft Barn and Dregne's Scandinavian Gifts, both offering unique items about 20 and 23 miles away, respectively.
Recreation
Experience the Onalaska Omni Center for a dynamic sports atmosphere, perfect for active pursuits. Enjoy tranquility at Goose Island County Park, where you can unwind amidst nature. For family fun, Riverside Amusement Park offers mini golf and thrilling adventures, creating lasting memories for all ages.
La Crosse's nightlife buzzes with energy, featuring vibrant bars and live music. Check out The Root Note for local bands and great coffee, or enjoy a night out at The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern for stunning river views and tasty cocktails. Don’t miss the fun at The La Crosse Distilling Co.
Find the best attractions in La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin, offers an exciting mix of outdoor adventure and urban experiences, perfect for all types of travelers. You can explore urban parks, visit a modern college or university, and enjoy events at the La Crosse Center. With its rich culture and family-friendly activities, La Crosse promises a memorable vacation filled with scenic beauty and entertainment options for everyone.
La Crosse Center: This vibrant arena is the heart of local entertainment, hosting concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings. With its family-friendly atmosphere, the La Crosse Center offers a dynamic experience for visitors of all ages, making it a perfect spot for exciting events and activities.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse: Known for its beautiful campus and modern facilities, this university captures the essence of city life with its engaging academic environment. Visitors can explore the scenic grounds, participate in community events, or attend cultural activities that reflect the vibrant student life.
Oktoberfest Grounds: Renowned for its lively outdoor festivals, the Oktoberfest Grounds provide a family-friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy local food, crafts, and entertainment. This charming fairground is perfect for making lasting memories during seasonal celebrations.
Best time to go to La Crosse
The best time to visit La Crosse can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in La Crosse falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in La Crosse falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.
Tips to save on your trip to La Crosse
Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to La Crosse.
Consider traveling to La Crosse during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.