For over 60 years, Mt. La Crosse has proudly stood tall as a cherished landmark in the La Crosse community. Nestled within the beautiful rolling bluffs, our iconic venue has evolved into more than just a winter sports destination. With our stunning views and versatile indoor/outdoor spaces, we've also become a favorite venue for weddings and private events throughout the year. Come celebrate our rich history and see why Mt. La Crosse is the go-to spot for making memories! Photo credit: Troy Layne. explorelacrosse.com

The over 6,000 acre Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1936 and is nestled along the eastern edge of the mighty Mississippi River. The scenic drive to the refuge along the Great River Scenic Byway entices travelers along the way.
Photo By/Credit Dana M. Schelling/USFWS
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/trempealeau
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McGilvray Road is located in Northwest La Crosse County, Wisconsin, in the Van Loon Wildlife Area. Located on a former vehicular road is a unique combination of five rare bowstring arch truss bridges and one low truss bridge. They represent two styles of bridge construction popular in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Currently the McGilvray Road and its bridges are open only to pedestrian traffic, which makes for an amazing 1.8 mile one-way walk. Maintenance of trail and bridges is by Friends of McGilvray Road in coordination with WI DNR. explorelacrosse.com

Onalaska, Wisconsin’s Great River Landing, plays host to the trailhead of the Great River State Trail, for bicyclists enjoying the 101 miles of interconnecting state trails. A newer Visitor Center allows for beautiful views of Lake Onalaska and the Black River. Great shore fishing near the Onalaska Spillway, and some outdoor amenities at the site are all in a beautiful Driftless Area setting!
*Note: a bridge on the trail near Trempealeau, WI is not operational at this time.

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Photo credit: Anthony Gaskin

Morning
Start at Lock & Dam #7 (Dresbach, MN) or #8 (Genoa, WI) to watch boats and barges navigate.
Explore the Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Onalaska) with a short hike or paddle.
Midday
Lunch at Huck Finn’s on the Water or Red Pines for lakeside dining.
Take a La Crosse Queen Paddlewheel Cruise from Riverside Park.
Afternoon
Walk through the Riverside International Friendship Gardens along the water or enjoy a drink at Moxie’s patio overlooking the river.
Evening
Dinner at The Waterfront for a fine-dining experience on the water.
Optional: Night cruise if the Queen is running.
Photo Credit: Ronald Piel

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Motorcycle Route Itinerary

Morning
Start at Grandad Bluff overlook in La Crosse for panoramic views.
Ride Hwy 35 north along the Great River Road (curvy, scenic, motorcycle heaven).
Midday
Stop in Trempealeau at the Trempealeau Hotel for lunch.
Continue to Fountain City (grab coffee or explore local shops).
Afternoon
Ride further to Alma, stop at Buena Vista Park overlook for river views.
Optional: Cross into Minnesota on Hwy 61 during the drive back for different scenery.
Evening
Loop back to La Crosse for dinner at The Crow – which features over a dozen different specialty and gourmet burgers, the area’s largest bourbon selection and specialty bourbon cocktails, and a rotating craft beer selection.
Photo credit: Travel Wisconsin

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Morning
Start in La Crosse with coffee and breakfast at JavaVino.
Drive north on Hwy 35 to Perrot State Park (Trempealeau). Hike Brady’s Bluff for a breathtaking view of the Mississippi.
Midday
Continue north to Merrick State Park (Fountain City). Stroll along the backwaters, perfect for birdwatching.
Stop in Alma for lunch (Harbor View Café if open) or continue to Winona and enjoy delicious Italian food at Cafe Sapori di Sicilia.
Afternoon
Cross the river to Minnesota and visit Great River Bluffs State Park as you head back towards La Crosse. Hike the King’s Bluff Trail for a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River Valley.
Cross back into Wisconsin and visit the Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center near Onalaska for natural history and eagle spotting.
Evening
Return to La Crosse and catch the sunset at Grandad Bluff.
Photo credit: John Brueske

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Great River Road Extended Trip (2–3 Days)

Day 1 – Nature, Parks & Scenic Views
Morning
Begin in La Crosse with breakfast downtown.
Head to Grandad Bluff for panoramic morning views of the valley.
Drive north on Hwy 35 to Perrot State Park (Trempealeau) and hike Brady’s Bluff.
Midday
Lunch at the Historic Trempealeau Hotel (river views + classic bites).
Continue north to Kinstone in Fountain City – where stone circles, labyrinths, and overlooks are abundant.
Afternoon
Stop at Merrick State Park (Fountain City) for a short walk along the river backwaters.
Drive up to Alma, then head to Buena Vista Park Overlook for a sweeping river view.
Evening
Drive back south and get dinner at Sullivan’s Supper Club (Trempealeau) which provides a Wisconsin supper club experience with river views.
Overnight in La Crosse at the historic Charmant Hotel.

Day 2 – Foodie Finds, Orchards & On-the-Water Fun
Morning
Start your day by heading across the river to Winona, MN and grab donuts at Bloedow’s Bakery.
Return to WI for apple-picking at Ecker’s Apple Farm (Trempealeau) and cider tasting.
Midday
Stop at Ferguson’s Orchards (Galesville) for more apple fun or pumpkins if in season.
Eat a late lunch in Holmen at a Hacienda Vieja Mexican Grill & Bar.
Afternoon
Explore the Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (Onalaska) – a great spot for birdwatching and eagle sightings.
Stop and snap a photo with Sunny the Sunfish (Onalaska) while overlooking the river valley.
Head back to La Crosse for a La Crosse Queen Paddlewheel Cruise or walk through Riverside Park and grab some delicious ice cream at The Pearl.
Evening
Casual riverside dinner at Huck Finn’s on the Water or Red Pines Bar & Grill.
Overnight at the historic Charmant Hotel in La Crosse.

Day 3 – Scenic Loop & Farewell Flavors (Half-Day Option)
Morning
Start your day out with breakfast in La Crosse at JavaVino, then drive north to Nelson Cheese Factory (Nelson) for cheese, ice cream, and road snacks.
Continue to Maiden Rock Bluff (Stockholm) for cliffside views and eagle spotting.
Midday
Lunch at Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm (Cochrane) if it’s open (seasonal) or The Golden Frog (Fountain City)
Begin return trip with scenic Hwy 35 views.
Optional Afternoon Add-On (if staying 3 full days):
Cross into Minnesota to see Sugar Loaf Bluff (Winona) and/or hike Great River Bluffs State Park before heading home.

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