Discover La Crosse: Rivers, Trails and History

The Mississippi, Black River and La Crosse River converge in La Crosse County. Rivers, forest areas and historic structures offer different ways to plan a trip: from water activities to hiking and wildlife watching to regional history.

Rivers, Forests and Birdlife

The county has 236 miles of trout streams. Kayaking and canoeing are possible on pristine waterways. If you prefer to explore on foot, you’ll find hiking opportunities across 963 acres of parkland and forest. Camping is also part of the recreational offerings: two campgrounds have more than 400 campsites combined.

The Van Loon Wildlife Area covers 4,003 acres along the Black River in northwestern La Crosse County and is designated a WBCI Important Bird Area. Another natural area is the 287-acre Northeast Coulee Oak Woodland, a State Natural Area within the Coulee Experimental Forest. Breeding birds documented there include the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Veery, Wood Thrush, Pileated Woodpecker, Mourning Warbler, Scarlet Tanager and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

Hiking at Norskedalen

At Norskedalen, trails extend for several miles and suit all ability levels. One specific route is the Pine Loop Trail: this varied, approximately 1.5-mile loop passes through a pine forest, by a spring and through a mature deciduous forest. This hike therefore alternates between different forest sections and a stop at the spring.

Seasonal trail maintenance may vary, so check current conditions before hiking. Norskedalen can provide information about guided Homestead tours and guided hikes on the trails. Confirm that these tours are available before your trip.

Bridges and Regional History

McGilvray Road is open to pedestrians. It’s suitable for viewing bridges, learning about local history, watching wildlife and enjoying nature. The Van Loon Wildlife Area includes six historic McGilvray bowstring arch bridges over the Black River. They were built around 1892. Local conditions may change; check current conditions before visiting.

Another historic structure is the Mindoro Cut: a road cut through a hill for West Salem/Mindoro Road. The Garland Homestead was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior in 1973. A seasonal tour schedule for the Garland Homestead lists the period from Memorial Day through Labor Day and hours of 1–4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Check the schedule before your trip.

The La Crosse Area Heritage Center is a curated museum operated by the La Crosse County Historical Society. Exhibits include “Ongoing Ho-Chunk Presence” and “Brewing in La Crosse County.” Exhibit topics may change.

Getting There and Planning Your Hotel Stay

La Crosse Regional Airport offers flights to Chicago, Minneapolis and Detroit. The Amtrak Borealis train connects La Crosse County with Chicago and Minneapolis. If you plan to travel by plane or train, check current schedules before your trip.

When looking for a hotel in La Crosse, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: river activities, hiking trails, birdlife or cultural sites.

Discover more destinations: Onalaska, La Crosse, Bangor, West Salem, Sawyer County, Calumet County, Dodge County, Sheboygan County.

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.