| Coon Valley, WI
Downtown La Crosse
Galesville, WI
Harmony, MN
Historic Pearl Street,
Downtown La Crosse
Holmen, WI
Jackson Plaza, La Crosse, WI
La Crescent, MN
La Crosse's Southside
Village Shopping Center
Old Towne North, La Crosse
Onalaska, WI
Westby, WI
West Salem, WI
Wisconsin's Great River Road
Coon Valley, WI
Between La Crosse and Westby on Hwy. 14, is the village of Coon Valley, Wisconsin. Go for a casual stroll on a well-maintained walking path right in town. Nearby is Norskedalen, an historic Norwegian farmstead that includes a lovely arboretum and over 6 miles of nature trails.  
Come and enjoy the cool, refreshing winter days with a stay in the year-round Paulsen cabin; hiking the five miles of nature trails; and making snow angels in the crisp, new falling snow at Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center. The winter months provide an opportunity to enjoy this season with all its splendorous beauty as snow envelopes the evergreens, and provides the opportunity for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter fun like sledding.
Every season brings new beauty to our beautiful site. Winter hours include weekdays, every 1st and 3rd Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Saturday smorgasbord programming takes place on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 9 am.
Come visit Norskedalen. Velkommen! www.norskedalen.org.
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Downtown La Crosse
Welcome to one of the largest Commercial Historic Districts in Wisconsin – listed on the National and State Historic Registers. This site is a nationally-recognized Great American Main Street Award Recipient. If you enjoy specialty shops, quality clothing, crafts, galleries and good places to eat, downtown La Crosse is where you need to be!
Antique lovers should visit the Antique Center on 3rd Street with three floors to browse. On 2nd Street, there’s easy parking available near Ambiance, a shop with a large selection of gifts and high quality antiques.
Main Street is in the heart of downtown La Crosse. Immerse yourself in history while shopping for consignment goods of all kinds at Treasures on Main. Girls love shoes and Kick is where you’ll find the latest styles. Sunglasses, umbrellas and all kinds of accessories are found at Chic Boutique on Main. Outfit the man in your life for casual or work at Scott Joseph Menswear, and you can rent a tuxedo there for that special occasion. Find everything natural and organic for you and your home at Simply Living. A large selection of fine yarns and ready-made knit accessories is available at Fitting Knit Shop. Nearby, Honig’s offers a nice assortment of gifts and extraordinary and unusual cards. Enjoy the atmosphere and select something spectacular in the historic building at Monéts Floral & Gifts. Across the street is Silver Hide Out, specializing in wonderfully handcrafted jewelry and leather goods. These shops are conveniently located on Main.
Just north of City Hall, 4th Street turns into Copeland Avenue where you will find a variety of shops and services. On the left is Peaberry’s, a specialty coffee and wine shop that also sells all kinds of kitchen gadgets. Browse your laptop while enjoying your favorite beverage there.
Take the family to visit the Children’s Museum, the Swarthout Museum in the public library, and during the summer, the Riverside Museum in Riverside Park.
Downtown La Crosse has an excellent selection of eating establishments. At 4th Street & Pearl is Fayze’s, a local favorite serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take home some of their fresh bakery goods. Pickerman’s on Jay offers delicious sandwiches on freshly baked bread, gourmet soups, and salads. At the Holiday Inn, Ebeneezer’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Grille is a great gathering place. An impressive beer and wine selection adds to the experience. Grounded Specialty Coffee has superb sandwiches, wraps and salads in addition to great beverages. For a family restaurant, try the King Street Kitchen, known for its friendly service and hearty entrees. Lindy’s Subs and Salads, on Main, has tasty subs and accompany that with their fresh salads.
Above the People’s Food Co-op, on Fifth, try Hackberry’s Bistro for lunch or dinner and pick up the best fresh produce on your way out.
 Treat yourself to Piggy’s, an award-winning restaurant on Front Street that specializes in hickory-smoked entrees. You’ll have your choice of casual or fine dining. Stop next door for wine sampling at The Wine Guyz and browse their extensive wine and deli selection. Enjoy truly authentic Mexican fare at Tres Compadres, or sip fresh margaritas in their colorful lounge.
The Freight House is La Crosse’s premier steak and seafood restaurant and is a national historic site. Enjoy their weekend entertainment.
Toward the river in the Radisson Hotel, dine with a view at Three Rivers Lodge, for breakfast, lunch or a special dinner. And, just a few blocks south, try The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern, located right on the Mississippi.
Stroll down to Riverside Park to see “The Mighty Mississippi” and several interesting sculptures there. It’s the site for Riverfest, summer concerts, the Jazz Fest Ecumenical Service, the Sand Sculpting Festival and during the winter, the Rotary Lights display with more than 1.5 million lights!
La Crosse is unique in that it is the home of two early 1900s era riverboats, both of which are located in Riverside Park and are available for sightseeing cruises to overnight excursions up and down the Mississippi River. Boarding each of the riverboats is truly an adventure.
The La Crosse Queen is a modern day replica of the grand riverboats which used to regularly ply the Mississippi. In keeping with early traditions, she was built with sternwheels, which are her only means of propulsion and makes her a “true” paddlewheeler.
Take advantage of all of the scenery and excitement that you will find in downtown
La Crosse! The Julia Belle Swain was built in Dubuque, Iowa in 1971 and is the only authentic steam powered passenger vessel on the upper Mississippi River. Her steam propulsion system with authentic vintage reciprocating engines was built in 1915.
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Galesville, WI
Just 25 miles north of La Crosse
on Hwy 53/35, you will discover Galesville, nestled in spectacular scenery.
Stop in for a tour of Phoneco, Inc., a company in Galesville that specializes in the restoration of antique phones. Check out their “Bargain Page” at www.phonecoinc.com.
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Harmony, MN
Tours, shopping and recreational opportunities await you in this small but active town in Southeastern Minnesota. Relax with a tour through the Amish community or stroll through the unique gift and antique shops. Discover the hidden underground treasures of Niagara Cave or experience the beauty of the area with a bike ride on the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail; more than 60 miles of paved trails connected. Other points of interest include an Angora goat farm, a woodcarver’s haven/museum, hobo camp and a toy museum. For an extended visit, stay in our motel, beautiful Bed & Breakfasts or guest houses and enjoy a great meal at one of our fine restaurants. Contact us for your FREE Visitor Guide at 800.247.6466 or on the web at www.harmony.mn.us
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Historic Pearl Street,
Downtown La Crosse
A visit to Downtown would not be complete without a visit to historic Pearl Street stores, restaurants and bars. Stamp ‘n Hand on the corner of Pearl and 4th has a huge selection of stamps, stencils, gifts and home decorating ideas. A little closer to 3rd Street is The Violet Flame, specializing in the soothing waters of Frankies Fountains and many more gifts to heal the heart and soul.
 Between 3rd and 2nd you’ll find Crosse Stitchery & Main Street Framing, a full service needle-work and framing shop, and Pearl Street West, a group of specialty shops. Stop in and enjoy homemade ice cream, voted locally as La Crosse’s best, and delicious homemade chocolates at The Pearl, an authentic 1930’s Ice Cream Parlor and Confectionery. On the corner of Pearl and 2nd is Satori Arts Gallery where you will find many pieces of art, ancient Chinese artifacts and on-site handcrafted jewelry. Up the bolck you’ll find Ringside Sportsbar & Grill, with plenty of room to relax and watch your favorite activity. Bring the whole family to enjoy their nice variety of American fare.
Across the street is Buzzard Billy’s, a great Cajun restaurant and bar with wonderful food and atmosphere. Right above the restaurant is the Starlite Lounge which has classic 50s decor and is a place where you can relax with delicious cocktails and appetizers. Check out their “Comedy Express” on Thursday nights!
Just around the corner from Pearl Street is the La Crosse Clock Company. They have an amazing store full of quality timepieces, and a special “sale” room at the back! Pearl Street shopping and dining is conveniently located just across from the La Crosse Center and a short walk from Riverside park.
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Holmen
Holmen, Wisconsin is a thriving and fast growing family-oriented community located just minutes north of La Crosse. Pizza Corral is a well known and popular restaurant featuring the best in pizza and chicken. Stay the night at Prairie Inn & Suites, a spacious new hotel and the only one in Holmen! Visit Downtown Holmen on Main Street for a unique shopping experience at several fine stores. Nearby, you can visit the Van Loon Wildlife Area, a natural preserve and hunting destination.
 McGilvray Road and the Van Loon Wildlife Area are home to historic and rare bowstring truss bridges. Built between 1905 and 1908, these bridges are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These beautiful bridges are located on the Black River in northwestern La Crosse County, just north of Holmen, Wisconsin, within a natural wildlife setting and scenic walking trail. www.7bridgesrd.org
www. holmenwi.com.
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Jackson Plaza
Jackson Plaza is just minutes east of downtown La Crosse. Gossamer Wings Beads offers an amazing variety of beads and beading materials to satisfy your creative nature. Also at Gossamer Wings Beads is She She Jewels, where you can find Chamilia bracelets and necklaces with accompanying beads.” So, stop in for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience!
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La Crescent, MN
From Downtown La Crosse, take the Cass St. Bridge over the Mississippi River and continue for about a mile and a half. You will find the city of La Crescent. Bordered by the Mississippi River and apple orchard covered bluffs, this growing community is well worth a visit.
La Crescent is a gateway to the scenic beauty of Southeastern Minnesota and is uniquely located on three designated scenic byways – Apple Blossom Scenic Drive, Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway, and the Great River Road in Minnesota.
Take a drive up Apple Blossom Scenic Drive to see one of the two most beautiful scenic overlooks in Minnesota.
Enjoy gift shops, apple stands, flower shops and restaurants. The La Crescent businesses take pride in offering many quality products that can only be found in the “Apple Capital of Minnesota”..
LaCrescent.Chamber@acegroup.cc www.lacrescent.com
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La Crosse's Southside
Village Shopping Center
Stop by the Village Shopping Center, www.thevillagelacrosse.com, located at the junction of State Road and Losey Blvd.
Degen Berglund handles all of your pharmacy needs and has very good gift and stationery departments. They’re a handy stop for UPS, FedEx, and US Postal services. Relax or browse at JavaVino, for gifts, wine sampling or a great cup of coffee.
Nearby to the south on Losey, include a visit to GreatBigOutlet.com for great big savings on all kinds of clocks, weather stations, luggage and more at La Crosse’s newest outlet store.
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Old Towne North, La Crosse
While you are in La Crosse, don’t forget to visit Old Towne North. It is a shopper’s delight with a unique selection of specialty shops brimming over with “olde worlde” atmosphere. The merchants here have worked hard to preserve the history, originality and charm of this area.
Look for the steeple of the historic Saint James church and you’ll find Old Towne North along Caledonia Street.
For the antique lovers, this is a paradise! Take a stroll around The Purple Pig where Pat has a wonderful selection of antiques and things for heart and home with a great variety of old, new, and unusual items to tempt you, TLC Antiques, where Jerry & Sue have many fine antiques and collectibles, and Caledonia Street Antiques, LLP, with 40 dealers and 6,000 feet of displays.
Nearby, you’ll find Gifted Hands, with wonderful merchandise all hand crafted by talented seniors.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, try the famous Maid-Rite Restaurant, a legend since 1926! Next door is The Sweet Shop where they have been making homemade, top quality candy and ice cream since 1921. Be sure to indulge in a delicious scoop of ice cream and take home some hand-dipped chocolates for a treat. A few blocks south form Old Towne, watch your favorite sport at the big red building, Bucky’s Burger Barn. At the Amtrak Station, watch the trains go by at the the Bar Car, and get great pork entrees at their restaurant, The Train Station BBQ.
Spend the day experiencing all of the well-established businesses in Old Towne North and on La Crosse’s north side.
La Crosse’s Steam Locomotive,
Caboose & Grand Crossing Tower 
Copeland Park, on La Crosse’s Northside, is home to an historic steam locomotive, the #4000, Milwaukee Road Caboose #0359, and the Grand Crossing Tower rail switching tower. A derailment destroyed the original tower and in 1928 it was rebuilt and used in La Crosse until 1991. Each year in July, volunteers host “Rail Fair” with tours and a flea market to fund preservation of this historic railroad display.
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Onalaska, WI
Onalaska offers quality lodging, restaurants and entertainment for the whole family. The western side of Onalaska overlooks beautiful Lake Onalaska, a 7,700 acre body of water which was created in 1937 when the Mississippi and Black Rivers were dammed. Fishing on the lake is a favorite pastime which is why Onalaska has been coined the “Sunfish Capital”. Scenic overlooks off Hwy. 35 afford magnificent views of the lake. Hikers and cross country skiers can choose from the Great River State Trail or the La Crosse River Trail. Walkers can enjoy the new Marsh View Trail, located just behind Stoney Creek Inn. Visit Onalaska to take advantage of the many outdoor activities available.
As early as 8000 BC, Native Americans lived in small mobile groups in this area. Later, the Oneota were a Native American culture that fished, farmed, and hunted here.
Onalaska was founded by Thomas G. Rowe, who came here from New York in 1851. Rowe took the city’s name from a line in the poem, “Pleasures of Hope”, published in 1799 and written by Thomas Campbell. Because it reminded him of the area, he liked the line “The wolf’s long howl from Oanalaska’s Shore”, and shortened the name to be Onalaska.
CITY OF ONALASKA FACTS
Estimated population: 16,500
Square miles: 12.5
Elevation: 700 Ft. above sea level
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Westby, WI
Just a short, scenic drive south from
La Crosse on Hwy. 14 & 61 you’ll find Westby, a little city with a big Velkommen! First settled in 1843 by Norwegian immigrants, Westby is full of heritage and Scandinavian hospitality. They celebrate their Norwegian heritage with a festival called “Syttende Mai”, Norwegian for 17th of May, and Norway’s Constitution Day. You can find authentic Norwegian goods all year round at Dregne’s Scandinavian Gifts.
Then, each February, the community hosts the Westby International Ski Jump, with participants from many countries. It’s truly thrilling to watch!
In addition to wonderful Scandinavian and Amish goods, you will find Kountry Krafts and Memories, a quaint shop filled will antiques and also offering many special handcrafted items. This shop is a convenient stop right on Main Street.
While in town, enjoy some genuine Norwegian lefse & locally made cheese! A must stop is the Westby Creamery, to pick up farm fresh dairy products.
Lovely countryside around Westby is certainly worth staying a day or two to enjoy. In Westby itself, The Westby House Victorian Inn is a beautifully decorated bed & breakfast where you will enjoy their fabulous accommodations. For a very nice, inexpensive place to stay that offers a home style restaurant and convenience store, stop in at the Central Express Inn & Restaurant. Just north of Westby, you can watch cheese being made at Old Country Cheese, a local factory with an outlet gift shop, where you can also find cheese gifts, Amish crafts, candy and maple syrup. The Westby area even has its own local winery, Vernon Vineyards & Winery, so stop for a tour and a taste!
You’ll find your stay in the greater Westby community a wonderful experience...don’t miss out.
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West Salem, WI
Drive East on Hwy. 16 or I-90 from the
La Crosse/Onalaska mall area and you will find the historic town of West Salem. There are two excellent campgrounds close by, one on the La Crosse River and the other on Lake Neshonoc. In town, you can browse antique shops, and visit the Palmer-Gullickson Octagon Home and the Hamlin Garland Homestead. In April racing starts at LaCrosse Fairgounds Speedway every Saturday night through to October.
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WISCONSIN’S Great River Road
The Great River Road follows Wisconsin State Highway 35 from Prescott south through Onalaska and La Crosse to Prairie du Chien and then follows all weather county roads to Cassville. From Cassville, Hwy. 133 meets US 61 at Tenneyson and carries the Great River Road to the Illinois line. Watch for the Great River Road signs marking the route. 
Much of Wisconsin’s Great River Road is etched at the base of bluffs and adjacent to the river. It passes through many communities such as Onalaska, Holmen and Trempealeau. The road curves winding with the river, a drive to enjoy. The 30 mile stretch between Alma and Maiden Rock and 60 miles between La Crosse and Praire du Chien is considered to be one of the most scenic routes in America. Many waysides and overlooks provide an opportunity to stop, rest and photograph the river scenery. 
The Great River Road is well-maintained and is beautiful in all seasons. A full map of the Great River Road can be found at www.greatriverroad.org.
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Photos Courtesy Forte Design
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