Downtown La Crosse
Historic Pearl Street,
Downtown La Crosse
Jackson Plaza, La Crosse, WI
La Crosse's Southside Village Shopping Center
Old Towne North, La Crosse

Galesville, WI

Harmony, MN

Holmen, WI

La Crescent, MN

Onalaska, WI

Trempealeau, WI

Westby, WI

West Salem, WI

Wisconsin's Great River Road

Coon Valley, WI

As you make your way from La Crosse to Coon Valley, Wisconsin on US Hwy 14/61, take a trip up county highways P and PI to Norskedalen, a 400 acre nature and heritage center. Norskedalen welcomes you with a video orientation, gift shop and museums in their modern Thrune Visitors’ Center; take a stroll along the five miles of nature trails and arboretum; or take a step back in time on a visit to the 1890s Bekkum Pioneer log farmstead. Norskedalen also has rustic Paulsen Cabin on-site for your overnight stays. It is located in a beautiful, peaceful setting just waiting for you to enjoy. For more information visit www.norskedalen.org or call 608-452-3424
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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.

Main Street is in the heart of down-
town La Crosse. Immerse yourself in his- tory while shopping for consignment goods of all kinds at Treasures on Main.

Just north of City Hall, 4th Street turns into Copeland Avenue where you will find a variety of shops and services. Take a break during your day of shopping to be inspired at Psychic Readings by Gina, located there on Copeland.

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.

Just next door from Piggy’s you’ll find La Crosse’s original wine bar, Wine Guyz offering 36 wines by the glass. Their Back Alley Deli is open for lunch at 11a.m. Mon.-Sat with paninis, soup, appetizers, pizzas, and cheese plates. Shop while you sip! Hundreds of labels and great gifts. They are located on King Street.

The Freight House is La Crosse’s premier steak and seafood restaurant and is a national historic site. Enjoy their weekend entertainment.

Along the north end of Riverside Park you’ll find great food and spectacular service for lunch and dinner at The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern. What a view!

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.

La Crosse has the distinction of partnering with four “sister cities”; Epinal, France; Luoyang, China; Friedberg, Germany; and Dubna, Russia. The Riverside International Friendship Gardens were developed to celebrate those relationships and edu- cate the public about plant life that can be found in these countries. The Gardens are located on the north side of Riverside Park in La Crosse’s Downtown area. Representative plantings from more nations are in the works, so watch for future additions!

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.

The Mississippi Explorer is an eco tour boat that can cruise the backwaters of the river to see an abundance of area wildlife. One Explorer boat is docked at Riverside Park and a second boat is locat- ed on the Black River at the Best Western Hotel on La Crosse’s northside.

Great memories of the Mississippi River can be made aboard these fine tour boats.

Other great parks in La Crosse inclued Pettibone Park and Myrick Park. Pettibone Park was originally part of the state of Minnesota. In 1857,
Alzono Barron filed plans with Houston County for “Island City”, an attractive well plotted out city, but these plans never developed. Buffalo Bill Cody also owned land on Barron Island during the late 1800’s. And about the same time, “White Beaver” Powell bought four acres on the island, reviving the dream of “Island City”, but nothing developed (1885).

All the land on Barron Island was acquired by A.W. Pettibone for $62,000 in 1901. In July of the same year, Mr. Pettibone deeded Barron Island to the Pettibone Park commission for $1.00 to oversee that this land would be used as a public park for the citizens of La Crosse. Along with the land, Mr. Pettibone set up a $50,000 trust fund to be used for the upkeep and park development.

In 1902, Mr. Pettibone appointed a committee to draw up papers to have Barron Island deeded to Wisconsin from Minnesota. One year later, 1903, a gazebo pavilion made of native Minnesota sandstone was constructed by Mr. Pettibone.

In 1904, the bathhouse was constructed through the efforts of G.A. Keller, at a cost of $1,200. Finally, after 16 years (1918) an act of Congress transferred the land to the state of Wisconsin. An island in Buffalo County, Wisconsin was traded to Minnesota for Barron Island. Just one year later, 1919, the land was annexed by the City of La Crosse. Although, the beach makes it well known there are many other amenities there including shelters, volleyball, trails, a disc golf area, fishing, and plenty of open space.

La Crosse has been “going green” for many years with its Tree City USA designation. The National Arbor Day Foundation recognizes communities that meet the stan- dard they require. Stroll through La Crosse’s “Arbor Walk” in Myrick Park to learn about our area trees. Then, let the younger children play in the Kid’s Coulee Playscape. Also at Myrick, watch developments at the former zoo which is being transformed as part of Hixon Myrick EcoPark. www.mhecopark.org
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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.

Between 3rd and 2nd you’ll find 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 1930s 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.

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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Jackson Plaza
Jackson Plaza is a shopping center just minutes east of downtown La Crosse via Third Street to Jackson Street. There you will find the Candy Outlet Store with great deals on all kinds of snacks and candies for parties, treating the neighbor kids or just for you! Sign up for a free jewelry making class or select truly unique custom jewelry at The Bead Shoppe. Parking for both is right at their doorstep! A variety of other shops are conveniently located at Jackson Plaza.

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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, La Crosse's southside.

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.

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.
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Old Towne North, La Crosse
While you are in the area, visit La Crosse’s Northside, located south of Onalaska and north of Downtown La Crosse. There are many shopping areas including Old Towne North where family-owned specialty shops line Caledonia Street with that “olde worlde” atmosphere.

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 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.

For a truly fun and unique La Crosse experience, sample locally crafted beers at The Pearl Street Brewery, just off of Lang Drive. Their popular brews such as Downtown Brown Ale, a gold medal winner, can also be found at many area establishments.

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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Galesville, WI
Just 18 minutes north of I-90 on Hwy 53N you will discover the spectacu- lar scenery of Galesville. Its historic buildings and friendly small town atmosphere will leave you saying “I could live here”!

While in Galesville check out two of its unique attractions; Phoneco and the Craft Barn.
Phoneco, Inc specializes in restoring antique telephones and offers tours of their telephone museum free of charge. Hollywood knows their number! 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.

The Craft Barn is a renovated dairy barn filled to the beams with locally produced gifts and home accessories. Their new Ammo N Camo wing makes them a destination for the whole family. www.galesvillewi.com
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Harmony, MN
Welcome to Harmony! Tours, shopping and recreational opportunities await you in this small Southeastern Minnesota
town. Tour our local Amish Community, Niagara Cave and Wood Carving Museum. Enjoy Antique & unique shops, excellent dinning options, comfortable lodging and 60 miles of Bike Trail. Harmony has great service businesses ready to serve your every need. The staff and volunteers at the Harmnoy Visitr Center are eager to help you plan your trip to Harmony and assist you when you arrive. They have information on attractions, activities and businesses in Harmony and the surrounding area. Contact us for your FREE Visitor Guide at 800-445-6481 or on the web at www.exloreharmony.com/lvg. Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce explore Minnesota.

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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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La Crescent, MN
From Downtown La Crosse, take the Cass St. Bridge over the Mississippi River and continue–just three easy miles from downtown La Crosse–You will find the city of La Crescent. The area is renowned for river bluff scenery and beautiful apple orchards. 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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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 Onalaska’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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Trempealeau, WI
From La Crosse head north on Wisconsin’s Great River Road on Hwy 53/35 and take in Trempealeau, a historic river town located right on the Mississippi River. Perrot State Park, there, offers a boat landing, two-mile canoe trail and fan- tastic view of the river valley and bluffs from atop their hiking trail. Enjoy dining at Sullivan’s, a very popular supper club, for dinner and drinks. Try The Historic Trempealeau Hotel for a relaxing and casual lunch or dinner. And, both res- taurants provide shuttle service from Trempealeau’s Sunset Marina.
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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. Across the street on State, relax and sip on freshly brewed coffee at the Ole & Lena Kaffe Hus. That’s Norwegian for  Coffee House!

Then, each February, the community hosts the Westby International Ski Jump, with participants from many countries. It’s truly thrilling to watch!

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 Fórte Design