Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in La Crosse
La Crosse offers something for every traveler, from stunning nature escapes to historical landmarks and lively local events. The city has a relaxed pace with friendly people and a strong connection to the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy festivals, museum visits, and scenic boat tours all year round. It’s a hidden gem where natural beauty and Midwest charm meet.
Where to look for an Airbnb in La Crosse
Historic Downtown La Crosse
Historic Downtown La Crosse is the city’s cultural and commercial hub, offering boutique shopping, dining, and easy access to the riverfront. Vacation rentals in Historic Downtown La Crosse include renovated lofts, apartments above shops, and stylish condos with balcony views. Guests can walk to Riverside Park, visit local breweries, and attend seasonal events.
Grandad Bluff Area
The Grandad Bluff Area is perfect for those seeking scenic overlooks and outdoor recreation with easy access to hiking trails and nature reserves. Rentals in Grandad Bluff Area include hillside homes, cozy Airbnbs with panoramic views, and secluded cabins. Visitors can hike up the bluff or take in the view by car.
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Area
Near campus, the UW-La Crosse Area features student-friendly accommodations, coffee shops, and access to trails and sports facilities. Vacation rentals near the University of Wisconsin include apartments, duplexes, and family homes in a walkable neighborhood. Guests can enjoy a youthful vibe and plenty of affordable dining options.
North La Crosse
North La Crosse offers a quieter, residential setting with access to the Black River, parks, and family-friendly amenities. Rentals in the North La Crosse include ranch homes, duplexes, and pet-friendly Airbnbs near nature areas. Visitors can explore trails, enjoy fishing spots, and relax away from downtown crowds.
Southside Neighborhood / Washburn
The Southside Neighborhood, especially the Washburn area, blends historic charm with easy access to shopping and public transit. Vacation homes include Victorian houses, charming bungalows, and garden cottages. The area is walkable and close to markets, restaurants, and schools.
What to do if you spend a vacation in La Crosse
Grandad Bluff Park
The most famous landmark in the city, Grandad Bluff offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River, La Crosse, and three states from its summit. Visitors can drive or hike to the top for stunning sunrises or fall foliage views. The bluff is also a key photo stop and a local favorite for sightseeing.
Riverside Park
Located on the banks of the Mississippi, Riverside Park hosts events like Riverfest and Oktoberfest while offering walking paths, gardens, and boat docks. Guests can enjoy river cruises, picnics, and views of paddleboats from the shoreline. The park connects to trails and public art displays.
La Crosse Queen Riverboat
The La Crosse Queen is a replica paddlewheel riverboat offering scenic cruises with narration on the river’s history and local landmarks. Visitors can book sunset cruises, lunch outings, or themed events on the Mississippi. The boat departs from Riverside Park and runs seasonally.
Children’s Museum of La Crosse
The Children’s Museum of La Crosse features interactive exhibits, climbing walls, and imaginative play areas designed for kids. Families can spend hours exploring creative, hands-on activities that mix fun and education. The museum is centrally located and great for rainy days.
Hixon Forest and Blufflands Trails
Just east of the city, Hixon Forest features miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching through bluffland terrain. Visitors can explore trailheads like the Vista Trail or Lower Hixon for scenic views and forest immersion. The trails are well-maintained and offer something for every skill level.
Pump House Regional Arts Center
The Pump House is La Crosse’s premier arts venue featuring rotating exhibits, live performances, and community events. Visitors can enjoy local artwork, theater productions, and musical acts in an intimate historic building. The center also hosts workshops and art classes year-round. It adds cultural flair to any visit.
Myrick Park and Marsh
Located near the university, Myrick Park includes wetlands, scenic trails, and an eco-focused nature center. Guests can walk the marsh trails, rent snowshoes in winter, or view migratory birds and native plants. The marsh area provides a unique habitat to explore.
Turtle Stack Brewery
A staple of the local craft beer scene, Turtle Stack Brewery serves small-batch beers in a welcoming downtown taproom. Guests can sample IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews in a relaxed setting. The brewery often features local food trucks and live music.
Where to find a vacation rental near La Crosse
Madison, Wisconsin
Roughly two hours east, Madison blends lake views, college-town energy, and a dynamic arts and food scene. Visit the State Capitol, kayak on Lake Monona, or explore State Street’s cafés and shops. Booking a vacation rental in Madison, like a Capitol-view apartment or neighborhood home, adds youthful vibrancy and cultural depth to your La Crosse getaway.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
About two and a half hours northwest, Minneapolis offers rich arts, urban biking, and stunning waterfronts. Spend a day at the Walker Art Center, bike the Midtown Greenway, or enjoy lakeside dining. Choosing a vacation rental in Minneapolis, such as a modern loft or lakeside condo, brings bold urban variety and creative energy alongside La Crosse’s relaxed river-town vibe.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Roughly 90 minutes north, Eau Claire charms with its music festivals, public murals, and close-knit community feel. Paddle the Chippewa River, catch a concert, or explore galleries downtown. A vacation rental in Eau Claire, whether an artistic loft or riverside apartment, adds small-city creativity and warmth to your Upper Mississippi journey from La Crosse.
Rochester, Minnesota
About 75 minutes west, Rochester blends innovation and comfort as home to the Mayo Clinic and a growing culinary scene. Explore the Peace Plaza, enjoy the skyway system, or dine in the vibrant downtown core. Staying in a vacation rental in Rochester, like a sleek apartment or quiet neighborhood flat, adds convenience and modern style to your itinerary.
Winona, Minnesota
Just 45 minutes north, Winona is a scenic river town framed by bluffs, with a thriving university and arts scene. Hike the Garvin Heights overlook, visit the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, or explore downtown shops. Resting in a vacation rental in Winona, such as a riverside cottage or downtown loft, introduces a calm and cultural rhythm that mirrors La Crosse’s riverside charm.
Embark on an exploration of captivating nature and dynamic cities across the United States.
Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, La Crosse is the perfect gateway for exploring other breathtaking destinations. Discover the beauty of Key Biscayne vacation rentals, where ocean views and tropical parks like the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park beckon. In Sunriver holiday homes, Oregon, the landscapes are complemented by the striking Cascade Mountains, perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Crystal River airbnb offers a unique opportunity to swim with manatees, bordered by springs that belong to a mesmerizing network of waterways. Experience serene coastline living with Cedar Key rentals where the Gulf of Mexico's vivid sunsets create a panorama of unrivaled charm.
Urban adventures await as you expand your horizons. Dive into local culture and history by staying in airbnb in Longview, Texas, where the Gregg County Historical Museum provides a glimpse into the heart of the city. Over in Fresno vacation rentals, California, the vibrant Tower District offers bustling arts, dining, and shopping scenes that energize the city's atmosphere. In Alabama, the vacation rentals Birmingham neighborhood invites you to explore the rich and dynamic arts and music scenes found in venues like the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, all nestled in the heart of this historic city.