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There is so much to appreciate about La Crosse, WI, from the breathtaking bluffs to the riverfront restaurants and shopping. The city is home to just over 50,000 residents, but plenty more visitors come to this standout spot in southwestern Wisconsin to explore everything the region has to offer. Golf lovers have a lot of options in La Crosse too, with some amazing golf courses for fresh-air fun. more 1. Forest Hills Public Golf If you want to sign up for golf just minutes from the heart of the city, Forest Hills Public Golf Course is a good option. The parkland golf course has welcomed players for over 100 years, and the freshly renovated grounds include an exciting 19th hole to play off in style. Gorgeous bluff views and elevated heights make this course fun and slightly adventurous, with a driving range and a pro shop to stock up on all your golf goods. 2. Walsh Golf Center Another awesome option for local golf is Walsh Golf Center, just a 10-minute drive from the city. The golf course boasts 10 grass-hitting areas and 20 artificial tee stations, with a practice bunker and practice green to help golfers of all levels get more comfortable. Lessons, golf leagues, and mini-golf are also available, ensuring everyone can play. 3. La Crosse Country Club One of western Wisconsin's premier recreation destinations, La Crosse Country Club offers fabulous golf for the whole family, situated in the Emerald Valley's rolling hills. It's only an eight-minute drive from the city center and close to the La Crosse River Conservancy Area in Onalaska. The club is known for its strong junior and couples golf program, as well as pool, tennis, and special events. 4. Fox Hollow Golf Course Located off of County Road O in La Crosse, Fox Hollow Golf Course is just 10 miles east of the city's vibrant downtown area. Nestled between lush green rolling hills, the par 70 course covers 120 acres and has one of just two island greens in the entire state. Public memberships are available and the course is home to the golf team from West Salem High School. 5. The Golf Club at Cedar Creek Last but definitely not least, there's also Cedar Creek in nearby Onalaska, where the La Crosse County Amateur Championship takes place every year. It's within 20 minutes or 10 miles of La Crosse, and the golf club opened in 1990 under the watchful guidance of designer Bob Lohmann. Cedar Creek quickly gained popularity and a nomination as one of the best new courses according to Golf Digest. This is a great club with views of the Mississippi River Basin. Life in Lacrosse is pretty sweet for golf lovers who have no shortage of terrific courses nearby. Whether you want a quick session at the driving range or a full day out on the links, you can do it all in western Wisconsin. Visit Pischke Motors Nissan today for an impressive selection of new and used vehicles to get you to and from your favorite golf course.

Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River, along the state line between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the city of La Crosse, WI has a population of over 50,000 and is not far from several interesting destinations that can be visited as part of day trips or weekend escapes. Whether you are looking for the culture, bustle, and nightlife of Minneapolis or some beautiful landscapes in a state park, these are some excellent places for a visit with friends or family. more 1. Minneapolis, MN The most populous city in the state of Minnesota is located a little over two hours away from downtown La Crosse by car, driving along routes US-52 S and I-90 E. Minneapolis boasts a population of more than three and a half million in its expansive metropolitan area, and is known for its past as a major timber market in the area, as well as its vibrant cultural life, its excellent gastronomy, and its exciting nightlife. Once you make your way to Minneapolis, the first thing you should do is find a parking spot close to the downtown area. From here, you can explore most of the city's attractions and must-see spots on foot. Start your tour with a walk along Central Minneapolis, checking out the Fifth Street Towers, the Minneapolis City Hall, and other famous sites before crossing the Mississippi River to the twin city of St. Paul. 2. Buckhorn State Park, WI Located on a small peninsula on Castle Rock Lake, the Buckhorn State Park boasts an area of a little under 7,000 acres and is an excellent day trip destination for water sports enthusiasts and visitors looking for a place to enjoy different activities, including hiking, camping, and mountain biking. This place is located right along the shores of Castle Rock Lake, which is home to enormous specimens of muskellunge and other fish species. In order to access the Buckhorn State Park, visitors need to have an annual vehicle admission sticker or purchase a daily pass at the entrance of the park. This place is located just 70 miles east of downtown La Crosse, making it possible to reach it in a little over an hour by car, driving along route I-90 E. Once in the area, make sure to check out its hiking trails and Castle Rock Lake's shoreline. 3. Madison, WI The capital city of the state of Wisconsin is a great urban day trip destination for La Crosse residents wanting to check out some historical monuments, famous landmarks, and good restaurants. Getting to the city takes a little over two hours by car from La Cross, driving along route I-90 E. Once here, some of the places you should not miss include the Wisconsin State Capitol, the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. If you are looking for a new set of wheels to go on exciting road trips and adventures with your family or friends, visit us at Pischke Motors Nissan and check out the variety of new and used vehicles we have available for you.

La Crosse, Wisconsin, located along the banks of the Mississippi River, is a city filled with fun outdoor activities throughout the year. Enjoy the sights of La Crosse from a riverboat cruise on the mighty Mississippi or in nature on a hiking trail. The area is a paradise for those who love recreation. Discover some outdoor activities available in the vicinity of La Crosse. more Fun at the River The Upper Mississippi has an abundance of small islands, channels, and pools ideal for fishing and kayaking. If you haven't considered them, the La Crosse River and the Black River offer further spots to explore. These rivers are home to many fish species, such as walleye, northern pike, shovelhead sturgeon, perch, and sunfish. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for information on licensing and fishing regulations. Although not on the river, ice fishing in winter is popular at Lake Onalaska and Lake Neshonoc. Kayaking is available for all levels. Take your family on a comfortable and relaxing canoe ride through the wetland courses. Or you may prefer the more strenuous kayaking along the Mississippi, Black, or La Crosse rivers. You'll also appreciate the many canoe trails and launches in the area. Some of the popular kayaking trails include Long Lake Trail, Lake Onalaska Canoe Trail, and Brown's Marsh Canoe Area (Lytle's Landing). Hiking Around La Crosse The superb scenery around La Crosse is impressive, from forests and mountains to marshes and prairies. Don't overlook the rivers, lakes, and waterways either. Well-maintained hiking trails in the area offer a stroll or an adrenaline-pumping, steep climb. The hiking and biking trails winding through the woods in Hixon Forest give access to Grandad Bluff Park, known for its views across La Crosse and the river valley. La Crosse River Marsh offers running, walking, and biking paved and gravel trails. These trails connect from Riverside Park to the Great River State Trail, Myrick Park, and Hixon Forest. Other areas to explore include the Mississippi Valley Conservancy and Green Coulee. The Outdoor Recreation Alliance promotes the development of sustainable environmental trails in the region. These trails are for everyone to use. Hiking, biking, birding, trail running, skiing, and snowshoeing are popular on them. Winter Activities As winter approaches, it's no reason to hibernate. The La Crosse region features winter activities for everyone. Mount La Crosse, a popular ski hill in the area, has various runs for skiers and snowboarders. In addition, the Mileway is the longest run in Wisconsin. Cross country skiers may enjoy trails in Black River State Park, Perrot State Park, Goose Island Park, and the Great River Trail. Other winter activities include snowmobiling, sledding, and ice skating. The three mighty rivers and surrounding scenic bluffs make La Crosse County perfect for outdoor recreation. From the activities that' we've mentioned above in this post to cruising the Mississippi River or playing a golf game, you'll find something for everyone in the La Crosse area. It's fun and easy to get active in La Crosse.

There are plenty of ways that families in La Crosse, WI can get out of the house and enjoy some quality time together. Here are some kid-friendly activities your children will surely love! more A Day at the Ball Park If your kids love America's favorite pastime, take in a ball game and watch the La Crosse Loggers hit the field. This summer college baseball team plays in the Northwoods League, with the season starting in July and ending in September. All of the team's home games are featured at the nearby Copeland Park, so be sure to pack something to eat and cheer them on. Jump Start Adventure Park This indoor entertainment complex has won several awards for its diverse range of activities. There are plenty of exciting games that will make you work up a sweat, like a trampoline park and even a ninja warrior course. There's also a parkour area for high flyers and a toddler area to keep the young ones entertained. People of all ages will find something to enjoy at Jump Start Adventure Park and get a workout in while doing it. International Owl Center At the International Owl Center, visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic birds and learn all about their habits, hunting methods, and more. Their knowledgeable staff will give you insight on how you can identify different species of owls simply by listening to the sounds they make. It also features a section of owl art, sent in from children around the world. Island Outdoors If you're looking for some outdoor recreation, Island Outdoors features an array of activities on water and land. You can paddle away and rent a canoe, kayak, or water bike, with access to the water directly from the parking lot. They've even got plenty of fun waiting for you in the winter with activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. You don't have to bring anything with you besides the appropriate attire, you can rent everything on site. Children's Museum of La Crosse The Children's Museum of La Crosse is more than just an educational center for children, it's a place where they can have fun and celebrate special occasions while learning too. It was voted the second-best place in La Crosse for kid's birthday parties and third best for entertainment, by Best of La Crosse County. Its fun and interactive exhibits are geared towards kids up to 12 years old, and adults will find many interesting things to learn about as well. Creative Canvas and Board Creative Canvas and Board give children a chance to connect with their inner DaVinci or Picasso. This art studio provides visitors with canvases to paint whatever their imagination can come up with. They also sell high-quality art supplies, so you can continue to practice at home and let your talent reveal itself. Stop by Pischke Motors Nissan today for all of your automotive needs!

Want to know what makes La Crosse, WI such a special place? Keep reading to find out! more Plenty of Sports and Recreation La Crosse is home to three large rivers that are surrounded by majestic bluffs. This makes La Crosse the perfect place to live if you love outdoor recreation. The possibilities of fun to be had are endless, with popular activities that include canoeing & kayaking, swimming, and fishing. You'll find countless trails along the forest which are perfect for cycling and biking. There are also several nearby golf courses so you can tee off in the summer, and hit the slopes in the winter. Dining At Its Best When you want to take a night off from cooking and enjoy a great meal, La Crosse is the perfect place to do it! You'll find no shortage of amazing restaurants that serve home-cooked meals with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. Since it's Wisconsin tradition to prepare food with only the best ingredients possible, you're guaranteed to pick a winner every time. Hungry for Mexican? Señor Villa is the place to go. Craving cajun? Buzzard Billy's serves up a mean catfish that's sure to hit the spot. Community Events Part of what makes La Crosse such an enchanting place to live is the numerous events and festivals held in the town throughout the year. Not only do they bring residents closer together with great food and cheer, but many of the events help to raise money for wonderful causes like the Bowling for Kid's Sake. Other events include cultural themes, such as the Inspired by La Crosse Art Competition. Local artists get the opportunity to showcase their talents for all to see. Safe Neighborhoods With a crime rate that is exponentially lower than the national average, La Crosse earns its accolades for being a safe place to raise a family, own a business, or just go for a walk at night. This is thanks in large part to a reliable local police department and neighborhood watch programs that keep an eye to make sure residents are ok. It also helps that the overall vibe of the people in La Crosse is warm and welcoming. Get More for Less With all of its charming amenities and residents, it's hard to believe that real estate in La Crosse is heavily undervalued. In fact, the average home in Lacrosse costs 40k less than the national average. That type of savings allows first-time buyers and young couples to own a home in a great town and build their wealth with a valuable investment property. Economic Growth La Crosse is no stranger to investment and opportunity. Thanks to attractive tax incentives, small businesses can get the boost they need to keep their doors open and expand. The town is also home to many big chain stores that provide a plethora of employment opportunities from entry-level positions to upper management. Be sure to stop by Pischke Motors Nissan today for all of your automotive needs!

An hour or two spent at a museum is one of the best ways to make for a full, thoughtful day. La Crosse County, Wisconsin, has plenty of museums to explore, whether you're looking for a fun day out with the kids or a quieter reflection of the area's history. Here are a few of our favorite museum destinations in the area: more 1. Children's Museum of La Crosse If you want to trick your children into learning through play, head over to the Children's Museum of La Crosse. This fun destination has been around since 1999, in large part due to the entertaining learning opportunities it offers through its hands-on exhibits. Let your kids run loose in the newsroom exhibit to let them create their own television newscast. Have them operate a safe miniature version of a crane to see what a construction site is like. These a just a couple of the many exhibits that your kids can spend hours exploring and learning in. 2. Hixon House Transport yourself over 100 years into the past by visiting Hixon House. This expertly maintained home, built in 1858, is fully furnished with Victorian furniture and decor. Take a guided tour of the preserved Hixon House for a unique insight into how La Crosse residents used to live in the early years of the city. Those interested in 19th-century architecture and antique furniture may find the tour particularly fascinating. 3. La Crosse Area Heritage Center Those who are interested in learning about La Crosse's history should make their way to the La Crosse Area Heritage Center. This small local museum is a great place to gain insight into the events that made La Crosse into the city it is today. After opening its doors in November 2020, this new museum has become a home to quality exhibits that display artifacts from Hmong immigrants, the early Native Americans that called the area home, storied antiques, and more. 4. Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center For those who want to learn about the area's natural environment and the regional cultural history of La Crosse County, the Norskeldealen Nature & Heritage Center is unbeatable. The beautiful property alone is worth the visit, and the learning experiences are just icing on the cake. Explore homesteads, walk the nature trail, and visit the arboretum — there is plenty to do at this nature and heritage center. 5. Onalaska Historical Society Museum This museum focuses on neighboring Onalaska's history and has many artifacts to explore. Head to the Onalaska Public Library to visit this museum, which dives deep into the area's past between the Ice Age and the first railroads in the area. You'll find Native American weapons and fossils. If you're interested in archeological finds, the Onalaska Historical Society Museum is certainly worth checking out. Best of all, admission to this museum is free to all visitors. If you're traveling through the area, pick the one or two of these museums that piques your interest the most. If you're lucky enough to call the La Crosse area home, be sure to give each of these destinations a visit to experience some of the city's best learning experiences. Image by Kerstin Herrmann from Pixabay | CC BY 0

La Crosse, Wisconsin, is certainly in no shortage of great coffee shops. However you take your quick morning pick-me-ups, you have plenty of coffee destinations in town to choose from. We suggest starting your adventure by exploring these coffee shops around town: more Cabin Coffee Cabin Coffee's downtown location makes it a great place to stop before you start your day. The shop's rustic vibe is fun without being kitschy and the coffee's not half bad either. If you're looking for a cold blended mocha drink or another fun coffee-based creation, Cabin Coffee likely has something to pique your interest. You'll also find a great selection of breakfast sandwiches if you need a little extra fuel that morning. Cool Beans Coffee Shop If you're looking for a coffee shop that lends itself both to grabbing a quick cup of Joe in the morning and sitting down with friends for an hour or so, Cool Beans Coffee Shop has you covered. The friendly and cozy atmosphere Cool Beans has to offer makes it a cheery way to start your day, and the coffee is top-notch. You'll find a full selection of coffee shop staples here as well as plenty of cold coffee drinks to choose from. Whether you're a white chocolate mocha fan or a clean-cut latte drinker, you'll find a good home at Cool Beans. Global Grounds Coffee Global Grounds Coffee has a unique personality you won't find in many other coffee shops. It prides itself on Latin culture and eco-friendly products. Its baristas also make a mean cup of coffee. Whether you're looking for cold brew on a summer day or a hot mocha to warm up with, Global Grounds Coffee is worth the visit. If you want to be royalty at the office, be sure to order a dozen of the bagels this shop offers in interesting flavors such as garlic herb, rosemary, or cinnamon raisin. Grounded Patio Cafe Head to downtown La Crosse to pay a visit to one of the town's best coffee shops: Grounded Patio Cafe. The ambiance Grounded's minimalist decor creates in its antique building is perfect for sitting down and getting some work done. This coffee shop has a standard coffee and tea menu that covers all the staples, but you'll also find a great array of food menu items to treat yourself to. With breakfast egg sandwiches, paninis, wraps, and deli sandwiches — you can't go wrong starting your day at Grounded Patio Cafe. Jules' Coffee House For a great cup of organic coffee, head to Jules' Coffee House. Its menu features plenty of espresso-based drinks, great roasted drip coffee, and even wine, though we don't suggest that last one as a morning drink. In addition to delicious coffee, you'll find great baked goods such as fresh-made muffins, bagels, quiche, cookies, and more. Enjoy your morning pick-me-up in the vintage-style interior or take your fuel to-go — either way, Jules' is a great way to start the day off right. Whether you're looking for a full sit-down breakfast or a quick cup of coffee on your way to work, there's a coffeehouse in La Crosse that has what you need. Try each of these to discover your next favorite coffee shop you can visit to get your early morning boosts. Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay | CC BY 0

Winter is just around the corner in La Crosse, Wisconsin. That means it's time to pull out your ice skates and snowshoes and get ready for some of the entertaining winter activities the city has to offer. Check out a few of the top winter activities to enjoy this season. more Justin Trails Resort Escape the busy city and reconnect with nature at the Justin Trails Resort. This resort is located in the peaceful city of Sparta, just a half-hour drive from La Crosse. You can spend the weekend in one of the farmhouse suites or enjoy a long winter getaway in one of the cozy log cabins. The resort offers over 200-acres of land with walking trails and beautiful sights. You can hand-feed the llamas or spend the day bird watching on the relaxing trails. You can also bundle up and enjoy a night of stargazing. Then, head back to your cabin and warm up by the fireplace. Van Piper Park Van Piper Park is a popular destination for outdoor sports, even during the colder, winter months. With over 40-acres of land, they have a sledding hill and plenty of land to hike or play in the snow. With numerous amenities on site, like restrooms and playground equipment, you can easily spend the entire day at the park. There are also two lighted ball fields, great for when it gets dark early. Off-street parking is also convenient to the park, making it a good option for after-work or early morning recreation. Green Island Ice Arena The Green Island Ice Arena allows you to enjoy your favorite winter activities but in a controlled indoor environment. The ice arena offers ice hockey, sled hockey, ice skating, and curling. Larger groups can also rent the ice arena for private use. The arena also offers yearly ice clubs for all ages. They often host hockey games where you can come and cheer on your favorite local teams. Be sure to check the schedule before visiting as the arena is also a team practice center. This is also a good place to check out if you want to learn how to ice skate. La Crosse River State Trail The La Crosse River State Trail connects the Great River State Trail with the Elroy-Sparta State Trail, spanning over 21.5-miles.  Most visitors choose to check out the area by foot, bicycle, or horseback. If you continue going, the Beyond Elroy leads into the 400 Trail that offers another 22-miles of trails to explore. Some areas are also available by vehicle if you prefer to stay warm while you check out the scenery. Bundle up and get to know the history of the area. You can also stop for a warm drink at one of the local cafes or taverns on the way. Make sure you bring your camera because you're going to want to capture the good views along the trail. As the fall weather turns into winter, it is time to plan your outdoor recreation. Fortunately, the La Crosse area has many outdoor and indoor options where you can enjoy your favorite winter activities. Image by Pech Frantisek from Pixabay | CC BY 0

Pischke Motors is a proud member of the La Crosse Community. As such, we thought we would let you in on a few things you may or may not know about our beautiful town. more A Jaw-Dropping View As you explore the beauty of La Crosse, grab your camera and head for Grandad Bluff. The bluff is at 3020 Grandad Bluff Road. When the weather is clear, there are several photography opportunities available at this stunning location. You can watch the powerful Mississippi River. You can also take in a view of the city from 600 feet. If you keep track of the number of states you photograph, you can cross three off the list from this location: Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota. Bird Watchers' Paradise Do you enjoy watching the birds as they migrate? Several different types fly over the city during the migrating season, making us one of the top locations for bird watching in the upper Midwest. Some of the best birding locations in the area include the five-mile-long trail that runs through Hixon Forest and Riverside Park downtown. Watch for Great Egrets and Raptors in the area. If you are looking for a location outside the city, check out the Norskedalen Heritage and Nature Center in Coon Valley. There are over 400 acres here, so you'll have the chance to observe various types of birds. You can also enjoy a tour of the location as well as several activities throughout the year. Keep an eye out for the Black-billed Cuckoo during your visit. Our Sister Cities Six cities around the world consider themselves sisters to La Crosse. The cities reach from Ireland all the way to China. Visit Bantry Bay in our sister city of Bantry, Ireland, for some island shopping. Dubna, Russia, has several museums for tourists to learn about the city. Friedberg, Bavaria in Germany is another beautiful La Crosse sister city. It's home to Neuschwanstein, the castle that inspired the famous Cinderella Castle. Outdoor lovers will enjoy a trip to Epinal, France. One of the top attractions there is a park that is home to the ruins of a former fortress and castle. Forde, Norway, is another lovely sister city, with several beautiful outdoor locations to visit including a picturesque waterfall. If you'd love to learn a bit about world history, Luoyang, China, is an ancient city that plays home to several world heritage sites. Former Holder of an Interesting World Record Did you know that La Crosse is a former world record holder? That's right, La Crosse, Wisconsin, used to hold the Guinness Book of World Records record for the most nightclubs and bars on one street. If you are interested in visiting some of these locations, make a trip to Third Street in Downtown. While you are in the area, you can check out several small businesses, including shops and art galleries. Please feel free to share these facts with your friends and family. This information is useful for any one considering joining us here in the city of La Crosse. Image by Mike Goad from Pixabay | CC BY 0

The fall season is approaching quickly. That means time for pumpkin patches and farmers markets. If you have yet to experience the season in La Crosse, then you're in for a treat. Changing leaves against the rolling hills and bluffs provide the perfect backdrop for a day out. Here are some local farmers markets and pumpkin patches you can visit here in La Crosse. more Southwind Orchards Southwind Orchards is located on scenic Apple Blossom Drive in Dakota. This beautiful apple orchard is home to a variety of apples such as Honeycrisp, Estival, and Prima. They are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and have a market full of delicious treats for you to take home. Grab a bag of apples, apple cider, and caramel apples to celebrate the beginning of the fall season. You can also call ahead and place an order for easy pickup. Rainbow Ridge Farms Another great farm to visit in the La Crosse area is Rainbow Ridge Farms. They have friendly animals to visit, farm products such as handmade goat milk soap, and have recently started a pumpkin patch. They also have a quaint bed and breakfast where you can stay the night and relax by their fireplace for a staycation. They are located in the Driftless Region at N5732 Hauser Road in Onalaska. Hidden Trails Corn Maze In nearby West Salem, you find the Hidden Trails Corn Maze and pumpkin patch. They are home to the state's largest corn maze, and they actually have four mazes to explore. They also have a large pumpkin patch, farm animals, fall decor, and wagon rides. Check out their Pumpkinshop for home decor, mums, sweatshirts, and snacks to enjoy there or take home with you. When you're finished shopping, you can play some games in the play area with the kids. Hidden Trails is located at W4704 State Road 16. Cameron Park Farmers Market If you want to avoid a drive, check out Cameron Park Farmers Market located right here in La Crosse. They have flowers, fruits, and vegetables that are all locally sourced. Explore vendors that sell candy, meat, and other food items such as breads and drinks. There's often live music and other entertainment for a day or evening full of fall fun. Some of their vendors include Willswood Honey Farm, Yang Family Farm, and Stoneware Pottery. Find this farmers market at 4th St. South. Jolivette Family Farms Jolivette Family Farms is a family-owned farm that produces fresh fruits and vegetables. They are open year-round, but the fall season is one of our favorites. They offer some pick-your-own options as well as those that have already been harvested. They also offer eggs, milk, cheeses, meat, and baked goods. Jolivette Family Farms is located at W3452 State Rd 16 in West Salem. If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy the fall season, head out and visit one of the above local farmers markets or pumpkin patches. These businesses thrive on their customers and would appreciate your support. Image by lumix2004 from Pixabay | CC BY 0

La Crosse, Wisconsin, located on the banks of the Mississippi River, is surrounded by a rugged landscape that features high ridges and narrow valleys. The city offers various parks where you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery the area has to offer, as well as cultivated gardens that represent landscape styles from all over the world. more 1. Grandad Bluff Located on the east side of La Crosse, the 600-foot Grandad Bluff proudly watches over the city. Like all the other bluffs along the Mississippi River, this is a classic mesa, which is an isolated, flat-topped hill that stands distinctly above the surrounding plain. In 1909, a prominent family bought the bluff to save it from being exploited through limestone mining, and in 2012 the family donated the area to the city to establish a park. Visitors can access the bluff via Bliss road. A fenced-off area atop the bluff features convenient amenities, such as picnic areas, a shelter house, and coin-operated binoculars. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding area, including the Mississippi River, the bluffs in Minnesota, and Interstate 90. At midnight on New Year's Eve in 1929, the La Crosse Skyrockers held a spectacular fireworks show on top of the bluff; since then, this has become an annual festivity in La Crosse. 2. Riverside Park Riverside Park is a beautiful recreational area in La Crosse that's located at the confluence of the city's three rivers, the Mississippi, Black, and La Crosse rivers. As pleasure boating on the Mississippi is a favorite pastime in La Crosse, the park is home to an authentic paddlewheeler, the La Crosse Queen. Visitors can board the La Crosse Queen for daily sightseeing cruises or, on Friday nights, for a pizza cruise. The park features a wide-open grass space where families and friends can sit down for a picnic or just enjoy the gorgeous riverfront views that include boats and barges sailing by. There's also a boardwalk that stretches along the water where you can go for a jog or a walk. Numerous community events and festivals are held at this park, including the annual Riverfest. 3. Riverside International Friendship Gardens Just east of the  La Crosse County Convention & Visitors Bureau at Riverside Park lies the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, which is a celebration of La Crosse's sister-city relationships with communities across the world, including China, Germany, Russia, Norway, and Ireland. You can view the landscaping styles from these regions through the unique gardens displayed here. The Chinese Gardens, which celebrates the ancient sister city Luoyang, features two striking dragons at the entrance, walled gardens, and the design principles of feng shui. As Luoyang is the peony capital of China, the garden is also dotted with peonies of all colors. The German sister city, Friedberg, is represented through a garden that's filled with hydrangeas, roses, and fruiting shrubs, just like the typical summer gardens in Germany. If you're looking to while away some time enjoying nature in beautiful surroundings on a  hot summer day, visit these parks in La Crosse that offer gorgeous settings and convenient amenities. Image by Dariusz Staniszewski from Pixabay | CC By 0

When you want to get away, camping may be the perfect option. You can enjoy the calm, serene natural surroundings while spending time with the people you love. Best of all, camping is an affordable option that doesn't break the bank. As you plan your next camping trip, take a look at these spots in and around La Crosse, Wisconsin, that offer a great atmosphere. more 1. Goose Island Campground & Park Located about 12 miles outside of La Crosse, Goose Island Campground & Park is in Stoddard. It's part of a county park, sitting in the heart of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The campground has 400 sites available by reservation, as well as a wide range of family-friendly activities to participate in during your visit. Campsites are available between April 15 and October 30. You can canoe along the river, explore the island for a chance to spot deer, mink, and muskrats, or lace up your hiking boots and head out on the trails. The park is also large enough to provide open, quiet space away from the camping area and activities where you can birdwatch or look for other wildlife. 2. The Paulsen Cabin at Norskedalen If you prefer to stay in a cabin, check out the Paulsen Cabin at Norskedalen, which is a nature and heritage center located near Coon Valley. This spacious cabin is more than 140 years old and has accommodations for up to six guests. The sleeping arrangements include a loft with a queen and a twin bed, accessible via a steep stairway, plus two queen-size futons on the main level. The basement has a recently renovated bathroom, while the fully furnished kitchen includes a microwave, refrigerator, and stove. If you prefer to cook outdoors, the fire ring outside includes firewood and has a picnic table and chairs surrounding it. Norskedalen also houses a farmhouse dating back to the early 1900s that is available to rent. When you rent one of these cabins, you also get admission to the nature and heritage center, access to the grounds and trails, and a guided tour of the pioneer log homestead during the open season. 3. Neshonoc Lakeside Campground Resort Neshonoc Lakeside Campground Resort is an RV park that provides access to the beautiful Neshonoc Lake and its natural surroundings. It's a premier camping destination in the state of Wisconsin, boasting activities for all ages. During your stay, you can play volleyball, relax next to the pool, throw a few horseshoes, or just sit back and watch the sunset in the evening. In addition to RV sites, this property has several tent sites available and cabins for rent. It's open between late April and mid-October. No matter how you like to camp, you can find a spot in and around La Crosse that provides the atmosphere you want. RV, tent, and cabin camping all allow you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of your busy life and reconnect with nature. Image by Pexels from Pixabay | CC 0