Our trip to La Crosse, Wisconsin, is nothing short of amazing! With a mix of beautiful lookouts, delicious dining spots, and unique local experiences, La Crosse has something for everyone. It is always such a JOY when we see this city on our Bass Tournament Trail.
Here's a glimpse into our three-day adventure in this charming river town:
Day 1: Arrival, Happy Hour, and Scenic Dining
We kicked off our trip with happy hour at the Starlight Lounge, where the retro vibes and handcrafted cocktails set the perfect tone for a relaxing evening. We love Happy Hour as we dined on Cajun Jerk Chicken Nachos, Fried Pickles, Fried Cheese Curds along with Darold enjoying his favorite Spotted Cow on tap and I enjoyed a glass of wine followed with a dessert cocktail (Key Lime Pie). Total Bill was $39!!!!
We kicked off the next morning at the Charmant Hotel, a gorgeous boutique hotel downtown, and enjoyed a delightful breakfast, featuring freshly squeezed orange juice and delicious breakfast and excellent service. This is a great business working location so bring along your laptop if work is on the schedule. The Charmant Hotel also has a parlor with gourmet coffees and a rooftop lounge with pizzas and more.
A leisurely walk through downtown La Crosse allowed us to admire the colorful murals
and pop into some of the local shops. The art scene is vibrant, and the town feels welcoming and full of character. Grounded Patio Cafe was the next stop for a morning coffee, and it did not disappoint. With outdoor seating and a chill atmosphere, it was a perfect spot to recharge before we set out to explore.
I was about 5k steps into my 10k walk so it was back to the streets. Darold met me for Lunch at Pato Azul and it was a definite highlight—the tacos were fresh, flavorful, and hit the spot! My favorite was the Barbacoa and Darold's favorite was the jerk shrimp. The peach margaritas didn't disappoint either.
After lunch, we headed to the Forest Hills Golf Course for a round of golf. The course is well-maintained, with a phenomonal practice facility, and offers stunning views of the bluffs surrounding La Crosse, making it both challenging and beautiful. Fellow angler Tim Frederick joined us for the fun.
In the evening, we drove up to Grandad Bluff for sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the town below. It’s the perfect spot to catch a sunset. We love that so many of the lookouts are accessible by car so everyone gets to truly enjoy the magnificent views they provide.
We wrapped up the night with a casual dinner at Uno Venti Pizzeria, where the wood-fired pizzas are a must-try! They use a special Italian milled flour and make the pizzas right before your eyes in an authentic pizza oven.
After this day, we were FULL and PLUMP and ready to hit the bed.
Day 2: Exploring the Outdoors and Local Treats
The second full day started with a drive to Su Casa in Holmen for breakfast. Their hearty meals and cozy atmosphere made for a wonderful start to the day. I had the mexican skillet and it was divine. Hashbrowns, onions, cheese, eggs, and homemade chorizo made this dish a party on the tastebuds!
We then visited Sunny the Sunfish and took in more scenic views at one of Lake Onalaska's lookouts.
Feeling refreshed, we headed to Pearl Street Brewery for their fun Pints and Poses Yoga event—a unique way to stretch and unwind. The yoga isntructor was really great and was a great way to start the day!
Then a few gals joined for Lunch, which was an absolute treat at MiMi’s Kitchen, where we indulged in delicious Pad Thai and crispy spring eggrolls. The Crab WonTons were so good too.
It was the perfect blend of flavors before we embarked on a river cruise on the La Crosse Queen. The boat tour was peaceful and offered incredible views of the Mississippi River. We got to learn about the rich history of this region as we cruised north towards the Lock #7.
After the cruise, we made a stop at the iconic Pearl Ice Cream Shop for a sweet treat—nothing says summer like a big scoop of homemade ice cream! AND, they finally had Caramel Apples in STOCK!!!! We wiped them out!
Dinner that night was at Sagra Food and Wine with beautifully crafted dishes and an extensive wine selection to round off the day. Darold had an Ole Fashioned and his pasta was so delicious he even ate all the zuccini with it! I would have to declare it was the best Caesar Salad I have ever had.
Day 3: Scenic Drives and Wine Tasting
We started with a breakfast that felt like a step back in time at The Hungry Peddler. The vintage diner vibe and friendly locals made for a nostalgic and memorable experience. I love the hospitality and the endless coffee. It seems like as soon as that cup gets half full, it magically reappears. We dined on eggs, hashbrowns, pancakes, and ham (soo good).
The scenic views continued as we toured Apple Blossom Overlook in Le Crescent, MN and Grand River Station in Onalaska, both of which provided incredible panoramic shots of the area.
After a morning of sightseeing, we grabbed lunch at Senor Villa in Onalaska, where the authentic Mexican food was full of flavor and a fantastic way to fuel up for the day’s events. I had the taco salad and they have this super interesting "Mexcian Ranch dip" they provide with chips that is so good as well.
The next highlight of the day was a visit to Elmaro Vineyard for their Wines, Steins, and Vines event.
With over 25 vendors, live music, and tastings, it was the perfect afternoon spent in the countryside. On the journey there, you drive through rural parts of the region and it is truly a marvel to see when you pull onto the drive of the vineyard.
Grapes of all varieties growing along their hillsides. It truly looks like you've transported to a lil Napa Valley. It was a beautiful afternoon and they often have events at the vineyard so be sure to check their social pages.
We finished our day with a stop at LAX Grille for dinner, where their pho and other Vietnamese favorites leaving you craving another visit.I had the cashew chicken stiryfry and the surprise ingredient was fresh pineapple in the stirfry that was so good. Darold also had the pork belly stirfry and the spring rolls were top tier!
Final Thoughts on La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse exceeds all of our expectations. From its scenic overlooks to the incredible food scene and friendly locals, it’s a destination we’d recommend to anyone looking for a mix of relaxation, culture, and outdoor fun. It's one of our favorite cities on the tournament trail. Whether you're cruising down the Mississippi River or enjoying a wine tasting at a local vineyard, La Crosse offers the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility, nature and city. It's a spot to put on your travel list!
You visited some of our favorites!!!! Such a great city! 🥰🍦🍸🎣