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La Crosse, Wisconsin

Top Spots in and near La Crosse

  • La Crosse, Wisconsin

    Hike to La Crosse Ridge

    4 mi / 500 ft gain
    It is easiest to park your vehicle in the Myrick Park parking lot versus your other options. The great thing about parking in that lot rather than along the road/neighborhoods is there is a trailhead right there (and it's free). You can begin hiking this short little trail, which will lead to and...
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  • La Crosse, Wisconsin

    Photograph Grandad Bluff Overlook

    5.0
    It is super easy to get to the Bluff. Park in the parking lot and follow the sidewalk the the Bluff just past the shelter house and giant flag. Grandad Bluff is a 600 foot bluff that overlooks La Crosse Wisconsin. It provided amazing panoramic views of The Mississippi River area. You can even vie...
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  • Winona, Minnesota

    King's Bluff in Great River Bluffs State Park

    4.0
    2.66 mi / 0 ft gain
    Great River Bluffs State Park follows a series of impressive bluffs along the Mississippi River just south of Winona. For those of you who think Minnesota is as flat as a pancake (and I'm not saying there aren't places in the state that are), Great River Bluffs will be a surprise. King's and Quee...
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  • Trempealeau, Wisconsin

    Canoe the Voyageurs Loop, Perrot State Park

    Perrot State Park, located in Wisconsin's Driftless Region, is home to many tall bluffs, including Brady's Bluff and Trempealeau Mountain. Many elevated hikes give you a wonderful view of the Mississippi River and its surrounding bluffs, but the real treasure is seeing this area from the water by...
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  • Spring Grove, Minnesota

    Hike the Beaver Creek Valley Trail

    5.0
    6.2 mi / 250 ft gain
    This beautiful, green hike takes you along Beaver Creek, as it winds through a lush gorge within the bluffs. Park at the entrance to Beaver Creek Valley State Park, where the park ranger can direct you to the trailhead. Here is a helpful map of the park.
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  • Winona, Minnesota

    Hike up to Garvin Heights Overlook

    1 mi
    Park on Huff Street on the bridge that divides Lake Winona (we parked in the lot by the Visitor Center).  Walk on Huff St. towards the highway (14/61) and turn left on W. Lake Boulevard (be careful here, it’s a busy road).  Continue on Lake Blvd. past Cty Rd. 44 .  Before the first house on Lake ...
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  • Decorah, Iowa

    Hike North Bear Creek

    2.4 mi / 124 ft gain
    North Bear Creek is a 7.4 mile out and back hike that takes you by a river located near Decorah, Iowa.
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  • Fountain City, Wisconsin

    Explore the Mississippi River at Fountain City

    Just off Highway 35, on the south side of Fountain City, you will find an easy access boat landing with ample parking and suitable ramps to launch your kayak, canoe or motor boat. Coming from central Wisconsin, we drove 95 that runs the ridges of the driftless region and offers beautiful views of...
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  • Ontario, Wisconsin

    Hike the Hemlock Trail

    4.5
    2.7 mi / 356 ft gain
    Take the unnamed road that turns off of Highway 33 (see map). At the end of this road is a parking lot and the trailhead. The trail will take you along the Kickapoo River in a 2.7 mile loop through hemlock forest. You can see exposed rock formations on this trail. 
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  • Black River Falls, Wisconsin

    Castle Mound Lookout at Black River State Forest

    5.0
    1.99 mi / 200 ft gain
    This trail is found at the Castle Mounds Campground within the Black River State Forest. Black River State Forest is huge so follow these instructions to get to the correct campgrounds: From I-94, take Black River Falls Exit 116, travel west on Hwy 54 into Black River Falls. Drive to the third s...
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  • Minnesota City, Minnesota

    Climb Mt. Charity at John A. Latsch State Park

    5.0
    1 mi / 500 ft gain
    John A. Latsh State Park is directly off of Hwy. 61 a few miles north of Winona. Begin your hike at the parking lot, following the signs for the Riverview Trail. The hike itself is a short, but steep climb on a series of steps up the side of the Mt. Charity Bluff. Winding through verdant valley f...
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  • Harpers Ferry, Iowa

    Hike Paint Creek Unit Loop

    5.0
    11 mi / 2 ft gain
    Paint Creek Unit Loop is a 11 mile loop hike where you may see beautiful wild flowers located near Waterville, Iowa.
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  • Saint Charles, Minnesota

    Camp at Whitewater State Park

    Whitewater State Park is at the cusp of bluff country, straddling the Whitewater River, a small tributary of the Mississippi. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit. In Spring you'll hit wildflower season when the forest glades in the depths of the valley folds are literally carpeted with ...
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  • Tomah, Wisconsin

    Hike the Mill Bluff Trail

    5.0
    1.25 mi / 175 ft gain
    Mill Bluff State Park is located south of I-90 in Tomah. The park is known for it's featured bluffs that can be seen very prominently in the flat landscapes in the area. The park offers campsites, a small swimming hole, and some hiking trails along the bluffs.  The trail along the main bluffs fol...
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  • Harpers Ferry, Iowa

    Fire Point Loop Trail

    5.0
    1.78 mi / 492 ft gain
    To get to Effigy Mounds National Monument travel to the town of Marquette, Iowa. If you drive north of town about three miles, the road will curve to the left, and the park entrance will be on the right.  After you park, you may take a stop in the Visitor Center to grab a map or any souvenirs. F...
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  • Harpers Ferry, Iowa

    Effigy Mounds South Unit

    4.47 mi / 682 ft gain
    Effigy Mounds provides some of the best hiking opportunities in Iowa. It is located in the state’s northeastern most county, Allamakee County, along the Mississippi River. There are several units, the most notable being the north unit, located right next to the visitor center, and the south unit,...
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Top Activities

Camping and Lodging in La Crosse

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Guides, Insights and Stories from La Crosse