10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips From La Crosse, Wisconsin
If you live in or around
La Crosse, Wisconsin, you already know it’s a pretty special place. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, put on a good playlist, and see what’s beyond the county line.
The good news? Within about an hour or so of La Crosse, you’ll find bluff‑top views, small‑town supper clubs, river towns, wineries, and quiet valleys that feel a world away.
Below are
10 short road trips from La Crosse that stay outside La Crosse County and take you into the surrounding counties of
Houston (MN), Winona (MN), Jackson (WI), Monroe (WI), Trempealeau (WI), and Vernon (WI).
1. Winona, Minnesota – Riverfront Art & Bluff Views (Winona County, MN)
Winona sits about 30–40 minutes northwest of La Crosse and makes a fun day trip if you love river views and artsy downtowns.
- Must‑see view: Drive or hike up to Garvin Heights Overlook. The Mississippi River, islands, and town spread out below you. On a clear day, it feels like you can see forever.
- Downtown stroll: Walk along 3rd and 4th Streets to check out local shops, cafes, and colorful historic buildings.
- Art fix: Pop into the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, known for surprising “wow” pieces for such a small city.
- Bonus stop: Grab a coffee or ice cream and walk the riverfront levee for an easy, flat stroll.
If you’re looking for a quick getaway with a mix of nature and culture, Winona is hard to beat.
2. Trempealeau, Wisconsin – Chill River Town Vibes (Trempealeau County, WI)
About 25–35 minutes north of La Crosse, the little village of
Trempealeau has a slow, easy feel that’s perfect for a laid‑back afternoon.
- Lock and dam watching: Head near Lock & Dam No. 6 and watch big barges move up and down the Mississippi. Kids usually love this.
- Riverfront sunset: Picnic along the river and stay for sunset. The bluffs on the Minnesota side light up in warm colors.
- Small‑town eats: There are a few casual spots where you can grab a burger or a fish fry, depending on the night.
If you like simple pleasures—water, sky, and a cold drink—Trempealeau is an easy road trip from La Crosse.
3. Perrot State Park – Classic Mississippi River Bluffs (Trempealeau County, WI)
Just a bit beyond Trempealeau,
Perrot State Park is one of the most scenic places along this stretch of the river.
- Hiking: Try the trail up to Brady’s Bluff. It’s a bit of a workout, but at the top you’ll get sweeping river views and see why this park is a local favorite.
- Paddling: When water levels allow, you can paddle among backwaters and quiet side channels. It feels like a secret maze of water.
- Camping: If one day isn’t enough, the park has campsites tucked under big trees—great for a simple weekend away from La Crosse County.
Perrot is ideal if you’re craving fresh air and bluff‑top overlooks but want to stay close to home.
4. Coon Valley & Westby – Driftless Scenery and Cheese (Vernon County, WI)
South of La Crosse,
Vernon County is all about rolling hills, quiet valleys, and small towns that feel genuinely welcoming.
- Coon Valley: Follow Highway 14/61 into Coon Valley and just drive the side roads. You’ll weave through narrow valleys with trout streams and old barns.
- Westby: Known for its Norwegian roots. Look for small bakeries, local shops, and—of course—Wisconsin cheese.
- Scenic drives: Roads like County P and S curl along ridge tops and drop into hidden hollows. Perfect if you enjoy leisurely drives.
I once pulled over on a Vernon County back road just to listen to the wind in the cornfields and a distant cow bell. It’s that kind of quiet.
5. Viroqua – Trendy Small Town in Farm Country (Vernon County, WI)
About 35–45 minutes south of La Crosse,
Viroqua has become a popular stop for people who love local food, coffee shops, and a bit of “Driftless chic.”
- Downtown browsing: Check out bookstores, vintage shops, and spots selling local art and crafts.
- Food and drink: You’ll find cafes focused on fresh, local ingredients, plus places for a good cup of coffee or a craft beer.
- Farm country: Just outside town, you’ll see organic farms and rolling fields. It’s a nice contrast to busier city life.
If you want a road trip from La Crosse that feels both rural and a bit hip, Viroqua is a solid pick.
6. Sparta – Bicycles and Rails‑to‑Trails History (Monroe County, WI)
Head about 30–40 minutes east into
Monroe County and you’ll reach
Sparta, a town that calls itself the “Bicycling Capital of America.”
- Trail riding: Sparta is the gateway to famous bike trails like the Elroy‑Sparta Trail, one of the first rail‑to‑trail conversions in the country.
- Railroad tunnels: Portions of the trail pass through old railroad tunnels. Walking or biking through them is a unique experience—cool and dark, so bring a light.
- Family‑friendly: Even if you’re not a hardcore cyclist, you can rent bikes, ride an easy section, and treat it like a casual family outing.
For anyone in La Crosse looking to stretch their legs and try a new adventure, Sparta makes biking feel approachable.
7. Warrens – Cranberry Country (Monroe County, WI)
Farther north in Monroe County, around 1 hour from La Crosse, you’ll find
Warrens, often called the “Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin.”
- Cranberry focus: During harvest season, usually in the fall, the area comes alive with cranberry‑related events and tours.
- Learning experience: You can see how cranberries are grown and flooded in the bogs, which is pretty fascinating if you’ve only ever seen them in a bag at the grocery store.
- Seasonal road trip: This is one of those trips that feels extra special when timing lines up with harvest and festivals.
If you like tying your travel to seasonal events, keep Warrens on your fall road‑trip list.
8. Black River Falls – Forests, Water, and Casinos (Jackson County, WI)
North‑east of La Crosse, about an hour away,
Black River Falls in
Jackson County is a solid mix of outdoor recreation and entertainment.
- Outdoor fun: The surrounding Black River State Forest has trails for hiking, ATV riding, and in colder months, snowmobiling and cross‑country skiing.
- Water time: The Black River area offers chances to paddle, fish, or simply sit by the water.
- Nightlife option: There’s a casino in the area if you want to pair your outdoor day with some evening entertainment.
This trip works well if your group has mixed interests—some want trails, some want a bit of nightlife.
9. Caledonia & Houston – Quiet Minnesota Countryside (Houston County, MN)
Southwest of La Crosse, across the river in
Houston County, Minnesota, are the towns of
Caledonia and
Houston. It’s a gentle, peaceful area that doesn’t feel touristy.
- Scenic drives: Follow the rural roads and you’ll see farms, wooded ridges, and narrow valleys that define the Driftless Region.
- Small‑town walks: Park on Main Street in Caledonia or Houston and explore. These are the kinds of towns where people still wave when you drive by.
- Bird and wildlife watching: The countryside is full of birds, deer, and other wildlife if you slow down and look.
If you prefer quiet, this is one of the best “reset your mind” road trips from La Crosse.
10. Lanesboro & the Root River Valley – Trail Town Charm (Houston/Fillmore Area, MN)
While just beyond Houston County into nearby Fillmore County, the
Root River Valley and the town of
Lanesboro pair perfectly with a drive from La Crosse through Houston County.
- Root River State Trail: This paved trail winds along the river, passing through small towns and wooded areas. It’s gentle enough for most casual riders.
- Lanesboro charm: Lanesboro is known for its bed‑and‑breakfasts, theater, and cute downtown lined with shops and cafes.
- Paddling and tubing: On warm days, folks float or paddle the Root River, making it a classic Midwest summer experience.
If you want a full day of biking, strolling, and river time, this is an easy favorite.
Tips for Planning Your La Crosse Area Road Trips
- Keep it flexible: Many of these destinations are close enough for a half‑day trip. You can combine two places—like Trempealeau and Perrot State Park—into one outing.
- Check hours and seasons: Museums, tours, and some trails are seasonal. A quick online check before you go can save you a headache.
- Pack smart: Bring water, snacks, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes. Weather in this region can change fast, especially on the bluffs.
- Slow down: The Driftless Region and river towns are best enjoyed at an easy pace. Plan fewer stops, and give yourself time to really soak them in.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From La Crosse
These
10 out‑of‑county road trips from La Crosse barely scratch the surface of what’s nearby. Once you start exploring Houston, Winona, Jackson, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon Counties, you realize how many options are just a short drive away.
Have you visited any of these spots? Do you have a favorite hidden gem—maybe a bluff overlook, fishing hole, supper club, or small‑town cafe—within an hour or two of La Crosse?
Share your tips and stories in the comments so other readers can discover new places too. And if you know someone in the La Crosse area who’s always saying, “We should get out more,”
send them this post and start planning your next mini road trip together.
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