8 minute read
Meet Our Communities
Holmen
Situated on the western foot of La Crosse County’s beautiful bluffs, the village boasts a strong business community, an exceptional school system, and a series of parks, trails, and comforts that make the community a special place to call home. Lace up your hiking boots for a stroll through the Van Loon Wildlife Area or the historic McGilvray “Seven Bridges” Road, hit the links at Drugan’s Castle Mound or attend the locally-renowned Kornfest Festival. Holmen has much to offer. HolmenWi.com
Holmen Kornfest
Held in August each year, this annual festival is fun for the whole family. Be sure to come on an empty stomach, there will be corn in every variety! With a parade, car show, and carnival ride for the kiddos, fun is guaranteed for everyone. Facebook.com/Kornfest
Drugan’s Castle Mound
Grab your clubs and hit the links at this 18 hole, 71 par course. When you’re finished, head to the clubhouse where you can relax and unwind with cool drinks, great food, and a bluffside view. They also offer a full service restaurant -try out the Friday night fish fry and pair it with a Wisconsin classic: Brandy Old Fashioned.
Camp Decorah
Camp Decorah is a hidden gem along the banks of the Black River. Opportunities abound at this incredible multifunction facility. Outdoor groups, community events, corporate retreats and family functions are just some possibilities. Halls, lodges and campsites provide overnight accommodations while a nature center, zipline, pool, and climbing tower are just samples of available activities. gatewayscouting.org
Pizza Corral
The Holmen Area’s Favorite Restaurant for Pizza, Chicken & Family Dining! Known for their delicious homemade pizza and broasted chicken, Pizza Corral has been feeding the Holmen, La Crosse and Onalaska areas since 1983. Pizza Corral is conveniently located off Hwy. 53 N and Holmen Drive Holmen, WI. Dine-in, carry out and delivery – one way or another, you’ve got yourself a tasty option.
La Crescent
Rightfully dubbed the “Apple Capital of Minnesota” with about ten area orchards. Visit in the late summer through the fall to find the apple harvest season in full swing! Beautiful bluffs and the mighty Mississippi dominate the landscape, offering breathtaking views and thriving wildlife population. The orchard blossoms in the spring and the foliage transition in the fall are must see’s! Cityoflacrescent-mn.gov
Apple Blossom Loop - Scenic Biking
This popular bike route is a 35 mile loop from La Crosse, through Mnnesota’s orchards, and back! There is one fairly gradual climb, great views over the Mississippi and a sweeping descent into La Crescent. Come in the Spring to experience the annual apple blossom bloom as far as the eye can see! Bicycle-lacrosse.com
Timeout Tavern
Award-winning wings, full bloody mary bar and Viking parties can all be found at Timeout Tavern. Take a quick time-out from life and enjoy a great meal and great service! schmittystimeout.com
Applefest
Held annually in September, in the height of harvest season, La Crescent’s annual festival is packed with family fun! Enjoy a caramel apple, live music, parades and more! applesfestusa.com
Riverview Winery
Tucked into the top of a bluff, this winery provides a captivating view of the Mississippi. While looking down onto La Crosse, enjoy locally produced and regionallythemed wine! Riverboat Red and Frotenac Blanc await you! riverviewwinery.com
La Crosse
Conveniently nestled between Minneapolis and Chicago, La Crosse is the ideal destination for a brief stop or an extended stay. From scenic overlooks and outdoor recreation to the bustling downtown, one’s bound to be occupied both day and night. Whether you’re traveling with family or solo, there is something for everyone! CityofLaCrosse.org
Historic Downtown
La Crosse’s downtown truly has it all: unique shopping opportunities, fine dining, great entertainment venues and a vibrant nightlife. Complete with original brick buildings and gas street lamps, historic Downtown La Crosse is much more than an ordinary, small-town Main Street. lacrossedowntown.com
@karengenzphotography
@mamacassa_role
RiverFest
This week-long festival lands on the 4th of July each year. Enjoy live performances, local vendors, a pole vault competition, a BMX show, and a fireworks extravaganza over the Mississippi River. RiverFestLaCrosse.com
Rotary Lights
Each December, Riverside Park along the Mississippi River becomes a winter wonderland decorated with millions of Christmas lights. Make Rotary Lights a new tradition with Santa, his reindeer, hot chocolate and the sparkling splendor of this holiday light show. RotaryLights.org
@dylanoverhouse
Oktoberfest
Join La Crosse locals as the entire city celebrates the classic German tradition of Oktoberfest. La Crosse is home to the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany. Thousands of people flock to the city for a weekend filled with parades, ceremonies, games, live music and, of course, craft beverages! OktoberfestUSA.com
Onalaska
Scenic Onalaska is home to the Great River State Trail along the Mississippi River. Take a pedal along 24 miles of the most beautiful scenery in the Midwest. The trail traverses along 18 different waterways, crosses the Black River on a 287-foot former railroad trestle, and follows Lake Onalaska and the BNSF railways. The delightful outdoor play is equally matched with memorable cuisine, fun shopping and city pleasant ambiance. CityOfOnalaska.com
Celebrate Onalaska
Locals are so proud to be a part of the Onalaska community, they made a whole festival to celebrate! Featuring local vendors, entertainment for all ages and a spectacular fireworks finale. CelebrateOnalaska.com
Great River Landing
Hit the trail at the Great River Landing, the trailhead for the Great River State Trail which connects 101 miles of state bicycle trails. The landing is also a great place to picnic or take a break from shopping in Downtown Onalaska. CityOfOnalaska.com
Lake Onalaska
This 8,300-acre lake sits on city limits and is a reservoir of the Black River and the Mississippi River. Boat and cabin rentals are available along the lake for anglers, families and outdoor enthusiasts. Be sure to take a selfie with Sunny the Sunfish at the Lake Onalaska Overlook!
@ajdizmom
Rainbow Ridge Farms
Tucked in a beautiful coulee of the Driftless Region, this unique bed and breakfast is the perfect oasis to hit pause on life. With friendly animals, farm camp for kids and goat yoga, there truly is something for everyone! RainbowRidgeFarms.com
French Island, WI Town of Campbell
The Town of Campbell is an island nestled between the Mississippi and Black Rivers. French Island offers natural geographical features that allow for an abundance of activities. Pleasure boating, beaches for camping, daytime recreation and fishing in the backwaters are just some of the highlights. Visitors will enjoy the views from the many patios and decks at several of the island’s restaurants as the marinas bustle with summer activity from fishing boats to cruisers. Whether you opt for casual or fine dining, you’ll be sure to please your palate with island cuisine. TownofCampbell.org
Lobsterfest
Fresh lobster is flown into the Colgan Air Field for Lobsterfest each September! Enjoy delicious lobster, tangy barbecue, tasty beverages and live music. Be sure to come with an appetite!
Castaways
Nestled on the shore of the Black River, Castaways is home to sensational seafood! Their outdoor patio is the perfect spot to grab a drink and watch the sunset over the river.
Island Outdoors
Island Outdoors, located on the water, makes it easy to buy or rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, water bike, etc. Ready to go? Launch from their dock and head right out on the water. Find your best gear and outdoor apparel for all seasons at Island Outdoors.
River Rats
Small in stature but mighty in fun. Pull your boat up to the dock, order yourself an award-winning “Proud Mary,” and share some yummy appetizers out on the patio! Play some sand volleyball or relax by the shore at River Rats.
West Salem
This quaint village to the east of La Crosse is home to year-round family fun and showcases some of the most scenic areas in western Wisconsin. The surrounding Coulee Region’s bluffs and valleys set the stage for fabulous hiking and biking. Lake Neshonoc and Veterans Memorial Park are a must for boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking. Historic points of interest include two unique octagon homes. Enjoy the arts from the Heider Center as they bring theater, music and entertainment to the area. WestSalemWi.com
Country Boom
This new country music festival has caused a large BOOM in area excitement! Featuring some of the biggest names in country music, Country Boom is a festival you won’t want to miss!
La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway
Wisconsin’s only NASCAR sanctioned ⅝ mile weekly asphalt track is a must-see. Trailer races and street drags are local favorites!
June Dairy Days
The first weekend of each June, you can find crowds of people gathered along Main Street in West Salem for the annual June Dairy Days Parade. Small town family tradition is alive and well, complete with big wheel races, carnival rides, local food, and live music!
Big Boar BBQ
Big Boar BBQ & Catering! You won’t find anything better than Big Boar’s savory, smoked barbecued meats. Experience their friendly, casual atmosphere, and taste the difference in their fresh and local ingredients. Enjoy Big Boar BBQ in-house, take out, or at one of their community and catered events. Grab a jar of their made-from-scratch BBQ sauce on your way out!