Southwest Wisconsin - Discover the Driftless Area

FEATURED: Explore La Crosse

The La Crosse Region bursts with adventure as unique as each explorer. Discover exciting flavors, charming history, captivating views, and epic outdoor recreation just a road trip away!

DISCOVER THE DRIFTLESS AREA

The Southwest Wisconsin region is home to rolling hills, lush valleys and majestic rivers. This region has a different terrain from the rest of Wisconsin, as it is home to Wisconsin’s portion of the Driftless Area. The steep ridges, numerous rock outcroppings, and deep narrow valleys in the Driftless Area contrast with the rest of the state, where glaciers have modified the landscape.

Nature lovers will enjoy the forested bluffs and unique landscaping at Wyalusing State Park, Norskedalen Preserve, Trempealeau Mountain State Natural Area, and Perot State Park. The hilly unglaciated landscape is well represented in Wisconsin’s Coulee Experimental State Forest, Wildcat Mountain State Park, Governor Dodge State Park, and the Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

This area is also home to a portion of the Great River Road, a national scenic byway running along the course of the Mississippi River. The entire road encompasses 3,000 miles through 10 states, and a 250-mile stretch that takes you through 33 historic Wisconsin towns. Take in the beauty while sightseeing by car or by boat, taste original creations at local restaurants along the riverbanks, and uncover knowledge as you pass through towns packed with history.

The Great River Road will lead you right to La Crosse, a cozy riverside city with nature to explore and culture to experience. From bed & breakfasts to luxury suites, locally owned waterfront restaurants to downtown eateries, the region is bound to be enjoyed from sunrise to sunset. Get outdoors and explore miles of ancient bluffs to unique bridges—this area features a plethora of breathtaking landscapes for your next adventure. Grab a kayak and cruise the Mississippi, board a paddle wheeler for sightseeing, or go bike the trails for a challenge. Explore everything this area has to offer.

Prairie du Chien is located just above the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers. With history dating back to the 17th century, this city is the oldest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi River with many sites preserved and open to visitors. Wildlife lovers will not want to miss viewing the bald eagles in Prairie du Chien. The area is along the migration route and a normal wintering area for these birds on the Mississippi River valley.

Nestled in the Kickapoo Valley of Southwestern Wisconsin, The Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins of La Farge offers some of the finest accommodations in the region, the highest rated in the Midwest, and now certified in the top 10% in the world on TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice for three years running! Surrounded by 8,600 acres of forest preserve, the eight individual guest cabins are luxuriously appointed, pristinely kept, quiet, and private. The rolling hills, the stunning vistas, and the horses and llamas are all here to make your stay as relaxing and rejuvenating as possible. This breathtaking setting is perfect for hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, horseback riding, and overall relaxation with great winter silent sport recreation, as well. Everyone agrees — there is no place like Kickapoo Valley Ranch Guest Cabins in Southwest Wisconsin’s Driftless Region.

Dare to dream big in the Driftless Southwest Wisconsin region!