Southwest Wisconsin - Discover the Driftless Area

FEATURED: Explore La Crosse

The La Crosse Region is mere hours from Midwest hubs and nestled between ancient bluffs along the Mississippi River. Exciting flavors, charming history, captivating views, and epic trails are calling!

DISCOVER THE DRIFTLESS AREA

Explore the beautiful rolling hills, valleys, rivers, and streams of Southwest Wisconsin that offer picturesque beauty unique to the Driftless area. The area is home to numerous state and local parks, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The rugged terrain, steep ridges, rock outcroppings, and deep valleys in the Driftless Area are a sharp contrast to the rest of the state, which has been shaped by glaciers.

Whether you are looking to conquer the outdoors or relax in nature’s beauty, you will be captivated by this space in our state. Begin your journey at the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers in Prairie du Chien, which is the oldest European settlement on the Upper Mississippi River. With history dating back to the 17th century, many historic sites are preserved and open to visitors, making Prairie du Chien a popular destination for travelers in this region.

After your historical visit, head north on Great River Road — Wisconsin’s only national scenic byway that extends 3,000 miles along the Mississippi River, passing through ten states and thirty-three historic Wisconsin towns. You can take in the beauty while sightseeing by car or boat, taste original creations at local restaurants along the riverbanks, and uncover knowledge as you pass through towns packed with history.

Located at the top of the Driftless Region lies Pepin County, which is famous for being the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder. If you are a fan of Little House on the Prairie, you will love this travel route as it includes Laura Ingalls Wilder’s birthplace and explores the area depicted in the first of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, Little House in the Big Woods. There are several points of interest along this route, such as the Devil’s Punchbowl, Riverside Park and Waterfall near Menomonie, the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum in Pepin, the UFO Capital of Wisconsin in Elmwood, and the Mailman Haunted Castle in Elk Mound.

Continue your journey in Black River Falls, where the bounties of nature pair with unmatched recreational opportunities. The Black River is an excellent destination for fishing and is a favorite spot for canoeists and kayakers. With more than 300 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, plus cross-country and snowshoe trails, Black River Falls is a great location for outdoor enthusiasts.

More majestic views await in La Crosse! With three grand rivers and beautiful bluffs, the La Crosse region in Southwest Wisconsin is the perfect outdoor recreation area. In addition to activities, the area offers a vast variety of dining options and lodging accommodations. From cozy bed & breakfasts to luxury suites, you are bound to enjoy your trip from sunrise to sunset.

Enjoy your stay in Southwest Wisconsin!

Getaway to the Southwest!

Search lodging options at WisconsinLodging.org.

Cities include:

Alma, Black River Falls, Fountain City, Hillsboro, La Crosse, La Farge, Lancaster, Onalaska, Pepin, Platteville, Prairie du Chien, Sparta, Tomah, Warrens