Popular Things to Do in La Crosse
Don't Miss in La Crosse
Dahl Auto Museum: Whether you love cars or not, this museum is a fascinating look into the history of automobiles in the United States. The museum features the history of the car through the eyes of the Ford Motor Company and the Dahl family, who have been selling Fords for more than 100 years. You'll find some 20 antique and classic cars on display, dating from 1911 to 2007, along with an extensive collection of hood ornaments.
Hixon House: Built by a lumber baron in 1859, Hixon House is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. The grand mansion features almost all of the original furnishings, all in the Victorian and Edwardian styles.
Riverside International Friendship Garden: Don't miss this beautiful waterside botanical garden, featuring flowers from each of La Crosse's sister cities. Among others, you'll find the Chinese Gardens, where the principles of Feng Shui are showcased through the placement of rocks, water, plants and architectural accents; the French Gardens with their granite statues, elegant fountains and flora laid out in formal, geometric patterns; and the Norwegian Gardens, where waterfalls mix with edible plants like rhubarb, strawberry and blueberry bushes.
Riverside Museum: For those interested in local history, this small museum chronicles the history of La Crosse with an emphasis on the importance of the Mississippi River to the city's growth. Exhibits include prehistoric artifacts, as well as objects related to the logging, rafting and pearl button industries. You'll also find a sizeable collection of items from the steamboat "War Eagle."
Historic Trolley Tours: For those who want to see La Crosse's sites without walking, these 1.5-hour tours are the perfect solution. You'll see the riverfront and historic districts and stop at scenic overlooks.