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Great River State Trail north of La Crosse
Your Getaway Guide The La Crosse Region
Mount Horeb
On the shore of the mighty Mississippi, La Crosse is a scenic destination for a weekend trip. The 600-foot high Grandad Bluff offers a genuinely unbeatable view of the river valley – you can see Minnesota and even Iowa from up there. Head down to La Crosse Queen Cruises to take advantage of its daily trips down the river on a modern-day replica of the paddleboats that once traversed the water. The nearby Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern is a great stop for farm-to-table fare. There’s also plenty to do outside of La Crosse proper. The Great River Road runs 250 miles through 33 towns, each with its own unique collection of shops, dining and more. Consider picking up souvenirs at Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, stopping for a delicious respite at Stockholm Pie and General Store, or sipping a vintage pour at Elmaro Vineyard in Trempealeau. explorelacrosse.com
This village west of Madison is known as the “Troll Capital of the World,” due to its plethora of statues of the small Scandinavian creatures. Learn more about the history behind the name and shop for some trolls to take home at Driftless Historium Museum and Gift Shop or Open House Imports. Mount Horeb also has plenty to offer beyond its beloved whimsical trolls – the nine-hole Norsk Golf Club makes for a great afternoon on the links, and the nearby Cave of the Mounds never fails to astonish with its striking stalactites. Local company Gerber Leisure Products manufactures playground equipment and is currently building a new splashpad for the area. When it comes to dining and drinks, your options are plentiful. The fittingly named Grumpy Troll Brew Pub is the place to go for craft beer; Buck & Honey’s serves hearty American cuisine; and you can pick up a sweet treat at Driftless Chocolates. For shopping, consider Sift and Winnow’s artisan jewelry, or the wide variety of loose-leaf teas at Telsaan Tea. trollway.com
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Whether you’re looking for an afternoon out, a day trip or a weekend away, you’ll find your next vacation destination here.