The Driftless Region!

The La Crosse Region is nestled in the Driftless Region – a unique part of the world with unparalleled views and ancient, distinct topography. “Drift” refers to glacial drift: the rock and sediment deposited by a glacier as it moves over an area of land. A small piece of the Upper Mississippi Region was left untouched during the last Ice Age, leaving no glacial erosion or deposits. While surrounding landscapes were flattened by glaciers, the Driftless Region remains with the original, rugged terrain of the Upper Midwest. The natural topography reaches into parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois.

Natural Resources and Hiking Trails

There might not be a better place in the world to explore on foot than the La Crosse Region. The area is home to wooded bluffs topped by craggy sandstone outcroppings, vast marshes teeming with wildlife, pristine prairies and meadows, and rivers, lakes, and streams everywhere you turn. There’s a whole world to explore in this quiet little corner of the Upper Midwest! Let’s not forget the hundreds of miles of designated, well-maintained trails that follow waterways and traverse up the bluffs! Whether you prefer leisurely strolls along wide, level paths, or heart-pounding climbs up steep, rocky trails, you’ll find your hike in the La Crosse Region.

Incredible Views That Can’t Be Missed

Grandad Bluff
La Crosse, WI

Grandad Bluff is famous to the La Crosse Region and is a sure landmark to enjoy during your time in the region. The bluff itself sits 600-ft. high and overlooks the city of La Crosse, the Mississippi River Valley, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. It has been voted as “the most scenic view in the state” by Wisconsin Trails readers!

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Great River Landing
Onalaska, WI

Great River Landing is host to the Great River State Trailhead – known for its 101 miles of interconnecting state trails. With a beautiful visitor center and views of Lake Onalaska and the Black River, this landmark is sure to be a crowd favorite. It’s located next to Downtown Onalaska with plenty of dining and shopping options!

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Apple Blossom Scenic Overlook
La Crescent, MN

This famous overlook, located on Apple Blossom Scenic Drive of the Great River Road, showcases a stunning view of the Mississippi River Valley and into the La Crosse Region. It’s named after the thousands of spring apple blossoms and is just a short drive up the bluffs from the city of La Crescent, MN.

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Natural Wonders of The La Crosse Region

As part of the Driftless Region, the La Crosse area features many natural wonders! Check out these standouts that will undoubtedly be the highlights of your spring and summer!

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Get Exploring on
Earth Day!

Hey Earth… you rock! Are you ready to grab your friends, family or partner and try out these recreation activities this Earth Day while exploring the La Crosse Region?!

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The post Unearth Hidden Treasures: Exploring the Earth Element in the La Crosse Region appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

Hike, explore and learn more at Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center!

Whether you are a history bluff, nature guru, or any experience level of hiker, Norskedalen has something for you! Norskedalen is always updating their hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, each trail with a scenic view and even more breathtaking nature. Once you are finished with exploring, learn about the fascinating houses you just saw, and the rich history within the center.

A Rich Cultural History

Norskedalen, or “Norwegian Valley” was created in 1977, set with a mission to enrich the education of others as well as preserving the nature and cultural heritage of the area. The historic buildings set on the property are over 150 years old and tell the story of those who lived generations before us. Throughout various trails, you can get up close and personal with these historic buildings, even peering inside to see the old fashioned furniture and interior.

The oldest living house on the property, Thrunegaarden, is an open air museum available to tour by appointment, and includes restored log buildings previously used by Norwegian immigrants. Interesting in learning more? There is another museum on site, “The Immigrant Story!” This museum describes the immigrant experience including real artifacts located from Norway and explains the history and importance of Folk Music and art to the Norwegian Culture.

A Real Natural Beauty

With 400 acres of preserved land, the beauty on this property is unmatched. Forests full of deciduous and coniferous trees with bubbling creeks at every turn, it’s like walking in a fairytale. Be sure to stop in on the Troll Trail where little trolls and gnomes hide behind trees and on stumps!

Plentiful meadows are perfect places for picnics, while the forest is bountiful of life with everything from wildflowers to butterflies and bees. Miles of trails are located throughout the acreage, and Norskedalen continues to expand the selection of trails they currently offer. There is always something new to experience and new features to explore when you visit!

Come Visit Today!

With all of the wonderful features available at Norskedalen, it’s the perfect place to be at one with nature. The picturesque bluffs in the background with bright blue skies make for an unforgettable day full of nature and history.

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Take note on all the wonderful features at Norskedalen! Visit soon!

The post Note-Worthy Norskedalen appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

Find Your Sanctuary at Second Nature

Second Nature at Reads Creek is a destination nursery, greenhouse, gift shop, and landscape design center. Now, this is not your typical quick-stop, parking lot, rush-rush garden center… They encourage everyone to wander and wonder, dream and plan, and find the colors, textures, shapes, and sizes that speak to your heart. From the koi pond to the rocking chairs on the porch overlooking the valley, this gem is calling your name. Located at S7301Hwy 14/61 just north of Readstown, Wisconsin, you will come for the plants but stay for the experience!

Location, Location, Location!

Set in the rural Driftless Region of Southwestern Wisconsin, the nursery is nestled in a verdant valley along a meandering Class A trout stream just 7 miles south of Viroqua. Once you have visited, you will understand why people drive hours away to experience the tranquility of their valley, and return year after year for the high-quality plants and landscaping services. The nursery is a safe haven, a place of renewal and rejuvenation. It’s a place where worries of the outside world fade away as you begin to stroll amongst the plants and listen to the water coursing over the rocks in the valley or watch the eagles fly high above their nest on the property.​ With the vast collections of annual and perennial plants offered, it makes finding that elusive something special for your garden feel like a dreamy pleasure-hunt.

Special Features

Visit every third Thursday of the month from May to October for an open-air market, full of local vendors selling handmade goods, baked, and farm fresh produce. Enjoy this chance to shop, eat at a food truck and support local businesses! Keep your eyes out for the Gem & Fossil day where kids can sift and search for their treasure among the sand. Don’t forget to explore all that Second Nature has to offer by swimming along the creek and setting up a picnic or enjoy delicious food, live music, several fun activities for the kids, bonfires and more! It’s truly a place of relaxation.

Experience The Difference Today!

Learn why it’s called the Second Nature experience and visit all its natural beauty. Shop or get advice from several professional designers on any upcoming landscaping projects. Not interested in a new project? Relax with a leisure afternoon stroll throughout the stunning gardens surrounded by nature. Whatever your goal, Second Nature At Reads Creek has it all!

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Relax and unwind with a sneak peek into Second Nature At Reads Creek:

Visit Second Nature At Reads Creek today and see why it’s a family-favorite!

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