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Where to Stay: The Charmant Hotel

The sweetest boutique hotel in town is The Charmant. The historical building started as the Funke candy factory in 1898, and there are nods to its beginnings all over the hotel. You’ll be greeted with chocolates when you check-in and can see a variety of historical items in the lobby.

We stayed in a spacious king room with the most luxurious bathroom. In the morning, we used included drink coins for a coffee and tea from Parlour in the lobby. We loved that the hotel has complimentary bikes to get around town too. End your day on the rooftop for great views and a fun atmosphere!

What To Do

1. Walk or Bike Along Riverside Park

One of the best places to enjoy the views in La Crosse is Riverside Park, either by walking or biking. We brought bikes from The Charmant Hotel, but you could also use the city’s bike rental program (Drift Cycle) that only costs $1 per 30 minutes if you’d like to cycle.

2. Enjoy Dinner at The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern

One of the most scenic places to dine in La Crosse is at The Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern. Opt for a table on the patio, and you can either order off the full dinner menu or the lighter tavern menu. We enjoyed a delicious meal of Mahi tacos and a sandwich as the sun set.

3. Hike Grandad Bluff

Grandad Bluff offers the best sweeping views of the region and is a relatively easy place to hike. We hiked along a few short trails to get to 3 different viewpoints. There’s also an accessible lookout too so everyone can enjoy the views.

4. Sample Beers at Turtle Stack Brewery

If you enjoy craft beer, you must add Turtle Stack Brewery to your list. They have a variety of local craft beers to sample, plus they are focused on quality, sustainability, and involving the local community as much as possible. We enjoyed small pours on their outdoor patio while listening to a local musician.

5. Walk Around the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

About 15 minutes south of the main part of La Crosse is the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The grounds are immaculate and very peaceful to walk around. There’s an uphill path amongst towering trees to a variety of shrines and gardens, but golf cart drivers are also around to help transport those not able or wanting to walk up the incline. An onsite cafe recently opened during lunch hours, so you could plan to spend a couple of hours here.

6. Enjoy a Treat from The Pearl Ice Cream Parlour

A trip to La Crosse isn’t complete without a stop at The Pearl Ice Cream Parlour for a sweet treat! The ice cream shop is in a beautiful historic building from 1874 and feels like stepping back in time. You can’t go wrong with any flavor but make sure to get the homemade waffle cone if you enjoy cones!

7. Cruise on The Mississippi River with a La Crosse Queen Cruise

We loved our experience cruising the river on La Crosse Queen, a local paddlewheel boat. We did the 1.5-hour midday tour, which was the perfect balance of relaxing time to enjoy the scenery and commentary about the area. They also offer brunch, lunch, and dinner cruise options!

8. Sample drinks at La Crosse Distillery

Recently opened in 2017, La Crosse Distillery is a stunning space that produces the highest quality spirits. Sourcing organic and local products all within 16 miles to produce the drinks, you can taste the high quality. You can start with a sampler before ordering cocktails made with the various spirits. The employees all do a great job explaining more about the beverages too. My favorite was the Fieldnotes vodka with hints of lavender.

9. Dine at The Backdock

La Crosse has an interesting railroad history, and The Backdock patio at The Freighthouse restaurant honors that tradition. You can order appetizers and drinks while sitting at firepits or tables alongside old train cars. We loved the unique ambiance.

Are you ready to plan your Midwest weekend getaway to La Crosse? It’s a great destination!

More Weekend Getaway Inspiration

FOR THE FOOD & DRINK CONNOISSEURS

It’s the best part of any trip… THE FOOD! THE DRINKS! Want to know where to go? We’ve got it covered with our top 5 picks for the La Crosse area! Top 10 must-try restaurants for cuisine and beverages!

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FOR THE ROMANCE AND LEISURE LOVER

As you walk along the Mississippi River, watching the boats drift into the sunset, feel the romance in the air take flight, and get ready for an extraordinary trip with loved ones, creating quality memories together!

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FOR THE ARTS & HISTORY BUFF

La Crosse Region is BEAMING with culture and rich history in unexpected places. Indulge yourself with amazing cuisine, breathtaking artworks, live performances, and opportunities to express your own inner artist!

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The post An Awesome Midwest Weekend Getaway to La Crosse appeared first on ExploreLaCrosse.

Onalaska, located in the driftless region that remained untouched during the Ice Age, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery of rocky bluffs, enveloped by wooded trails perfect for charming hikes. The town offers unparalleled views overlooking Lake Onalaska, The Black River, and the Majestic Mississippi River. As you explore Onalaska, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture by indulging in its curated dining options, browsing its unique shopping experiences, and participating in the featured seasonal activities that are exclusive to the town. Ricky Martin will be singing along with you as you depart on an unforgettable Onalaska experience!

Onalaska Original Eats

Locally Owned + Locally Loved Shopping

Treehouse Gift & Home

One of a kind is the only way to describe the treasures you’ll find in Treehouse Gift and Home! Searching for standout gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, and every occasion in between? Look to their 8,000 square feet of local artists’ galleries, gourmet food, charming home decor, and outfits for your favorite fashionista to WOW your loved ones on their special occasion.

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Great River Harley Davidson

Rev up your engine and race to our local Harley dealer to witness the robust inventory of both new and used bikes! Known for their great customer service, Great River Harley-Davidson offers a vast selection of aftermarket parts and trending Harley-Davidson MotorClothes staff picked to help you find the perfect jacket and chaps for riding!

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Livin’ Like Locals

From wonderful waterways forming Lake Onalaska, perfect for paddling and boating, to various opportunities to get your body moving in goat yoga and showing off your creative side in the arts, Onalaska’s engaged community will have you livin’ like locals!

Stay Nearby

Hampton
Inn

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Holiday Inn Express & Suites

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Stoney Creek
Hotel

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Discover Your Next Adventure

More Things To Do

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Upcoming Events

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KORNFEST FESTIVAL

Get ready to follow the yellow brick road of Holmen, Wisconsin – but instead of bricks it’s made of delicious yellow sweet corn! This tasty treat is just one of the many reasons to visit Holmen’s annual Kornfest Festival, a celebration of all things corn-related!

FESTIVAL FUN

Then, the summer festival season keeps getting better because the weekend following Kornfest marks The Great River Folk Festival’s, returns to the Great River. Since 1967 string bands and blues music have entertained and echoed the waves of the mighty Mississippi, bringing travelers from all over to dance and dine in Riverside Park.

HUNGRY IN HOLMEN?… NEVER!

If you’re as big of a fan of fresh local produce as we are, then you MUST go to the Holmen Locker & Meat Market. You’ll be astonished by their Boutique Wine Bar with over 200 different varieties of domestic and imported wines (*bonus sample their wine of the week). Next, find your perfect snack pairs to your pour in The Holmen Locker and Meat Market’s cheese showcase and deli. Artisan cheeses from cheese processors across the State of Wisconsin, farm fresh eggs, and locally sourced Knockwurst, Andouille Sausage, and Smoked Pork Chops… uh oh, we’re drooling again.

HOLMEN HANGOUTS

There are plenty of opportunities for scenic hikes near Holmen so make sure to bring comfortable shoes for your trip! McGilvay Seven Bridges road, listed on the country’s rarest bowstring truss bridges was built from 1905-1908. Bring along your Holmen Locker & Meat Market favorites and find the perfect spot in their picnic area to take in the beauty of your historic hike! After seeing the sites, continue your hangout around Holmen with ziplining at Camp Decorah, golfing at Drugan’s Castle Mound, or pedaling to your local bars on the Trolley Pub!

Trolley Party Pub

The Trolley Party Pub is an excursion you’ll be talking about for years to come! Hop on and start peddling with up to 16 people as you start your eco-friendly pub-crawl – TROLLEY STYLE!

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Camp Decorah

A campers paradise lies along the banks of the Black River! Their waterfront location, climbing tower, zipline, nature center and athletic field are perfect for single or multi-day events available for public rental!

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Drugan’s Castle Mound

Drugan’s Castle Mound is a hole-in-one for all your golfing dreams! The challenging 18-hole, par 72 public golf course showcases well-edged bunkers, contoured fairways and bent grass tees and greens.

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With an awarding-winning local meat market and deli, festivals that celebrate their community’s history, and endless opportunities to see stunning views while getting active at your own pace; we know you’ll find your own sense of home in Holmen!

Ready for the next adventure?…Check This Out!

MORE THINGS TO DO

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WHERE TO STAY

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SEPTEMBER 28–30, 2023

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Welcome to the lively world of Oktoberfest in La Crosse, Wisconsin! As the autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape with vibrant hues, our charming Midwestern city comes alive with a celebration of German culture like no other. Before you don your lederhosen or dirndl and head to the Oktoberfest Grounds, there are essential insights you’ll want to have in your stein-hoisting arsenal. Join us as we uncover five things you need to know before you embark on your Oktoberfest adventure in the La Crosse Region. Prost!

1. The Tapping of the Golden Keg

A longstanding Oktoberfest tradition, this Oktoberfest experience is held on Friday morning – the day before the Maple Leaf Parade — but it ends up being a highlight for many. Craft Beer Night is held the evening before the Tapping of the Golden Keg and Frothbite Beer & Bites Festival tickets will be going on sale that night, so if you can handle both of these events, along with the Maple Leaf Parade on Saturday, you are a true Oktoberfest professional and deserve your own button.

2. The Maple Leaf Parade

Take snacks, some chairs and some drinks, and then stake out a location. Let the kids run wild and play catch along the parade route before it starts. Event organizers estimate 100,000 people come to watch this two-mile parade along this stretch of La Crosse. It is the big draw of this celebration, and it does provide fun over several hours. Great marching bands and floats ensure there is plenty of music, clapping and laughing.

3. The Torchlight Parade

This is another must for families. It is held on the North Side of La Crosse, and marks the official opening of the fest. If you have never attended a parade at night, you must experience it. Listen to marching bands as its players and instruments go by all decked out in glow sticks. The floats are creatively lit up, as well as some of the houses along the route. Once the parade is over, head to Copeland Park & Events Center for the After Glow Bash. Admittance is free!

4. Tickets & Experiences

Be sure to purchase your GA $20 ticket online or at the ticket window before entering the grounds. Once you enter the legendary grounds, stop by for the Lederhosen games like Stein races, stein holdings, barrel roll, grain toss, Schokolade essen and a scavenger hunt, and enjoy the carnival all weekend long! Don’t fret there’s also live music all weekend long to dance and enjoy your beer with.

5. Longest-running Oktoberfest in the Midwest.

Some come for the epic parades, others for the biergarten. If you’re German or just looking for an excuse to wear some lederhosen—we’re happy you’re here. So, raise a stein and prost to 62 years of gemütlichkeit and cheer—it’s what makes us das beste!

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By: Anastasia Penchi

Folk music is the original music of the working people.

The term has been used to describe the music made by whites in the rural South, but it also includes the music of the Southern blacks, Native Americans, Mexican-Americans, Cajuns and others. Realistically, there is no origin – it’s more an oral tradition of songs.
Folk music was sung by workers as they toiled in the fields. It was sung when people gathered at parties and relaxed on front porches. Folk songs were sung by parents who were putting their children to bed.
Folk songs are community-focused and often encourage participation. They are about work, war, love, civil rights, poverty and even nonsensical stuff. The songs are hopeful and sorrowful and mundane just like the lives of ordinary working people.

Here are five reasons to celebrate folk music at the Great River Folk Festival Aug. 25-27…

You know more folk music than you think

Think you aren’t going to know much folk music? Think harder. Your brain will sing the most popular classics without you. Ever see a tumbleweed in the desert and suddenly you’re singing “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan? That’s folk music. Problems in the family? Your brain will sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel – another folk song. Ever-lovin’ light shining on you? You know “Midnight Special” by Lead Belly is coming. Granted, I can’t promise those song will be sung, but there will be music by Bill Miller, Kind Country, Chicago Farmer, Steel City Jug Slammers and many others.

The crafts sold here are rooted in folk art

Every year, the Great River Folk Festival features some of the area’s most talented and creative crafters and artisans. Participants submit pictures of their work, and fest officials select quality, original objects that are rooted in the folk arts to be shown and sold to the public. All items are handcrafted, and crafters include potters, wood workers, fiber artists, jewelers, sculptors, luthiers (people who build or repair string instruments), food specialists and basket makers. Nothing mass produced is allowed. Come see this original work, and buy yourself something nice for a change.

Hear the results of the Songwriting and Performance Contest

The festival holds an annual Songwriting and Performance Contest with a mission to promote “the spirit of songwriting for all.” As a result, 12 finalists perform two songs each at the festival on Sunday. Songwriters are evaluated by a panel of Great River Folk Festival judges, and the first place winner receives a cash prize, a day in a recording studio and performs as the opening act on the main stage later that afternoon. Songs can be folk, acoustic, singer/songwriter, old time, bluegrass or a combination thereof. Entries must be original, may not exceed five minutes and cannot be previously recorded and released through national distribution in any country.

Be food brave

Ethnic and traditional foods are offered during this festival, so it’s a great opportunity to try something new food-wise. Crepe Jean Luc sells crepes, French pastries and cookies. Don’t those sound good? Best Way offers original gyros and chicken ones on pita bread. The Jewish Women’s League will be selling an Israeli plate on Sunday with hummus, babaganoush and Israeli salad. And for those with more traditional cravings, there’s Crooked Oak Wood-fired Pizza and homemade ice cream by The Pearl, among other deliciousness.

Don’t forget the new location

The Great River Folk Festival was held on the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse campus for 40-some odd years. It recently got moved to Riverside Park in downtown La Crosse. Now you can enjoy music, food and fun as you relax near the Mississippi River. The picturesque backdrop of the river, bluffs and bridges surrounds the park and festival. It’s beautiful for both the eyes and ears.

If you would like to see more traditional food options, or learn more about the Great River Folk Festival in general, visit the website at: www.greatriverfolkfest.org.

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Anastasia Penchi is graduate of UW-La Crosse and a long-time Coulee Region writer who has written for area newspapers and magazines (www.loislaneforhire.com).

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