Explore French Island and find other things to do in La Crosse

No matter the season, you can always find fun things to do near our hotel rooms at the Country Inn & Suites. Paddle the Black River to French Island in the summer, and ski or snowboard on the slopes of Mt. La Crosse in the winter. Grandad Bluff offers panoramic views of three states from atop the 600-foot bluff, and the chapels, gardens, and statues at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe are equally impressive. Don’t miss a visit to downtown La Crosse, where you can dine at waterside restaurants, browse local shops, and see a number of public art installations. For a glimpse of local history, take a tour of the Historic Hixon House Museum to see how wealthy lumber barons lived.

Select what to see in a map

  • Business
  • Family
  • Landmark
  • Nature

Grandad Bluff

3.3 mi / 5.31 km from the hotel
At more than 1,100 feet above sea level, Grandad Bluff provides a fantastic aerial view of La Crosse. You can see the Mississippi River, I-90, and even the neighboring states of Minnesota and Iowa.

Children’s Museum of La Crosse

2.94 mi / 4.73 km from the hotel
Explore three floors of hands-on exhibits, including a climbing structure, a make-believe Kwik Trip store, and a dino maze.

La Crosse Center

2.88 mi / 4.63 km from the hotel
This exhibition center provides nearly 167,000 square feet of space for concerts, performances, conferences, and conventions.

Mt. La Crosse

7.85 mi / 12.63 km from the hotel
Ski or snowboard down the vertical drops on 19 different slopes and trails at Mt. La Crosse. Stop by the chalet afterward for food and a drink from the award-winning bar.

Riverside Park

12.16 mi / 19.57 km from the hotel
Stroll along the walking trails, admire the flowers and sculptures, or sit and gaze out over the river at this picturesque park.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

2.91 mi / 4.68 km from the hotel
Known for its world-class academic programs, this university also features a scenic campus surrounded by nature.

Viterbo University

3.54 mi / 5.69 km from the hotel
Take a tour of this Franciscan university that features small class sizes, affordable tuition, and a dedication to community service. You can also catch a show at the on-campus Weber Center for the Performing Arts.

Western Technical College

2.6 mi / 4.19 km from the hotel
Join more than 5,000 eager students at Western Technical College, which offers degree programs like nursing, financial services, and digital marketing.

Historic Downtown La Crosse

2.82 mi / 4.54 km from the hotel
Take a scenic stroll along the Mississippi River as you make your way to a museum, an antique shop, or one of downtown’s award-winning restaurants.

Myrick Park

2.44 mi / 3.92 km from the hotel
Named for Nathan Myrick, who founded La Crosse in 1841, Myrick Park provides plenty of outdoor space, perfect for family outings.

Riverside Amusement Park

0.63 mi / 1.02 km from the hotel
You and the kids can enjoy a day of mini golf, batting cages, and go-karts at Riverside Amusement Park, open seasonally. Refreshments and snacks are available.

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe

7.57 mi / 12.18 km from the hotel
Since 2008, Roman Catholics have traveled from across the country to visit this shrine dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The grounds include a visitor center, a rosary walk, a votive candle chapel, and several outdoor areas for prayer.