Hit the Road! 3 Great Day Trips to Take Near La Crosse, WI

Sitting along the eastern banks of the Mississippi River and home to the University of Wisconsin, the city of La Crosse, WI is a college town surrounded by sprawling riverside reserves, state parks, and beautiful spots you can visit in your 2022 Chevrolet Silverado. If you are searching for new destinations to explore with your friends and family, here are three easy day trips you can go on from the city.

Hit the Road! 3 Great Day Trips to Take Near La Crosse, WI

1. Great River Bluffs State Park

Located about 15 miles northwest of the city center, right across the Mississippi River in eastern Minnesota, Great River Bluffs State Park is a place where you can spend an entire day breathing some fresh air and taking a break from the routine. A beautiful green area established on high river bluffs and boasting thick forests and open prairies, this state park can be reached in just 20 minutes by car via route I-90.

Established in the early 1970s, Great River Bluffs State Park is a photographer’s paradise during the autumn months, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region as the foliage turn orange, red, and yellow. Some of the most popular activities in this nature reserve include wildlife watching, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and picnicking.

2. Black River State Forest

A sprawling nature reserve covering over 67,000 acres and established in 1957, Black River State Forest is another excellent spot where you can enjoy some time away from the city with your friends and family. A popular destination for camping, selective hunting, skiing, and hiking, this state forest features an extensive network of multi-use trails, small bodies of water, and scenic viewpoints.

Located a little under 50 miles northeast of the La Crosse city center, Black River State Forest can be reached in about one hour by car, driving along route WI-27. Open year-round between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm, this place is home to large populations of bald eagle and other wildlife species that make it a well-known destination among birdwatchers and photographers from the area.

3. Perrot State Park

Another scenic state park featuring long hiking trails over bluffs with fantastic river views, Perrot State Park is an excellent place to recharge your batteries at the end of a long week. Located just 25 miles northwest of La Crosse, this nature reserve can be reached in about half an hour by car via routes US-35 and WI-35. Popular activities include wildlife watching, mountain biking, picnicking, and camping.

If you are searching for a new or used vehicle to hit the road and go on memorable trips all over the country, stop by Dahl Auto La Crosse today and check out our latest models! One of our team members will tell you all about the convenient financing plans we have available for you.