Mississippi River towns have such an obvious appeal — historic downtowns, pretty waterfront streets and cozy vibes in spades. But La Crosse, Wisconsin, goes beyond that. Well, above that, technically: Grandad Bluff, the city’s most iconic natural landmark, rises more than 600 feet above the Mississippi River Valley. The views from up here, especially come autumn, are impossible to forget.So, naturally, when I grabbed two of my best friends for a La Crosse weekend, good ol’ Grandad Bluff had to be our first stop. Roughly five miles of trails zigzag up, down and over this Wisconsin wonder — a massive limestone crag that escaped the last ice age — with gorgeous woods showing off their array of fall colors the entire way. Personally speaking, I was grateful you can drive the mile-plus to the top and then wander the wooded bluffside from there. It’s a great spot for friends, families with kids and pets and their people. The 180-degree view (at least!) of the Mississippi River as it winds its way through Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota is as vast as it is beautiful. From up here, it’s clear why they call it the Driftless Region, and it’s not hard to imagine an ancient river delta melting among the ice...
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- - Volume: 26 - WEEK: 9 Date: 2/24/2026 10:38:02 AM -