Discover La Crosse
29 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Artist’s Alley
A compact downtown alley of colorful murals, murals-on-brick textures and lively street scenes—ideal for close-up details, portraiture against painted backdrops, and wide shots that include surrounding historic storefronts. Best visited during golden hour for warm side-light on murals or after dusk for moody urban lighting. Easily accessible on foot from downtown La Crosse; street parking and nearby lots on 5th Ave S. Weekdays are quieter; check for seasonal events that add performers or vendors
332 Front Street South
Riverfront block in downtown La Crosse offering views of the Mississippi, historic brick storefronts, riverwalk and nearby Riverside Park. Great for golden hour, sunset reflections on the river, and night shots of bridge lights. Easy street parking and short walks; wheelchair accessible paths. Best on clear mornings or evenings; weekdays are quieter.
Holiday Heights Park
Small hilltop park with panoramas over the Mississippi River valley, wetlands and seasonal foliage — great for landscape and sunset/sunrise shots. Easy access with parking and short trails; no entry fee. Best at golden hour or after rain for mist. Expect family visitors on weekends.
Skemp/Lenox Tract Parking - Mississippi Valley Conservancy
Small trailhead and parking for the Skemp/Lenox Tract (Mississippi Valley Conservancy) opens onto bluff-top oak savanna, prairie and views over the Mississippi River valley. Photograph rolling bluffs, seasonal wildflowers, textured savanna grasses and sweeping valley vistas at golden hour. Best at sunrise or sunset for directional light and long shadows; spring for wildflowers, fall for peak color and winter for graphic bare-tree compositions. Lot parking at 3998 Co Rd B; trails are unimproved—h
Midway Railroad Prairie State Natural Area
Tallgrass prairie and remnant railroad corridor offering wide-open vistas, seasonal wildflowers, grasses and migratory songbirds. Best in late spring–summer for blooms, early morning for birds and dew, and golden hour for warm backlit grasses. Trails are flat and walkable from a small trailhead/parking area; bring insect repellent and sun protection. No formal entry fee; access may be seasonal—check local DNR notices.
Prairie Heights Park
Small bluff-top prairie with native grasses, wildflowers and panoramic valley views — great for wide landscapes, intimate nature details, and seasonal color. Best at golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm side-light and long shadows; spring–early summer for blooms, autumn for color. Easy roadside parking and short trails; no entry fee. Expect wind on exposed ridges; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. Respect protected prairie areas and stick to paths.
Apple Valley Park
Small bluff-top park overlooking the Mississippi River valley with trails, prairie and wooded edges — great for landscape vistas, river reflections, migratory birds and seasonal wildflowers. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light on bluffs; clear evenings offer long views for sunset. Easy roadside parking, no entry fee; trails are short but can be steep and muddy after rain. Weekdays and early mornings reduce local foot traffic.
Riverside Park
Riverside Park sits on the Mississippi Riverfront with bluff-backed green space, paths, river views and seasonal color — ideal for river reflections, bridge details, paddleboats and skyline-with-bluff compositions. Visit at golden hour for soft light, or in fall for vivid foliage. The park is openly accessible with nearby street parking on State St and pedestrian links to downtown La Crosse; expect more people during weekend events and summer evenings. No entry fee; accessible paths make it easy
Highland Park
Highland Park sits on a bluff above the Mississippi River, offering sweeping panoramas of the river, downtown La Crosse and seasonal foliage. Best at golden hour for warm side-light on the river and at blue hour for city lights. Easily accessible by car with nearby parking on Highland St; short walks to overlooks and trails. No entry fee; busy during summer events and weekends. Great for landscape, waterscape and sunrise/sunset shots.
Houska Park
Small bluff-top park with trails and overlooks offering wide views over La Crosse and the river valley — great for skyline, fall foliage, and sunset shots. Easy access from Joseph Houska Dr with on-street or small lot parking; no entry fee. Best at golden hour (sunrise for east-facing valley light, sunset for warm colors on the bluffs). Trails are short and mostly accessible but wear good shoes; weekdays and early mornings have the fewest visitors.
La Crosse Band Shell
The La Crosse Band Shell sits in Riverside Park overlooking the Mississippi and bluffs — a graceful curved stage framed by park trees and river reflections. Photograph architectural lines, performers during summer concerts, and golden-hour views that include the river and bluffs. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and reflections; evenings for lit stage and event atmosphere. Easily accessible with nearby park parking, paved paths and wheelchair access; weekends get busy during festivals. No-
La Crosse State Trailhead
Trailhead at the edge of La Crosse's river bluffs launching into wooded trails, creek crossings and open river-valley views. Photograph winding trail leading lines, seasonal fall color, misty mornings and long exposures of small cascades. Easy roadside parking, no entry fee; trails are gravel/dirt (bike-friendly). Best at golden hour or early weekday mornings for soft light and low crowds; spring and fall offer peak color, winter provides stark textures—watch for muddy sections and ticks in warm
Elmwood Hills Park
Small hillside park with mixed hardwoods, open meadows and vantage points overlooking the valley — strong for seasonal landscapes (spring wildflowers, fall color, winter snow). Easy roadside parking and informal trails; no entrance fee. Best at golden hour from hilltops for low-angle light and long shadows. Weekday mornings are quieter; bring waterproof boots after rain.
Pump House Regional Arts Center
Historic red-brick Pump House on La Crosse's riverfront offers strong architectural lines, textured masonry, and river reflections—ideal for combining built form with the Mississippi River and nearby pedestrian bridges. Visit golden hour or blue hour for warm light and dramatic skies; weekdays and early mornings avoid event crowds. Street parking and nearby lots on King St; check gallery hours for interior access. Wheelchair ramp and public riverwalk nearby.
Burns Park
Small riverside park on La Crosse’s downtown riverfront offering Mississippi River views, walking paths, sculptural elements and seasonal trees — great for river reflections, urban-landscape compositions and capturing bluffs across the water. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm light and reflective water; spring and fall add foliage color. Easy access from Main St with street parking and nearby lots; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter; watch for community events on weekends.
Poage Park
Small riverside park with bluff views, mature trees and Mississippi River access — great for landscape and waterscape shots, seasonal foliage and reflective river compositions. Best at golden hour or blue hour; spring and fall offer peak color. Easy street parking nearby, paved paths and short walks from hood St. No entry fee; expect local walkers on weekends.
La Crosse Area Heritage Center
Small regional history museum on La Crosse’s Main St focusing on riverfront, Ojibwe and immigrant heritage. Shoot period storefront architecture, exhibit dioramas and artifact details. Best light for exteriors is golden hour; interiors can be dim — check hours, admission and photo policy before visiting. Street parking and municipal lots nearby; weekdays are quieter. Fall adds colorful riverbank backdrops.
Strawberry Commons Park
Small riverside community park with open lawns, trails and wooded edges—good for landscape and nature shots, seasonal foliage and low-angle light. Best at golden hour or fall color; weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds. Easy access with on-site parking and paved paths; no entry fee. Expect typical Midwestern weather—dress for wind near water. Popular for local events, picnic shelters and informal vistas rather than dramatic landmarks.
Dahl Auto Museum
Indoor collection of restored classic and vintage automobiles with polished chrome, period signage and display vignettes—ideal for detail shots, reflections and portraiture with cars. Visit weekday mornings just after opening to avoid crowds; light is mixed (museum windows + interior fixtures) so expect low-to-moderate light. Free/paid admission varies—check hours online. Street parking and nearby lots on 3rd St S; facility is generally accessible. Local pride in restoration and regional car-cra
World's Largest Six-Pack
A playful roadside landmark — an oversized six-pack sculpture/mural that reads as Americana and local pride. Photograph colorful graphics, scale against pedestrians or nearby street/river views. Easily accessible on the sidewalk; free to visit. Best at golden hour for warm, directional light or after dark if lit. Street parking and nearby public lots; wheelchair-accessible sidewalk. Weekday mornings are quieter. Great for travel portfolio, social sharing, and context shots of La Crosse’s quirky,
Jump Start Adventure Park La Crosse
Indoor/outdoor adventure park featuring trampolines, inflatable obstacle courses, climbing elements and family activities—great for high-energy action shots, candid family portraits, and colorful wide scenes. Best visited on weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid crowds; lighting is mixed—bright interiors use artificial light, outdoor areas benefit from golden hour. Expect parking on-site, entry waivers and no-show socks/policies; accessible for families and groups. Wear comfortable gear;
La Crosse Escape Room
Photograph the storefront signage, window displays and themed interiors of La Crosse Escape Room for vibrant urban character and storytelling frames. Best times: late afternoon golden hour for warm façade light, or after dark for illuminated signs. Interior shoots require permission—book a slot or request permission from staff. Downtown metered parking and public garages nearby; wheelchair access may vary by room. Small, characterful subject best combined with Main St urban scenes.
Wisconsin State Sign
A roadside Wisconsin state sign set against La Crosse's river-bluff backdrop — ideal for travel portraits, state-themed shots, and simple graphic compositions. Best at golden hour or blue hour when warm light or cool skies add contrast. Easily accessible from the roadside with limited pullover parking; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Watch traffic on US-Highway approaches and respect private property nearby.
The Great Escape of La Crosse
The Great Escape of La Crosse is an indoor escape-room complex with themed sets, props and bold exterior signage ideal for editorial, lifestyle and documentary shots. Photograph storefront neon and street-level context on 4th St, staged group portraits in costume or candid action-solving scenes inside (ask permission). Best light: blue hour/evenings for exterior signs; interior lighting varies by room—bookings required, weekdays and mid-afternoons are quieter. Downtown parking in municipal lots/