Life at UW-La Crosse

Whether you've just had a grueling day of classes or you’re headed to the library for an overnight study sesh, you need food to fuel up and perhaps a drink (or two) to wash it down. Lucky for you, La Crosse has a variety of places to eat up and drink it down! Here are some of our top picks for the “must-go” places during your years at UW-La Crosse.

Best Restaurants:

Old Crow
Rudy’s Drive In
The Root Note
Rosie’s Cafe
Dublin Square

Best Bars:

Brother’s
Del’s Bar
Howie’s
The Starlight Lounge
The Library

Things To Do in La Crosse, WI

The students of UW-La Crosse tend to stay active throughout the year. In the warmer months, you’ll see everyone running and biking around town, hiking Grandad's Bluff, or lounging at Pettibone Beach. During the bitter winters you can find many people ice skating, skiing at Mount La Crosse, or walking through the Rotary Lights Display. To stay fit on campus, the students head inside to the Eagle Recreation Center to utilize the many amenities they offer, like their fitness center and many sports courts. Throughout the year, students can join in on the many runs held around the city like the Color Run, Turkey Trot, and Ugly Sweater Run, just to name a few.

Granddad’s Bluff and all the surrounding bluffs are a popular destination for students. There are over eight miles of hiking trails directly next to campus and hundreds more if you want to take a short drive. The trails will lead you through marshes, up hills, and up the bluffs leading to breathtaking views of La Crosse and even Minnesota and the Mississippi River.

The students of UW-La Crosse are incredibly active and involved in their school and community. On campus, there are hundreds of clubs to get into. From archeology and archery to debate and intramural sports, anyone can find something that interests them. During the Fall, you can catch a vast majority of the kids attending Eagle’s football games, so gather up your crew and cheer them on at the next home game. Another fall favorite is Oktoberfest, an event thrown on campus every year. You won’t want to miss this party!

Off campus, students have miles of wilderness to trek; hiking Granddad’s Bluff is a must! It’s the highest point in the entire city, and the views will surely not disappoint. After your hike, head downtown to enjoy the shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by The Pearl for their delicious, and very popular, homemade ice cream. Riverside Park is also favored among students to hang out and soak in views of the Mississippi River.

Highlights Include:

Attend Oktoberfest
Hike Granddad’s Bluff
Eat ice cream at The Pearl
Visit the Rotary Lights display