Did you know there’s a place in Wisconsin you can stand almost 600 feet above La Crosse? In this episode of La  Crosse Revealed, I’m going to take you on a tour of Grandad Bluff, the only place in La Crosse where you can see two other states as well as the Mississippi River Valley. We’ll explore the history of Grandad Bluff and find out all the fun activities you can enjoy here.

The History Of Grandad Bluff

Grandad Bluff is one of the highest points in LaCrosse,  voted the most scenic view in the state. This park features coin-operated binoculars, picnic areas, and hiking and biking trails. It’s also home to the yearly Skyockers New Year's Eve Firework Show at midnight. 

Grandad Bluff Park opened in 1912. Between 1851 and 1912, there were 83 transfers of the property. The bluff was used as a source of construction materials and was going to be sold for large-scale quarrying, but La Crosse residents did not want this to happen. To save the bluff, a prominent La Crosse family purchased the land in 1909. In 1912, the land was donated as a park to the city and they then constructed the roads.

After purchasing more land around the bluff, the area below Grandad Bluff became the center of Hixton Forest, a popular hiking area. 

Trails And Taverns

Besides the views, another reason people come here is for the exercise. Did you know that there are more than 5 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and running in Grandad Bluff? 10 sections have trails for use by people of all skill levels, with the majority designed to be both family and pet-friendly.

Users can access the trails at this spot right off of Ebner Coulee Rd, at one of the parking areas on the bluff, or the access point right off of 29th Street between Cass St and Bliss Rd. Maps are posted on the trails to guide you, and you can also find maps online.

So what else can you do at Grandad Bluff? You might be surprised to know that there's a unique bar on your way up to the bluff called the Alpine Inn. It's a great place to stop and get a drink, try out some of their daily specials, and enjoy their outdoor deck with great views. Once you get to the bottom of the bluff, head to Bluffside Tavern for some great cocktails and a really fun and friendly atmosphere. 

See It For Yourself

Now that you have an idea about what goes on here at Grandad Bluff Park, you might want to check it out for yourself. To get to the Bluff, follow Main Street East which turns into Bliss Rd. At the top, the entrance can be found by turning right onto Grandad Bluff road. 

If you ever have any additional questions that are not covered here on my channel, please feel free to reach out to me and I’ll be happy to help. And if you love living here as much as I do, make sure you subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of La Crosse Revealed!