Pretty cool little excursion in LaCrosse. Easy drive up. Not a lot of signs alerting which parking lot is for the highest vantage point so my tip to you: drive through the open gates and drive until you see a parking lot with a gazebo-esque type outdoor building and that will be the highest point. Quick walk out to the edge. Some wild flowers added to the experience. It was a beautiful morning. Very clear and we were able to see the Mississippi river, Minnesota and of course Wisconsin. Worth taking the half hour to take in this view. read more

Grandad Bluff - Recreation Centers Near Me - La Crosse, Wisconsin

10/14/23 - we were in LaCrosse and saw that there was an overview of LaCrosse from the bluff. You need to drive up a short distance to an overview that gives you a great panoramic view of the city below. In addition you can see the Mississippi River w/LaCrosse on one side & Minnesota on the other side. Such a beautiful overview of the town, trees, hills, Mississippi River, train tracks & an eagle soaring above the cities on the wind currents (so cool & majestic) Granddads Bluff is a short run uphill to an overlook going through a hairpin turn on the way to the overlook. Great way to spend a few minutes seeing the sights below w/the beginning of the fall colors. It would have been nicer coloration in a few more days read more

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Nice little place to hike and just take in the scenery . I can only imagine how more beautiful it would be when the leaves change colors. Went a tad early. read more

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Mississippi view is fabulous for new comers to the La Crosse area and a trip up the bluff to grand dads is a must read more

Grandad Bluff - Great river tour - Recreation Centers Near Me - La Crosse, Wisconsin

As tourists, we were traveling between the Wisconsin Dells and Minneapolis, and decided to check out La Crosse. We we're unfamiliar with the city, but it sounded like an interesting place to visit. We agreed upon two destinations to check out -- Grandad Bluff and the Riverfront Park along the Mississippi River. Getting to the park at the bluff was an interesting experience in that our GPS from the highway took us climbing up through quite a few miles of rural roads. We really couldn't tell that we were about to see a quite large city laid out in front of us when we reached the bluff. One tip for those unfamiliar with the park. When you turn on the road for the park, make sure to go to its end. There's a parking lot that fits maybe ten cars. Park and then walk up a short incline past the rest rooms to the large overlook area. The views of the city are spectacular. As outsiders, we were left with questions regarding whether all of the warer we were seeing was permanently there or the result of recent flooding. The park seems to be a popular excursion for local nursing homes and rehab. centers, as we saw a few vans discharging elderly persons or persons in wheelchairs. (Way to go!) Restrooms were clean. We recommend visiting this park. read more

Nice simple views over LaCrosse, looked like interesting hiking trails, we did not have time for.

Easy drive up there, the signs were very helpful. There are many hiking trails and viewpoint area stops before getting to the Grandad Buff. Main Grandad Buff is nice and clean, the lookout area spacious and clean. The view is spectacular. We went on a day where it was pretty windy and hot but still enjoyable. Recommend for whoever wants a nice view of the city of La Crosse and the foundation of why this city was built. Easy drive , Nice view, great scenery!!!! read more

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This overlook is exceptional! We were blown away at the great views from this perch. I've been to many places like this but this has sweeping views of La Crosse, the Mississippi River and Minnesota. Sure it helps to go on a beautiful clear day like we had but the platform itself it well done as are the informational plaques. Definitely a highlight when visiting the area. read more

Absolutely beautiful views and a great place to visit, just not a super hot day. Made our way up the scenic, windy drive which looked a little dicey since the sides of road are huge gaps. If you drive into one of those ruts it would not be a good time and the roads are pretty narrow. It wasn't too crowded as we went later in the afternoon, but there were still people at the lookouts. Very beautiful scenery and what looked to me great hiking trails, but with two super pups in tow and a child who didn't feel like hiking in the heat we weren't able to do much hiking this time. Would for sure venture back armed with a walking stick as I guess there are snakes hanging out in the bluffs. ICK! Beautiful place. Scenic drive. read more

A must do when it La Crosse. An easy drive up the bluff that gives an impressive view of the Mississippi River and its bed. Clean bathrooms and plenty of parking spots. read more

This is quite possibly the most beautiful place in the Midwest that I've ever been. The parking lot is a short walk may be about 300 to 400' from the bluff. The main Bluff overlook is easily accessible and portions are even handicapped accessible. There is a small outcropping with a walkway that sticks out another hundred feet or so for the best views. read more

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SO happy I made this a stop!! Gorgeous views and some great hiking/biking trails! Trails were clearly mapped which was great! read more

Grandad Bluff - Hiking the 1910 trail! - Recreation Centers Near Me - La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Came here on a weekend morning, parking is a bit tight although if you're okay with walking, there's parking and hiking further down the street. Great views! Lots of people though. read more

Excellent views & trails to explore! One of my favorite spots in La Crosse!! The people I've encountered here are super friendly too! read more

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This is such a beautiful place. It's hard to believe it's in Wisconsin and some mystical magical other exotic area. It's very nicely set up and has binoculars for viewing there is also a restroom up top and areas for seating. I went on a weekday in the afternoon and there was a steady flow of people but it was not crowded. It seems people also run and hike around this spot, it is a steep climb! You can see the whole town of LaCrosse from the bluff and the area is well kept. My family loved it! You should certainly check it out read more

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I am not a fan of heights so I was a little nervous about this adventure. But, I am glad I went up that hill. What a stunning view! I went at the end of summer, I would love to see it in the fall! I like the building with the 2 wood burning fireplaces, You can see so far, the land and water, buildings really cool! read more

Grandad Bluff - Recreation Centers Near Me - La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Grandad Bluff was an outstanding and awe-inspiring place to visit with good access for casual hikers. This casual hiker appreciated the winding drive up the bluff and relatively close parking. The park itself is beautiful. I enjoyed the scenery and the beautiful pavilion. It would make a great picnic spot. What was really outstanding, however, was the eagle's nest like perch that was easily accessible to all. What a treasure to take in the view. I really enjoyed my visit and especially meeting the curator in the form of a statue! read more

Grandad Bluff - It's a selfie with me and the Grandad Bluff curator at Grandad Bluff! - Recreation Centers Near Me - La Crosse, Wisconsin

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Beautiful. Never too busy at all times of the year and a huge tourist attraction of the town. Perfect place to bring kids, safe, and pretty.

A drive that makes your car work so you can have a view. Yes, a view all right. First, you wind your way up the mountain. (Think- the Driftless Region mountain type. Not the Swiss Alps type or whatever.) Then you reach the top. There's a big stone pavilion thingie with fireplaces that I've never seen lit. Keep in mind it's an open-to-the-outdoors-big-stone-pavilion-thingie. The view is amazing. Sometimes the train goes within your line of vision. You can see the big blue bridge. You can see a ball field. You can see cars. And water. And houses. And snow. If it's winter. I'd recommend taking your visiting friends or family here. Then they can see our beautiful Wisconsin while leaning against a metal guard rail, several hundred feet above civilization. read more

Don't count on a romantic picnic at Grandad Bluff, but do go for some beautiful scenery. And wear good hiking shoes. We learned this as we ascended the Bluff, sandwiches in hand, looking for a spot for a picnic. The top of the Bluff is not the place for a picnic. Instead, stop at one of the pulloff areas as you wind up Bliss Road (aka Main Street) to the top of the Bluff and then, after eating, continue to the top for the views. You'll know you've found the top when you see the 60 ft. American flag, concrete walkways, and lots of people. There are binoculars for viewing (Bring Quarters), concrete benches, restrooms, and lots of multi-level views of the Mississippi River Valley and 3 surrounding states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa. If you decided to veer off the concrete pathway to explore the bluff, use caution. The bluff is steep and slippery and I lost my balance and my pride a few times. Tips: Bring Quarters, Binoculars, and keep an eye out for Bald Eagles. read more

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Landmark Review: Amazing view of the city. It is a small drive up but if you are in town you can't pass up this opportunity. You can see miles around and you are rather high up that you may get nervous if you are afraid of heights. Make sure you reach the peak where there is a parking lot, there was another area that we thought was the bluff but simply only a pull off on the main road Hidden deals: FREE read more

I can't say enough about this beautiful park, and nature area. The bluffs are absolutely mesmerizing to look at from afar, and while you go up they have multiple scenic spots to pull off and look out. There's trails up the bluff ranging from easy, to difficult. We didn't get to try these out due to lack of time, but I wish we would've! At the very top of the bluff, in the actual park there's a walkway out onto the cliff where you can see a panoramic view. It's breathtaking. Another thing that caught my eye up here were the signs to prevent suicide, with the national prevention hotline, and stickers like "we care". Very difficult to see that people have ended their lives there but I think this is a wonderful way to try to combat that from happening more. Bring on the awareness, way to go wisconsin! read more

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There's nothing wrong with Grandad Bluff, but why the 3 stars? There's not much too it either. There's so many better places to hike around and be rewarded by the scenery even if it's just canoeing through a big pond and catching frogs, or driving down by the river. Grandad Bluff is BEAUTIFUL to look over the side of at the top, but you can't really spend more than a half hour there. If you want privacy there isn't really too much of it because of all of the traffic coming to peer around as well. If you live in San Fransisco you'll be just fine flying with your car up the very steep hilly road. As you'd expect, sunset is a great time to be watching from the top of the bluff. This is THE mountain spot to visit if you're planning on it, they have a history of the Bluff up at the top as well. Aside from all that, beware if you're going to visit on a foggy day, it can be difficult to see as far out as you'd like. Make sure while you're in the area to take a peek over some of the bridges that run over the river and you may be able to see some house boats! read more

Grandad Bluff - Recreation Centers Near Me - La Crosse, Wisconsin

It's a great place to go to see the entire area and the scenic view. It's very relaxing and a very nice place for a family to go to enjoy an afternoon read more

This place is cool, i haven't been here prior to this past weekend in what i'd say was 20 years. The view is still very nice, Though if you're ever in the mountains this isn't much of a view, but if you're used to typical flat Wisconsin you'll enjoy it. read more

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This a wonderful view any time of the year. Easy walk to outlook. It's a yay do when in LaCrosse. However no picnic facilities.

An icon of La Crosse, this is a must stop if you are traveling through the area. The view of the city and the river are panoramic and breathtaking. There are paved trails and they have a bathroom area. There is ample parking, but it can get busy especially when the weather is nice. Try going around sunset for great pictures! read more

Ever seen three states at one time? You can if you go to Grandad's Bluff! You can see Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota!!! It's a beautiful view and there is a path that recently opened up that takes you to a closer edge view of everything. It's a great place for pictures and its a beautiful quick walk. read more

Easily the best attraction in la crosse a beautiful drive , view, and hike for anybody looking to spend a sunny day in the sun

Breathtaking views just minutes from downtown La Crosse! We parked further down the hill and walked the rest of the way to the top, which also offered beautiful backdrops for photos and amazing views! Once up there, there are viewing machines so you can see far, but the views are clear and offer many vantage points. Parking was full and there was not much seating on the top, so it wouldn't be ideal for a lunch or get together, but definitely worth the stop! read more

Quite a drive up the hill that will reward you with an excellent view of the area. We were there in the winter and couldn't take advantage of the hiking options but did enjoy looking out from the peak. read more

i love the bluff! If you're in LaCrosse you need to see this and the six pack. You just drive up Main ( I think) to the top where the flag is. Get out, look around, see the whole town and Minnesota and Iowa too. Bring a quarter so you can look in the binocular thingies and take a picture with someone you love. read more

An awe inspiring view of the Coluee region. Great view of the sunset, as it is west-ward facing

If you want to have a great view of La Crosse and the bluffs on the other side of the Mississippi River, you must stop here. No matter if it's 100ºF or 0ºF, it's always beautiful!! read more