Things To Do
in Holmen
Holmen, Wisconsin is a small, family-oriented village on the outskirts of La Crosse in the Driftless Area, known for its easy access to river bluffs, trails, and agricultural land. It combines a quiet small-town atmosphere with proximity to outdoor recreation on the Mississippi River and nearby state parks. Many residents commute into La Crosse, but Holmen retains local shops, community events and seasonal farmers markets.
The area is popular with cyclists, anglers and visitors looking for a low-key base to explore western Wisconsin's scenic bluffs and waterways.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a serene walk along the banks of the Mississippi River in Riverside Park. The mist rises off the water as you greet the sunrise over Holmen's skyline. Enjoy a fresh pastry and coffee at a charming local cafe by the trails.
Grab a picnic lunch and watch barges drift by on the river. Head to Holmen Park for a leisurely bike ride along the well-maintained paths. Stop at a shaded pavilion to sample regional cheeses and meats from the village market.
Relish a farm-to-table dinner overlooking the flowing river at one of Holmen’s cozy riverside restaurants. As dusk settles, light a candle and share local craft beers on the outdoor patio. End the night with live music at the neighborhood tavern.
Embark on an invigorating hike through the bluffs and forests of Perrot State Park. Dew-drenched wildflowers line the trails as you ascend to panoramic overlooks above the Mississippi. Spot local wildlife such as deer and songbirds as the sun climbs overhead.
Settle onto the grassy riverbanks for a riverside lunch you packed from town. Rent a kayak and paddle under limestone cliffs, feeling the gentle current pull you along the river. Pause for photos at the famed Point Lookout before heading back to shore.
Head back to Holmen and unwind with a local microbrew at a brewery taproom. Sample flight options paired with artisanal nuts and pretzels. Share stories of the day around a fire pit as the stars emerge overhead.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-140 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🚌Local bus fare / short ride | $1.50-2.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to Mississippi River bluffs, trails and state parks for outdoor recreation
- Calm, family-friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to La Crosse amenities
- Strong local agricultural food culture with fresh dairy and farmers markets
- Limited nightlife and fine-dining options within Holmen itself
- Public transportation is limited; a car is convenient for exploring the area
- Winters can be harsh and may disrupt outdoor plans or travel
Places to Visit in Holmen
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic river views, islands and shifting light especially at sunrise and sunset make these bluffs ideal for landscape photography.
A short drive from Holmen, this well-known bluff offers panoramic views over La Crosse and the Mississippi River valley — excellent for panoramas and golden-hour shots.
Cliffside vantage points, river scenery and diverse habitats offer opportunities for wildlife, landscape and autumn foliage photography.
Scenic stretches of trail through farmland and woodlands provide pleasant compositions of rural Midwestern landscapes, bridges and streams.
Small-town architecture, seasonal festivals, barns and pastoral scenes capture the charm of local life and rural Wisconsin.
Food in Holmen
Holmen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh, squeaky cheese curds from local dairies — best found at farmers markets, roadside stands or regional cheese shops in the area.
Must-Try!
A Wisconsin tradition: battered or beer-battered fried fish served with potato and coleslaw at area bars and restaurants, especially during Lent.
Grilled brat served with mustard and kraut — widely available at local grills, festivals, and supper clubs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small community market with local produce, cheese, baked goods and sometimes prepared foods; an ideal place to sample local dairy and seasonal produce.
Larger regional market offering a broad range of vendors, artisanal food, local meats and ready-to-eat items — a good half-day excursion for food lovers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally polite and conversational — greetings, small talk and holding doors are typical. Respect personal space and be courteous in queues and public places.
Much of the surrounding land is private farmland — stay on marked trails and ask permission before entering private property or photographing farms up close.
Community events, church activities and local fairs are important; arrival on time and participation in a low-key, respectful way is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Holmen
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: 15–20% at full-service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or $3–5 for table service; round up taxi fares and tip hotel staff for bell service and housekeeping modestly.
Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common in larger establishments. Carry some cash for small vendors, farmers markets or rural merchants which may be cash-preferred.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and humid with daytime highs often in the 70s–80s °F (20s–30s °C); ideal for hiking, boating, biking and outdoor festivals. Expect mosquitoes near water and bring sunscreen and bug repellent.
Crisp temperatures and excellent fall color on the bluffs and state parks; layers recommended as days can be mild and nights cool. Harvest festivals and farmers markets are common.
Cold with snow and icy conditions, temperatures often below freezing. Good for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling; prepare for winter driving and dress in warm layers.
Variable weather with mud season and budding landscapes; cool to mild temperatures and frequent rain — great for migratory birdwatching but check trail conditions.
Holmen at Night
Hiking in Holmen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short drive from Holmen, offering trails along steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, diverse habitats and excellent birdwatching.
Well-maintained paths and overlooks providing panoramic views of La Crosse and the river valley; accessible and family-friendly.
A multi-use trail running through scenic farmland, woodlands and small towns — good for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing in winter.
Rugged ridges and valleys in the Driftless Area with longer hiking routes and more remote backcountry-style scenery for adventurous hikers.
Airports
How to reach Holmen by plane.
About 15–20 minutes by car; offers regional flights and is the most convenient airport for access to Holmen.
Roughly a 45–60 minute drive depending on route; provides additional regional flight options.
Approximately 1–1.5 hours away by car; useful for additional connections, especially for visitors to the wider region.
Major international airport about 2.5–3 hours by car; offers the most flight options and is commonly used for long-distance travelers to the area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Holmen has many family households, with community services and schools that cater to children and family activities.
A number of residents commute to nearby La Crosse for work, education and services, blending small-town living with city amenities.
The area attracts retirees who prefer a quieter pace, access to outdoor recreation and proximity to healthcare in La Crosse.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local high school sports are community focal points with strong attendance and town pride for football and basketball seasons.
Angling and recreational boating on the Mississippi River and local streams are popular year-round activities for residents and visitors.
Road cycling and trail riding are popular thanks to scenic country roads and the La Crosse River State Trail.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Holmen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at cafes and many restaurants, but choices can be more limited in smaller Holmen establishments. In La Crosse you'll find more dedicated vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants. Ask about substitutions and look for salads, grain bowls and cheese- or bean-based entrees.
Gluten-free options are increasingly common; confirm gluten-free preparation with staff, especially at bakeries and fried-food venues where cross-contamination is possible.
Smaller kitchens can accommodate requests but may have limited allergy-specific menus — notify staff in advance where possible and carry medication if you have severe allergies.