Holmen

Day Trips

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.

Drive into downtown La Crosse for a guided walking tour of its historic district. Admire restored Victorian architecture and learn about the river town’s whisky-making heritage. Stop at a bakery for a freshly baked treat and warm coffee to fuel your exploration.

Visit the Dahl Auto Museum and discover vintage cars from throughout the 20th century. Enjoy lunch at a riverside bistro overlooking tugboats and barges. Stroll along the boardwalk to the Riverside Park Gazebo for live music performances.

Dine at an upscale farm-to-fork restaurant showcasing local produce. Raise a toast with a regional white wine or craft cocktail. Cap off the night at a rooftop bar, taking in panoramic views of the confluence of the La Crosse and Mississippi rivers.

Board the La Crosse Queen paddlewheeler for a morning cruise on the mighty Mississippi. Feel the engine churning below deck as the boat pulls away from Holmen’s docks. Capture misty riverbank scenes and soaring eagles through your camera lens.

Enjoy a plated lunch aboard the boat as musicians perform ragtime and folk tunes on deck. Learn about river ecology and history from the knowledgeable onboard guide. Step onto the open-air deck to breathe in the fresh, wood-scented breeze.

Disembark and head to a nearby riverside park for an evening picnic with cheese, fruit, and local wine. Listen to the gentle lapping of waves as the sun dips below the horizon. Return to town for a nightcap at a cozy lounge overlooking the water.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at a farmstead café before meeting your guide for a bicycle tour. Set out on winding country roads that carve through the Driftless Area’s rolling hills. Pause at scenic overlooks to admire fertile valleys and limestone bluffs.

Stop at a roadside farm stand to sample homemade pies and fresh produce. Continue your ride through oak savannahs and limestone outcroppings. Reach a mapped rest area by a spring-fed creek and soak your feet in the cool, clear water.

Return to Holmen for a stretching session and cold-press smoothie at a wellness studio. Enjoy grill-your-own dinner at a local steakhouse featuring grass-fed beef. Relax on the patio with live folk music drifting from the stage.

Join a cooking class led by a renowned local chef at a riverside culinary studio. Learn to prepare classic Midwestern dishes using hyper-local ingredients. Chop, sauté, and season beneath exposed beams as aromas float through the kitchen.

Transition into a wine and cheese pairing session with a sommelier explaining regionally grown grapes. Sample artisanal cheeses from nearby farms alongside crisp whites and light reds. Enjoy picnic-style seating under a pergola overlooking the river.

Take home freshly prepared dishes for a self-guided tasting in your accommodation’s kitchenette. Pair leftovers with a bottle of local cider from a nearby orchard. Wind down by reviewing your recipe notes and planning tomorrow’s adventure.

Rise early and head to a secluded overlook at Prenhalt Park to capture sunrise light over the valley. Use a telephoto lens to spot waterfowl on mist-covered ponds below. Practice framing shots amid wild prairie grasses swaying in the gentle breeze.

Drive to Chiwaukee Prairie to photograph rare wildflowers in full bloom. Learn macro techniques from a visiting wildlife photographer who leads the workshop. Break for lunch at a picnic shelter while reviewing your morning’s shots on a laptop.

Return to your lodge and edit your favorite images using guidance from a visiting digital artist. Host a small showcase with fellow travelers to share top shots over wine and hors d’oeuvres. Retire early to dream of tomorrow’s golden-hour opportunities.

Take a scenic drive west to the quaint town of Trempealeau nestled against a massive limestone bluff. Explore the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge trails as morning light streams through the trees. Visit the Center for the Arts to see local crafts and landscapes on display.

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a historic inn with views of the Mississippi’s broad channel. Rent a canoe for a peaceful paddle to hidden backwaters where egrets forage for fish. Treat yourself to homemade ice cream at a nearby creamery before heading back.

Return to Holmen and dine at a gastropub specializing in regional game meats. Sample venison sliders and locally foraged mushroom risotto. Cap off the evening with a stroll along the illuminated riverwalk.

Stroll through Cartwright Park’s lush green spaces and ornamental gardens at daybreak. Practice yoga on a shaded lawn led by an instructor from the community center. Savor herbal tea as the park’s fountains serenade your peaceful practice.

Lay out a picnic blanket beneath towering oak trees and indulge in a charcuterie spread. Browse an artisan market showcasing handmade jewelry, pottery, and textiles. Attend a midday storytelling session about Holmen’s indigenous history.

Join an outdoor movie night under the stars with classic films projected onto a large screen. Share popcorn and soft drinks with fellow visitors on lawn chairs. Return to your lodging lulled by the echoes of laughter and gentle river sounds.

Enjoy a relaxed brunch at a waterfront café, sampling homemade quiches and mimosas. Chat with friendly locals who share tips for hidden gems off the beaten path. Take souvenir photos with the river barges passing by in the background.

Visit a craft brewery for a behind-the-barrel tour and tasting session. Learn about small-batch brewing techniques and sample final ferment batches still bubbling in their tanks. Pick up growlers of your favorite brews to take home.

Gather with newfound friends at an intimate farewell dinner hosted by a local chef. Relish a multi-course menu starring seasonal produce, river fish, and wild game. Toast under string lights as live acoustic guitar sets a warm mood for your last night in Holmen.