Green Travel: La Crosse, Wisconsin

Nestled along the Mississippi River and limestone bluffs lies one of the Midwest's top green travel destinations, La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 2008, La Crosse, Wisconsin was ranked as the second best small green city in America by Country Home magazine. A vibrant college town, La Crosse provides visitors with a mix of arts, entertainment, and natural beauty.

In 2007, La Crosse adopted the Natural Step principle for sustainable development. Elements of the Natural Step framework include creating a sustainable society that is dedicated to reducing their dependence on fossil fuels and manufactured chemicals and minimizing the impact on nature. Since the adoption of the Natural Step framework, La Crosse has taken on a number of projects including installing solar hot water systems at the Law Enforcement Center and Lakeview Health Center, passing a small wind ordinance, making roads bike friendly and promoting the use of public transportation.

Things to Do in La Crosse, Wisconsin, A Green Travel Destination

La Crosse, Wisconsin has something for everyone to explore. Riverside Park provides an opportunity for bird watchers to catch a glimpse of eagles, waterfowl and other birds. If visiting the area in the fall, visitors have a chance to spot Tundra Swans in route from the Arctic Circle to Chesapeake Bay.

Another must-see destination within La Crosse is the Myrick-Hixon EcoPark where visitors can take part in environmental education programs, ecosystem exhibits, hiking, bird watching and other activities to nurture respect for the environment.

Located 16 miles from La Crosse, is the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center which provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about protecting and restoring the environment. While on the property, visitors have an opportunity to explore a variety of ecosystems including wetlands, prairies and forests.

La Crosse, Wisconsin also serves as a paradise for outdoor recreation. Hikers can explore trails at Grandad Bluff and Hixon Forest Trails. The rugged terrain of the area also provides a variety of paved and dirt biking trails with difficulty levels ranging from easy to challenging. Visitors can also take in the scenery on canoe or kayak on Black River, La Crosse River, Coon Creek or on the back waters of the Mississippi River. In the winter months, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, snowboarding and downhill skiing are also available in the area.

Green Travel Tips and Accommodations in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Lodging options are plentiful in the La Crosse, Wisconsin area. Visitors will find camping, hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts within city limits. For individuals who prefer staying at a certified green property, the Westby House Inn located in the neighboring town of Westby has earned the Travel Green Wisconsin Seal of Approval. Additional certified green lodging options can be found on the Travel Green Wisconsin website.

Sources:

Summary of Sustainable La Crosse - http://www.sustainablelacrosse.com/PDF/accomplishments.pdf

Sustainable La Crosse Wisconsin http://www.sustainablelacrosse.com/

City of La Crosse http://www.cityoflacrosse.org/

Explore Lacrosse Wisconsin http://explorelacrosse.com/

Myrick Hixon EcoPark http://www.myrickecopark.com/

Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center http://norskedalen.org/