Experience · La Crosse
International Gardens & Riverfront Lunch
Discover the unique beauty of the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, showcasing La Crosse's global connections. Follow it with a delicious lunch with river views, offering locally-sourced cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
A 3.5-hour La Crosse afternoon plan for solo — Riverside International Friendship Gardens, The Restaurant at The Charmant Hotel, Jules Coffee House.
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Cost
- $50–$100
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Walking
- Moderate walking · Total 0.5-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Solo · Couples · Friends
The plan
The plan
- 1Riverside International Friendship Gardens(1 hr 15 min)→
- 2The Restaurant at The Charmant Hotel(1 hr 30 min)→
- 3Jules Coffee House(30 min)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 0.5 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of La Crosse instead of crossing town between them. The Restaurant at The Charmant Hotel is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Jules Coffee House — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to solo, couples, and friends who want a planned La Crosse outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Discover the unique beauty of the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, showcasing La Crosse's global connections. Follow it with a delicious lunch with river views, offering locally-sourced cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 11h 15mRiverside International Friendship Gardens
Outdoors
Landscaped gardens with gazebos & other features, dedicated to the town's sister cities abroad.
What to do — Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, each representing one of La Crosse's sister cities with unique features and gazebos.
Scout Side QuestPick which sister city garden you’d escape to right now if you could teleport. Compare your answers.
0.3 mi · 6 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Walk across the plaza to The Restaurant at The Charmant Hotel, just steps away.
21h 30mThe Restaurant at The Charmant HotelFood & Drink
Upscale hotel restaurant featuring area-sourced, French-inspired cuisine in a sophisticated space.
What to do — Savor a leisurely lunch, perhaps choosing a table by the window for river views, and experience the refined flavors of the menu.
0.2 mi · 4 min walk or 3 min drive
Then Short hop over to Jules Coffee House.
3Optional 30 minJules Coffee HouseFood & Drink
Quaint coffee shop with old-fashioned wooden booths, pastries & a modest outdoor seating area.
What to do — Stop into Jules Coffee House and pick out pastries for tomorrow morning.
Scout Side QuestSecretly pick the pastry you think your date would choose, then see if your guesses match.
Scout Stories
People who did this
Be the first to leave a Moment.
Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.
The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good La Crosse itinerary for solo?
- Yes. It's built for solo, couples, and friends and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Riverside International Friendship Gardens.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this La Crosse itinerary cost?
- Roughly $50–$100 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 0.5 miles of walking in total.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
Keep exploring
More ways to spend time in La Crosse
Different moods, same city.
FamilyLa CrosseFamily Fun & Play in La CrosseDive into an afternoon of imaginative play at the Children's Museum, perfect for curious young minds. Afterwards, grab a casual bite before heading to a park to let the kids burn off any remaining energy outdoors.
- Duration
- 4 hrs
- Cost
- $30–$70
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids
Date NightLa CrosseLa Crosse Escape & Downtown DinnerKick off your date night with an engaging escape room challenge that encourages teamwork and quick thinking. Afterward, unwind with an upscale French-inspired dinner, savoring refined dishes in a charming setting. Conclude your evening with classic cocktails and live jazz in a cozy lounge, extending the good times.
- Duration
- 4 hrs
- Cost
- $100–$250
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends