We have driven to La Crosse, WI many times.  We love the town and the views along the Mississippi River. We’ve always noticed an American Flag at the very top of the bluff. When we got to the top of the Bluff we found the flag we’d always noticed. We finally discovered one of the top places in Wisconsin to view fall colors at Granddad Bluff in La Crosse, WI and it was right at the location of that American Flag we’ve seen time and again.

We knew we were in for a special treat driving up the long and winding road. The drive up was made especially fun in drizzly, wet, fall weather. Really, a rainy fall day is our ideal day.

The long & winding road that leads to Granddad Bluff

The American Flag we mentioned flying high from the Bluff atop the quarry shelter

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Here is what we learned about Granddad Bluff in La Crosse:

This bluff (commonly called “Grandad Bluff”) was the site of the first complete service of Christian Divine Worship to be conducted in La Crosse. The Reverend Father James Lloyd Beck and his company of pioneer missionaries climbed to the top of the bluff and celebrated the Holy Eucharist.

Granddad Bluff offers spectacular fall colors fall colors

Cozy property below the bluff

We spotted this gorgeous red barn at the foot of the bluff. We spent some time imagining how gorgeous it would be to live down there. It must be absolutely gorgeous during the peak leaf season.

We recently purchased this DSLR camera before this trip so we had fun throwing on the zoom lens and getting a close-up.

This is the view directly above the property.

Granddad Bluff is a great spot for eagle watching

We got lucky and were graced with the sight of bald eagles flying over the Bluff. Eagles are a common sight along the Upper Mississippi River Valley. The bluffs provide tall trees where they like to build their nests.  Speaking of Eagles, if you’re in the La Crosse area, take a scenic drive up to Wabasha to visit the National Eagle Center where you can get up close and personal as well as learn more about the majestic bald eagle.

Although we love a rainy day, on a clear day we might have been able to capture the colors of the eagle as it flew over the American Flag.

We visited Granddad Bluff mid-September of 2016. We hope to visit again during peak leaf season. Here the fall color guide for you to plan your trip to maximize the beauty of fall in La Crosse, WI.

Tell us your favorite spot in the Midwest for fall colors

Granddad Bluff in Lacrosse, WI

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