Coon Valley WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Coon Valley, Wisconsin.
1. Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center
NORWEGIAN HERITAGE PRESERVED
Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center offers visitors a beautiful setting featuring a Norwegian farmstead and 400-acre natural area in Coon Valley. The center is dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region, with a visitors center that has a nice selection of Norwegian items. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the coulee region, learn about the history of those who have lived there throughout time, and experience the Norwegian heritage preserved in the buildings and artifacts.
2. Coon Valley Veterans Memorial Park
HONORING LOCAL HEROES
Coon Valley Veterans Memorial Park stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who served in the armed forces from the Coon Valley area. The memorial park provides a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance, with monuments and plaques honoring veterans from various conflicts. Visitors can pay their respects while enjoying the serene park setting in the heart of Coon Valley.
3. Coon Valley Sale Barn
RURAL AUCTION TRADITION
The Coon Valley Sale Barn represents an authentic slice of rural Wisconsin life where livestock auctions and community gatherings take place. This traditional agricultural venue offers visitors a glimpse into the farming heritage that has shaped the Coon Valley region for generations. The sale barn continues to serve as both a functional marketplace and a cultural landmark in the community.
4. Central Park Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Central Park Gallery showcases the work of talented local and regional artists in the heart of Coon Valley. The gallery features rotating exhibitions that highlight various artistic styles and mediums, offering a cultural experience for art enthusiasts. Visitors can appreciate the creative expressions that often draw inspiration from the natural beauty and heritage of the Driftless Area.
5. Sweet Valley Artisans
HANDCRAFTED LOCAL TREASURES
Sweet Valley Artisans features a collection of handcrafted items created by talented craftspeople from Coon Valley and the surrounding region. The shop offers a variety of unique gifts, home decor, jewelry, and art pieces that reflect the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the area. Visitors can discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local artists and artisans who keep traditional crafts alive.
6. South Ridge Inn
CHARMING RURAL RETREAT
South Ridge Inn provides guests with a charming countryside retreat in the rolling hills near Coon Valley. The inn offers comfortable accommodations with scenic views of the picturesque Driftless Area landscape that surrounds it. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful rural setting while having easy access to the natural attractions and cultural sites throughout the Coon Valley region.
7. Vernon Vineyards
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Vernon Vineyards offers wine enthusiasts a chance to sample locally produced wines in the beautiful countryside of Vernon County near Coon Valley. The vineyard takes advantage of the unique growing conditions of the Driftless Area to cultivate grapes for their distinctive wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings, learn about the winemaking process, and take in the scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
8. Wildcat Mountain State Park
SCENIC NATURAL WONDER
Wildcat Mountain State Park encompasses over 3,600 acres of spectacular natural beauty in Vernon County, offering breathtaking views of the Kickapoo River Valley. The park features rugged terrain with steep hillsides, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystems that provide habitat for numerous plant and animal species. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing while exploring this pristine natural area not far from Coon Valley.
9. Kickapoo Valley Reserve
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve protects over 8,600 acres of diverse landscapes including forests, prairies, wetlands, and the meandering Kickapoo River in Vernon County. The reserve offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Visitors to the area near Coon Valley can explore miles of trails while learning about the unique natural and cultural history of this ecologically significant region.
10. Mississippi River
MIGHTY RIVER ADVENTURES
The Mississippi River flows majestically along the western border of Wisconsin, offering numerous recreational opportunities just a short drive from Coon Valley. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and scenic drives along the Great River Road that follows this iconic American waterway. The river's backwaters, islands, and surrounding bluffs create a diverse ecosystem that supports abundant wildlife and provides stunning vistas throughout the seasons.
11. La Crosse Center
REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The La Crosse Center serves as the premier convention and entertainment facility in the region, hosting concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and conferences throughout the year. The recently renovated center features modern amenities while maintaining its convenient downtown location near the Mississippi River. Visitors from Coon Valley and beyond can enjoy a wide variety of performances and events in this versatile venue that anchors the entertainment scene in La Crosse.
12. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
SPIRITUAL PILGRIMAGE DESTINATION
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe stands as a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and peace nestled among the rolling hills near La Crosse, a short drive from Coon Valley. The shrine features beautiful architecture, sacred art, and landscaped grounds with devotional areas, meditation gardens, and walking paths that wind through the wooded property. Visitors of all faiths can appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, artistic elements, and natural beauty of this spiritual destination.
13. Grandad Bluff Park
PANORAMIC VALLEY VIEWS
Grandad Bluff Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of La Crosse, the Mississippi River valley, and parts of Minnesota and Iowa from its 600-foot rocky cliff. The park features observation platforms, picnic areas, and interpretive displays that help visitors understand the unique geology and natural history of the Driftless Area. This iconic landmark provides some of the most spectacular vistas in the region and is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area around Coon Valley.
14. Great River Bluffs State Park
MAJESTIC MISSISSIPPI OVERLOOKS
Great River Bluffs State Park preserves dramatic limestone bluffs and hardwood forests overlooking the Mississippi River across from Wisconsin. The park offers several overlooks with stunning views of the river valley, along with hiking trails that wind through diverse natural habitats. Visitors from Coon Valley can enjoy bird watching, photography, camping, and seasonal activities like wildflower viewing in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn at this scenic natural area.
15. Children's Museum of La Crosse
INTERACTIVE FAMILY FUN
The Children's Museum of La Crosse provides an engaging, hands-on learning environment where children can explore, create, and discover through interactive exhibits and activities. The museum features three floors of educational play spaces designed to stimulate curiosity and imagination while making learning fun for visitors of all ages. Families from Coon Valley and surrounding communities can enjoy this enriching destination that encourages children to develop cognitive, social, and motor skills through creative play.