Travel Information
Plan Your Visit to La Crosse, Wisconsin
Conference Venue
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
United States
Conference Facilities:
- Conference Center: Student Union
- Main Sessions: Auditorium
- Exhibition: Grand Ballroom
- Workshops: Meeting Rooms A-C
Campus Map & Parking
Interactive campus map and complimentary parking available in designated conference lots.
View Campus MapAirport Information
La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE)
Distance: 8 miles from campus
Drive Time: 15-20 minutes
Airlines: American Airlines (connecting flights)
Transportation Options:
- Rental Cars: Available on-site
- Taxi/Rideshare: $25-30
- Hotel Shuttles: Check with hotel
Alternative Airports
Rochester International Airport (RST)
Distance: 70 miles (1.5 hours drive)
Regional airport with connections to major hubs
Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP)
Distance: 140 miles (2.5 hours drive)
Major international airport with more flight options
Madison (MSN)
Distance: 95 miles (1.5 hours drive)
Regional airport with limited flights
Milwaukee (MKE)
Distance: 180 miles (3 hours drive)
Major airport with many airlines
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Distance: 220 miles (3.5-4 hours drive)
Major international hub with extensive flight options
Recommended Hotels
Conference Rate Hotels
Holiday Inn
La Crosse, WI
Conference Rate: Conference rate
Distance: Near campus
- Requires 2 night minimum
- Must reserve on or before April 21
Amenities:
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Breakfast available
Or Call 608-667-3030 and request "UWL IEEE Conference"
Conference Rate Hotels
Stoney Creek Hotel
La Crosse, WI
Conference Rate: Conference rate
Distance: Near campus
- Must reserve on or before April 21
Amenities:
- Free WiFi
- Parking
Call 608-781-3060, Extension 2 and use group code "0521IEEE"
Conference Rate Hotels
Hampton Inn & Suites La Crosse Downtown
201 Pearl Street, La Crosse, WI
Conference Rate: Conference rate
Distance: 0.5 miles to campus
- Must reserve on or before April 21
Amenities:
- Free WiFi
- Free Parking
- Free Breakfast
- Fitness Center
Conference Rate Hotels
Radisson Hotel La Crosse
200 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI
Conference Rate: Conference rate
Distance: 1 mile to campus
- Must reserve on or before April 21
Amenities:
- Free WiFi
- Free Parking
- Indoor Pool
- Restaurant
Or Call reservations at 608-668-2448 (code UA95C5) or hotel at 608-784-6680 (code 2605UWLAIS)
Hotel Booking Instructions
To receive conference rates:
- Use the booking links below or call the hotel directly with the group/conference code
- Reserve on or before April 21, 2026 to guarantee conference rates
- Rates are valid for conference dates May 21-23, 2026
About La Crosse, Wisconsin
Historic Downtown La Crosse
Mississippi River
Grandad Bluff Scenic Overlook
Local Attractions at La Crosse
Grandad Bluff
Grandad Bluff is one of La Crosse's most iconic natural overlooks, rising about 590 feet above the surrounding area and offering sweeping panoramic views of the city, the Mississippi River valley, and even into Minnesota and Iowa. Visitors can enjoy photo-worthy vistas, a picnic shelter at the top, and trails for exploring the bluff and nearby nature. The bluff is a classic example of the Driftless Area's rugged terrain and is a perfect spot for sunrise, sunset, or simply soaking in the region's beauty.
Address:
Bliss Road, La Crosse, WI 54601, United States
Tips: Hiking and scenic drives to the overlook are popular, and there's no charge to visit — it's a public park with free access year-round.
La Crosse Queen Cruises — Mississippi River Boat Trips
Step aboard a classic paddlewheel riverboat for a Mississippi River cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen. This authentic replica of historic riverboats offers scenic sightseeing, narrated history of the river and the region, meal cruises (like lunch, dinner, pizza, or Sunday brunch), and special themed trips. Cruise durations range from shorter sightseeing tours (~1.5 hours) to longer lunch or dinner cruises (~2–3 hours). The boat runs May through late October, and even features options like pizza cruises, brunch cruises, or evening dinner excursions with a buffet and bar onboard.
Address:
405 E Veterans Memorial Dr, La Crosse, WI 54601, United States
Price & Typical Times (subject to change; check calendar):
- Sightseeing Cruise: ~90 min — Adults about $20.95, Seniors ~$19.95; usually departs around 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. daily.
- Pizza Cruise: ~1.5 hrs — Adults ~$25.95; typical starts around 5:30 p.m. (Wed & Fri) and 3:30 p.m. (Sat & Sun).
- Three-Hour Lunch Cruise: ~3 hrs — Adults ~$49.95, Seniors ~$47.95; departures vary (check schedule).
- Captain's Sunday Brunch: ~2.5 hrs — Adults ~$48.95, Kids priced lower; typically 10:30 a.m. Sundays.
Notes: Reservations are recommended and open about four weeks in advance. Cruises often include narrated highlights of the river's history and beautiful scenic views, especially through the seasons.
Local Attractions
-
Grandad Bluff
Scenic overlook with panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley
-
Historic Downtown
Victorian architecture, shops, restaurants, and breweries
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Mississippi River
Riverfront parks, boat tours, and recreational activities
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Oktoberfest USA
Annual festival celebrating German heritage (September/October)
Dining & Entertainment
-
Local Breweries
Pearl Street Brewery, City Brewery, Turtle Stack Brewery
-
Fine Dining
Piggy's Restaurant, The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern
-
Casual Dining
Buzzard Billy's, Dublin Square Irish Pub, Fayze's Restaurant
-
Entertainment
La Crosse Community Theatre, Pump House Regional Arts Center
Getting Around La Crosse
Rental Cars
Available at airport and downtown locations
Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis
Rideshare & Taxi
Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services available
Yellow Cab: (608) 782-8294
Public Transit
La Crosse MTU provides local bus service
Routes connect major areas and campus
Walking
Downtown and campus are very walkable
Most hotels within walking distance
Weather in May
Average High
72°F (22°C)
Average Low
50°F (10°C)
What to Pack: Light layers, comfortable walking shoes, light jacket for evenings. Occasional spring showers possible.