Camping

Wildcat Landing & Campground is a county park on the Mississippi River near Brownsville. Wildcat offers a great beach, camping and a ramp for your boat. From Highway 16 south of La Crescent, follow Highway 26 to Brownsville. For a “primitive” camping experience, stay on a Mississippi River sandbar! Adventurers may camp at a single location for up to 14 days over 30 consecutive days. After two weeks, find another spot half a mile away and do it again.

Great River Bluffs State Park north of La Crescent includes 40 campsites with 4 of them designed as group sites. A 5-site bicycle campground is also available for cyclists riding along the Mississippi River Trail bicycle route. Email: info.dnr@state.man.us or call 1-888- MINNDNR for reservations.

Pettibone Campground is the closest private campsite to La Crescent and has an incredible view of the Mississippi cutting through the Driftless Area. The entrance to the park is just before the approach to the big blue Beaver Creek State Park.

Parks

Vetsch Park

Vetsch Park is in the west central section of town, and contains a mixture of mulch and mowed trails that meander up the bluff to an observation area. This vantage point of the park presents birders and other nature lovers a haven with geographical beauty. A conservation easement limits changes to Vetsch Park ensuring it stays in its natural state.

Old Hickory Park

Old Hickory Park is 18 acres of green space surrounded by sidewalks and residential streets. With Eagles Bluff to the east and Apple Blossom Drive to the west, Old Hickory is a beautiful and non-intimidating location to enjoy the “Driftless” landscape. And, its playground and shelter were made to be accessible for everyone.

Eagles Bluff Park

Eagles Bluff Park sits atop a prominent bluff providing a 360-degree view of the area around La Crescent. Eagles Bluff is protected from development under a preservation trust. With 63 acres of wooded land, many use it for hiking and cross country skiing. A strenuous off-trail hike to the top of the bluff is well worth the effort as soon as you witness the view.

Haralson

Kistler Memorial Park is named after a former city councilman who was eager to serve all the residents. Kistler Park is also eager to serve all the residents by providing kids a playground, tennis courts, and aquatic center. La Crescent also uses this spot for Neighbor’s Night Out, so Kistler Park is truly continuing Frank J. Kistler’s legacy.

Abnet Field

Abnet Field has two softball fields and a sheltered picnic area which are utilized extensively from spring through fall. La Crescent Community Arena is on this property. It is used for many activities in addition to hockey, making it busy year round. La Crescent’s fall celebration of the apple harvest, Applefest, and Liz Fest, an annual remembrance celebration and fundraising event, are held at Abnet Field.

Apple Blossom Overlook Park

Apple Blossom Overlook Park is located north of La Crescent on Apple Blossom Drive Scenic Byway. Maintained by Winona County, this park features an information marker designating local trees and flowers. Overlook Park is frequented by photographers to capture images of the morning sunrise over the Mississippi River Valley. Recent enhancements enable visitors to enjoy the surrounding tranquil area.

Vets’ Park

Veterans’ Park includes a skate park, soccer fields, softball fields and picnic shelter. One of the city’s oldest parks, this 8- acre facility has hosted gatherings and sporting events for decades. A section of Veterans Park became the site of the La Crescent Area Event Center and Best Western Plus Hotel, both of which opened in the summer of 2019.

Pettibone Park

Pettibone Park is located between La Crosse, WI and La Crescent on the legendary Highway 61. Pettibone provides the best access to river fun with the West and East Channels of the Mississippi River on either side. In addition to water activities, bikers, hikers, birders, and Frisbee golfers can enjoy this area just as much as those on the water.