Maps & Directions

About La Crosse, Wisconsin

The appreciation for the La Crosse Area has been present from the days of our earliest inhabitants. When the giant glaciers of the Ice Age retreated north it miraculously left the La Crosse Area virtually untouched. In the 17th century, European settlers made their way through the mountainous limestone formations and the narrow valleys until they reached the edge of the 500 foot bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. There, Lt. Zebulon Pike, an American soldier and explorer, saw the Winnegabo Indians playing a game with sticks that resembled a bishop's crozier or la crosse in French. Soon, "Prairie La Crosse" became a major trading post, as commodities, freight, and more settlers arrived in the area.

For additional information on the La Crosse area including restaurants and attractions, go to www.explorelacrosse.com.

Directions to UW-La Crosse

From Interstate I-90, Exit 3, Exit 4 and Exit 5 all lead to the UW-La Crosse campus, but only the closest exit is listed below for each direction. Exit 3 travels along the scenic Great River Road and is the main route to Historic Downtown La Crosse. Exit 4 is a direct route south linking Hwy. 53 from the north with Hwy. 16. Exit 5 is the most easterly route into the City of La Crosse via Hwy. 16.

From the west (I-90):

Exit Interstate I-90 at Exit 3 onto US 53 South. Drive 3.9 miles and turn left on La Crosse Street; continue for 1.1 miles and turn right on East Avenue to Campus.

From the north (Hwy. 53):

If traveling south on Highway 53 (go over I-90 at Exit 4). Follow Highway 157 to Highway 16. Turn right on Highway 16. Drive 3.5 miles and turn right on La Crosse Street and then left on East Avenue to campus.

From the east (I-90):

Travelers heading west to La Crosse on Interstate I-90 exit at Onalaska-La Crosse Highway 16 (Exit 5). Turn left onto Highway 16. Drive 4.8 miles and right on La Crosse Street and then left on East Avenue to campus.

From the south:

Highway 14, 61, and 35 enter the city on the south. Follow the green "UW-La Crosse" signs north on Losey Boulevard to Highway 16 (3.0 miles). Turn left on La Crosse Street and then left on East Avenue to campus.