There may not be a better time to explore La Crosse County than an October weekend. The bluffs are changing color, college football is back, fall events fill the calendar, and Friday night still means one very Wisconsin thing: fish fry.
The weekend of October 9–11 is especially packed, with racing in West Salem, football in La Crosse, fall scenery throughout the county and special events stretching from the Mississippi River into the Driftless countryside.
Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or looking for an excuse to explore your own backyard, here are a few ways to make the most of fall in La Crosse County.
Start the Weekend with a Friday Fish Fry
Before the weekend gets rolling, start Friday night the Wisconsin way.
Across La Crosse County, restaurants, taverns and supper clubs serve Friday fish fry with everything from beer-battered cod and haddock to perch, walleye and other Wisconsin favorites.
If you’re headed to the races in West Salem, spending the evening in downtown La Crosse or making a weekend out of exploring the county, Friday fish fry makes an easy first stop.
And that’s exactly what the Friday Fish Fry Guide is here for: helping you discover fish fry destinations throughout La Crosse County and across Wisconsin.
Oktoberfest Race Weekend Takes Over West Salem
One of the biggest events happening this weekend is the 57th Oktoberfest Race Weekend at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem.
The four-day racing celebration runs October 8–11 and features four days of stock-car racing, including Super Late Models and special racing events. Friday night includes the Dick Trickle 99, while the racing continues throughout Saturday and Sunday. Oktoberfest Race Weekend
It’s an especially good reason for race fans coming into the area to explore beyond the speedway. Grab a Friday fish fry, spend some time in West Salem and make the races part of a full La Crosse County weekend.
Oktoberfest Race Weekend information
Saturday Means Football in La Crosse
College football adds another layer to the weekend.
The UW-La Crosse Eagles host UW-Whitewater at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 10, at Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex.
The game is also Family Weekend and Football Reunion Weekend, bringing students, alumni and families together in La Crosse. UW La Crosse Athletics
That makes downtown La Crosse a natural place to spend part of the weekend, whether you’re grabbing something to eat, exploring local businesses or taking in the atmosphere surrounding game day.
UW-La Crosse 2026 football schedule
Explore the Fall Colors
You don’t need an event ticket to enjoy one of La Crosse County’s best October attractions.
The scenery is the attraction.
The Mississippi River, wooded bluffs and winding roads surrounding La Crosse create plenty of opportunities for a fall drive or afternoon outdoors.
Grandad Bluff is an obvious stop for sweeping views over La Crosse and the Mississippi River Valley, while the area’s parks, trails and scenic roads offer plenty of other ways to experience the season.
A simple weekend itinerary can work beautifully: fish fry Friday night, coffee Saturday morning, a drive through the bluffs and then football or racing in the afternoon.
Take a Trip to Coon Valley
For something completely different, head south of La Crosse to Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center in Coon Valley.
Norskedalen’s Civil War Experience takes place October 10–11. The grounds are transformed with Civil War-era reenactors, military drills, battle reenactments, demonstrations and period music performed on authentic instruments.
Activities run between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with a scheduled skirmish at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Norskedalen
Combined with the rural scenery surrounding Coon Valley, it makes an interesting Sunday excursion after spending Friday or Saturday in La Crosse.
Norskedalen Civil War Experience
Make It a La Crosse County Weekend
What makes this particular October weekend fun is that you don’t have to choose just one thing.
You could start with a Friday fish fry, head to West Salem for Oktoberfest Race Weekend, catch UW-La Crosse football Saturday, drive through the bluffs to enjoy the fall colors and spend Sunday exploring Coon Valley and the surrounding countryside.
Or forget the itinerary entirely and simply follow the river, stop when something looks interesting and find a local fish fry along the way.
That’s part of what makes fall weekends in Wisconsin so good.
Find Your Next La Crosse County Fish Fry
Whether you’re a La Crosse County local, visiting for a UW-La Crosse game, coming into West Salem for Oktoberfest Race Weekend or taking a fall road trip through western Wisconsin, make a local Friday fish fry part of the trip.
Explore La Crosse County fish fry restaurants on the Friday Fish Fry Guide and discover your next Wisconsin favorite.
🍁 Good scenery. Local communities. College football. Race cars. And a plate of fried fish waiting somewhere nearby.
That’s a pretty solid October weekend in La Crosse County.