Driving toward the landmark Grandad Bluff from downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. The 600-foot high bluff towers in the distance.
THE BRISK MARCH AFTERNOON WIND did not lend itself to standing atop a bluff. So I thought. I pulled on my hand-knit stocking cap, buttoned my wool coat, wrapped a plaid scarf around my neck and tucked my hands inside gloves. I was ready to face the fierce winter wind of Wisconsin.
The view of La Crosse from this bluff is stunning.
But I needn’t have concerned myself about the cold. Exiting the van in Grandad Bluff Park, I found the air still, no brutal wind slapping my skin as it had along the Mississippi River in downtown La Crosse. We—my husband, second daughter and her husband—were all surprised. We expected uncomfortable temps that would send us scurrying back to the van shortly. Rather, we found this spot 600 feet above the city to be calm. How could that be? I still have not figured it out.
The city’s landmark Grandad Bluff—the highest bluff in the La Crosse area with views of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa—teemed with visitors.
My son-in-law John photographs my husband, Randy, and daughter Miranda.
A haze hung over the distant landscape as I surveyed the scene of gridded streets, buildings exposed by naked trees, slips of water tracing through the land, distant river valley bluffs rising.
Peering through binoculars at the scene below.
It took me awhile to assimilate, to edge near the solid fencing overlooking the city. I am a flatlander, an embracer of prairie and horizontal lines, not at all a fan of heights.
I walked part way to the second scenic outlook point before turning back.
But with my camera for comfort, I could view the scene far below. For awhile.
BONUS PHOTOS:
Several signs provide background history on the bluff and surrounding area.
A flag flies atop the bluff.
Nearing the top of the bluff, you’ll pass by the Apline Inn Bar & Grill, a long-time La Crosse establishment. I need to check this out.
FYI: This concludes my six-part “From La Crosse” series.
Click here to view a story and photos from an October 2015 visit to Grandad Bluff. Autumn is an absolutely beautiful time to view the river valley from this scenic overlook.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What a pleasant surprise to find that still air when you exited the car. I am sure it made the visit so much more enjoyable. I loved the picture of Randy and Miranda being photographed. Sweet memory of time with your family.
Yes, sweet memories…
Now imagine what it looked like 10,000 years ago as the violent waters melting off glaciers a mile high scoured out that valley.
I am always impressed by the diversity of the landscape in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Great series, ending on a high note. Living on mostly flat land makes one appreciate the bluffs around the Mississippi. We made many family trips from Ohio to Minnesota over the year and loved traveling through the La Crosse area. Thanks for bringing back those memories.
You are most welcome.
I haven’t been to the Alpine Inn in a long time but I loved their Pizza!
This is good to know. I am mostly interested in the atmosphere of the Alpine given its long history.
My eyes were drawn to the neat rows of older houses. Beautiful view thanks for sharing!
Oh, yes, there are some pretty sweet old houses in La Crosse. Glad you noticed.