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Explore La Crosse

A page within New Student & Family Programs

Explore the area

Explore La Crosse logo

Approximately 150 miles from both Minneapolis and Madison, La Crosse enjoys the affordability and charm of small-town living with larger city benefits. Two world-class medical institutions, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, a restored 19th century downtown business district, and a number of galleries and art centers have made La Crosse a regional hub for culture, entertainment, medical care, shopping, sports and recreation. Visit Explore La Crosse to see everything the community has to offer.

Visit Explore La Crosse

Transportation

Bike information

U-Pass (local bus service)

Regional bus service

  • Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit (S.M.R.T.) - Pick-Up/Drop-Off at Cartwright Center on State Street
  • Coach USA - Pick-Up/Drop-Off at Student Union on Farwell Street
    • Coach USA offers service to/from Madison and Milwaukee.  Tickets may be purchased online. 
  • Jefferson Bus Lines - Pick-Up/Drop-Off at Student Union on Farwell Street
    • Jefferson Lines turns college campuses into convenient student bus stops through our College Connection program. Passengers enjoy all amenities of Your #1 Bus Experience, including free WiFi, electrical outlets, reclining seats, and in-bus restrooms, plus a 15% student discount on tickets. With affordable tickets, comfortable travel, and all you need within walking distance of class, College Connection makes travel easy, affordable, and enjoyable whether, it’s a weekend away or a holiday at home. The program currently serves over 15 universities across four states, with stops at University of Minnesota campuses, North Dakota State, Iowa State, University of Wisconsin campuses, and more. To learn more, visit our website at JeffersonLines.com or contact us at (858) 800-8898.

bus stop map

Airport shuttle

Groome Transportation provides eight round trips each day between La Crosse and Minneapolis-Saint Paul Airport, and 10 round trips each day between La Crosse and Rochester. The shuttle picks up and drops off at the Whitney Center and offers 24 hour customer service to assist with unexpected flight changes. 

Amtrak

The La Crosse Amtrak Station is located roughly a mile north of campus, and can be accessed by the #5 MTU bus and a short walk. The La Crosse Amtrak station is on the Empire Builder line which connects Chicago to Minneapolis and then to the west coast.

  • Stops include Fargo, ND; St. Cloud, MN; St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN; Red Wing, MN; Winona, MN; La Crosse, WI; Tomah, WI; Wisconsin Dells, WI; Portage, WI; Columbus, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Glenview, IL; and Chicago, IL.