Location: West Salem
Top Things to do in West Salem
The 10 Best Things to Do in West Salem, United States
West Salem is a village in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States, along the La Crosse River. It is part of the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,799 as of the 2010 Census.
Restaurants in West Salem
1. Grandad Bluff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 844 reviews
At 590 feet, this area offers scenic views.
Reviewed By 2017Queen - La Crosse, Wisconsin
This is a nice view on a warm, sunny day. However, we have also visited on a cold, not warm day, which was miserable. It is a lovely, panoramic view and worth the trip on a fall day when the leaves are changing colors. You don't need a lot of time; just enough to snap a few pictures and rest. Sometimes, it is hard to get parking (on weekends or when there is a big event in town).
2. LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
LaCrosse Speedway is an asphalt 5/8th mile oval and 1/4 mile oval race track. Facility hosts the NASCAR Whelen ALl-American Series racing events, from mid May through Mid-August. Additional events include October's Oktoberfest Race Weekend, and September's Eve of Destruction. Entertainment for thrill seekers of all ages, and a family friendly fun environment. Plus, if you like to drag race your own street car, try out Street Drags, the 2nd Friday of the Month, May - September.
Reviewed By Gronezy20 - Kaukauna, Wisconsin
I haven't seen very many local tracks do things as well as the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway does. The setup keeps things flowing smoothly, there's always plenty of racing action, and everything from the concessions to the announcers is enjoyable. Only negative thing I can say is this place is in DESPERATE need of new bleachers/seating in some areas...our wonderful Wisconsin winters seem to have cause the concrete and bleachers to shift in part of the seating area, which has left some rows of bleachers slanted at about a 45 degree angle. Other than that, it's a pretty inexpensive way to spend a Saturday night with great racing action. Make sure to take the kids to the pit area after the races - most of the drivers are extremely friendly and won't hesitate to let kids sit in the cars, get their picture taken, sign autographs, etc.
3. The Vault
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By C K - Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This large small town pub/eatery is all things to all people--get this: eat in (or outside on the patio), carry out, and drive-thru. Yep. Drive-thru. Call that order in, drive through and away you go. Handy for anyone passing through with a cell phone--cyclists on the Elroy-Sparta Trail, campers, vacationers. Sorry truckers and RVs, you'll have to get carry out. There is a height limit on the drive thru.
The Vault is styled like an 80s sports bar--TVs are placed around the room--enough so you can see the game but not so many it interferes with a conversation. All sorts came through the day we were there--couples, singles, groups of friends ate in & a few families hit the drive thru. It's a large, dark space with a few windows, so if it's cozy you're after, try the patio. We crossed shifts & had 2 server/bartenders: one couldn't be bothered...luckily the 2nd came & was on top of things. She joked, got people chatting & greeted locals.
Reasonable selection of beer and cider for a small town; full bar. Pub food--deep fried appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and pizza. It's a smaller kitchen so peak hours may get busy or 'backed up.' Be sure to ask if you're on a schedule.
We ate lunch here on a weekday and the place wasn't real busy. The burger was hearty & meaty like old fashioned burgers are supposed to be. This alone was a find. But the pizza...I could wax eloquent about the pizza...
She makes pizza right: ingredients evenly dispersed right to the edge, golden brown bubbly cheese on top, a balanced crisp/tender crust. Yum. Ordered the garlic bacon ranch and added green olives. I'd return in a heartbeat if it weren't on the other side of the state. We learned they're known for their pizza. Doesn't surprise us one bit.
** Gluten Free Crust Available (not celiac friendly tho).
Leftovers were good cold, too.
4. Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe will forever be a spiritual destination for visitors from all over the world. The Shrine is nestled on over 100 acres of God’s Country in the Mississippi River Valley. In addition to the many beautiful chapels, statues, gardens, and devotional areas, the Shrine has a full service cafe and gift shop open daily. The Shrine is open daily, there is never a charge for visiting, and everyone is welcome.
Reviewed By Kev521 - Freeport, Illinois
The shrine is on top of the hill. There are several buildings and statues to see on you walk up to the shrine. It is a good walk up hill. Not hard but if you can't walk far they have a golf cart that can...MoreKev521, Thank you leaving the Shrine a thoughtful review! We hope you will join us again soon!
5. Treehouse Gift and Home
Overall Ratings
5 based on 18 reviews
A place to find all those little treasures to bring back to your own treehouse.
Reviewed By KPisupati - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
What an amazing gift shop! Give your self plenty of time to look around. Even your husband can find something here. Amazing store, great prices and friendly, helpful staff! Will definitely return.
6. LaCrosse River Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Karen Y - WI
We always use the La Crosse River Trail for biking and walking. Anyone new to the area or locals if you haven't tried it you should. You need a bike pass which is $20 for the year but well worth it to be away from traffic and in to the nature of the river, woods, or even see golfers from Welsh Coulee coming from or going to West Salem.
You can go a long distance or just a short distance if you like. Either way it's well worth the trip.
7. Riverside Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 561 reviews
A Downtown park where three rivers meet.
Reviewed By Denise R
We came up during the cold, rainy, snowy weather days. The view was awesome from our vehicle. Wish it had not been so cold, so we could have walked around. What we did see was beautiful!
8. Lost Island Wine
Overall Ratings
5 based on 16 reviews
Welcome to Lost Island Winery, a small family-owned wine company that produces about 30 different flavors of wine. We invite you to stop and taste our creations as we truly believe we have something for everyone. Then when you've found your favorite flavor, we suggest you take a bottle and....GET LOST!
Reviewed By Resht124 - Burnsville, Minnesota
Loved so many of their wines, but love that they brew too so the men are also satisfied while enjoying this unique island feel atmosphere! Loved the quaint outdoor patio area as well as the array of seating offered inside. Highly recommend, we will definitely be back!
9. Jollivette Family Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By bennyjenks - decatur,Tx.
Stopped on our way to Tomah and found some great looking produce. Large assortment of honeys, syrups,drinks and more. Sunday's are corn roasting and brats day. So bring the kids,pick up some produce and have an ice cream. Round out your visit with a ghostly or Frankenstein pic of your kids.
10. Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Motherhouse
Overall Ratings
5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By CaroleUK2 - La Crosse, Wisconsin
The Mary of the Angels Chapel and the Chapel of Perpetual Adoration are simply stunningly beautiful...actually breathtaking. Take the time to visit and enjoy the tour given by one of the lovely sisters. Tours are available Monday through Saturday 9 to 10:45am and 1 to 3pm.
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