1.0
Pros: My train was 6 hours late. Cons: the train could arrive on time.
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You can pick from 2 daily train trips between La Crosse and Wisconsin Dells. The average train journey from La Crosse to Wisconsin Dells takes one hour and 21 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
Distance | 74 mi (120 km) |
Fastest train | 1h 21m |
Lowest price | €12.25 |
Trains per day | 2 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
Train lines | 1 |
Overall score for trains from La Crosse to Wisconsin Dells
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
1.0
Pros: My train was 6 hours late. Cons: the train could arrive on time.
In the last month, €12.25 was the average price of a train ticket from La Crosse to Wisconsin Dells. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 10 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €2.36 more than that for a same-day booking.
Ticket prices for the train from La Crosse to Wisconsin Dells often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only €16,
If you're thinking of traveling from La Crosse to Wisconsin Dells during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €46 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Amtrak Empire Builder is the one and only train line which connects La Crosse to Wisconsin Dells. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 1h 22m | €14.80 |
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.
Trains departing from La Crosse to Wisconsin Dells tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs La Crosse at 11:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in La Crosse twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Wisconsin Dells with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Wisconsin Dells to La Crosse.
A busy college town blessed with lush and beautiful green zones, La Crosse is one of the best places to just chill out and unwind. The city's star attraction is the Grandad Bluff, which offers a panoramic view of the entire city and the Mississippi River. Hiking up the hill will certainly be a challenge, but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. While staying in the city, don't miss out on the chance to go on a cruise aboard the La Crosse Queen, a replica paddle steamer, and unwind while enjoying the sunset. For some family fun, head over to the Children's Museum of La Crosse.
La Crosse does have a pretty reputable food scene, with a strong focus on beers and cheese curds. For an upscale dining experience with the best local dishes, The Waterfront Restaurant & Tavern is a local favorite that has a stellar reputation. Or head to the Dublin Square Irish Pub & Eatery for a combination of good foods and drinks.
La Crosse is easily accessible by bus or train, and regional flights operate out of the La Crosse Municipal Airport.
Image credit: Unsplash
Wisconsin Dells is a city on the Wisconsin River, where you can see glacier-carved sandstone formations. It made a name for itself as a destination for family-friendly activities, offering multiple theme parks like Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park and Noah's Ark Water Park. Aside from having some of the best and most thrilling water parks in the US, Wisconsin Dells is also popular for its natural scenery. The Mirror Lake State Park, a forested reserve surrounding a lake, is popular for hiking, walking, and camping. There are also spots for history and architecture, like the Seth Peterson Cottage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Museum of Historic Torture Devices.
Although it's popular as a kid-centric destination, Wisconsin Dells also offers exciting nightlife and fun activities for adults. You can check out the Ho-Chunk Gaming Casino or visit some of their interactive gaming exhibits. The Wilderness Resort and Kalahari Resort in the city have indoor mini-golf courses, and there are spots for outdoor golf open during the summer. Due to the different resorts in the city, you can also enjoy spas, restaurants, antique shops, and more. The city is home to wineries and craft breweries.
You can easily access Wisconsin Dells by train or bus, provided by Amtrak Empire Builder and OurBus, respectively.
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionThe La Crosse Amtrak Station is located in the city's Lower Northside neighborhood at 601 St Andrew St. The station was built in 1926, and even though it has undergone several renovations, many of the original elements – including the marble surfaces and wooden ticket counters – have been preserved. In fact, the station is on the National Register of Historic Places. The station serves as the only stop in La Crosse for Amtrak's Empire Builder train line. At the station, travelers can find a spacious indoor waiting area, as well as an information desk with brochures and guides for local attractions. In addition, since the station is located in a residential neighborhood, various restaurants and bars are in close proximity.
601 St Andrew St
Wisconsin Dells has one train station.
100 LaCrosse St
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