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The La Crosse Area abounds with outdoor and indoor recreational activities. It would be difficult to find a residency program in such a beautiful area with so many things to do!
Summer Activities
 The area's abundant water resources make canoeing, boating, water-skiing and swimming popular summer activities. The La Crosse Parks System includes 25 city parks, 6 county parks and playgrounds fully developed with picnic areas, play areas, tennis courts and shelters. Additional recreational facilities are provided at the 150 acre Grandad Bluff Park, the 650 acre Goose Island County Park, and the 53 acre Veteran's Memorial Park in West Salem. Perot State Park is located in nearby Trempealeau and provides scenic hiking, biking, and camping. Many residents hike and cross-country ski in Hixon Forest, a 10 minute drive away from Gundersen Lutheran. Less than a mile from downtown La Crosse, citizens enjoy Myrick Park Zoo and its residents that range from monkeys to black bears. Hiking and biking trails, fully integrated with the Wisconsin state system, attract many visitors to the area throughout the summer months.
If golf is your bag, the Greater La Crosse Area was ranked as Wisconsin's best "golf city" by Golf Digest (1998) and 21st among the nations 309 major metro areas. The area boasts fifteen 9-hole and twelve 18-hole public golf courses. Additionally, three 18-hole private courses can also be found.
 River backwaters, wooded coulees and remnant prairies provide excellent habitat for wild game. Hunting enthusiasts in our area have no trouble finding whitetail deer, ducks, geese, pheasants, grouse and wild turkeys.
In rivers, lakes and streams, high quality trout, walleye, northern pike and panfish provide a challenge for any angler. Ice fishing remains popular throughout the winter season.
Winter Activities
For winter enjoyment, abundant snow cover on well-groomed trails provides excellent snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. There is also an ice skating rink right behind the resident housing.
Mt. La Crosse—A privately owned ski hill located in southern La Crosse County, offers some of the finest downhill skiing in the Midwest. Two free lift tickets are provided for Gundersen Lutheran residents.
For information on recreation in La Crosse, visit the La Crosse Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau web site
Sports
Indoor and outdoor city league teams in a wide variety of sports are available all year long. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation sponsors several resident teams each year. There are several health clubs in La Crosse, three of which are within a five minute drive of Gundersen Lutheran, including the YMCA.
La Crosse Fairground Speedway—Wisconsin's only NASCAR sanctioned speedway.
Stars of Tomorrow—Nationally recognized youth baseball and softball tournament.
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