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Cheap Date Ideas in La Crosse



By: Brooke Voelz

If you are anything like me, you love to go out to eat or planning fun activities with your significant other or your group of friends! However, eating out once a week can make a dent in your bank account. College students spend on average $410 a month eating off campus (Educationdata.org). Planning date nights do not need to break the bank and hanging out with friends does not need to have a large cost associated with it! College is a time for friends and we shouldn’t have to say no to memories because they cost an arm and a leg.

Here are some cheap date or girl’s night out ideas that you can do in La Crosse and the surrounding area!

· Student ID: A lot of local businesses offer deals with your Student ID in the La Crosse area. Make sure any date or GNO you bring your student id and do not be afraid to ask for a discount!

· Hiking: All the local hiking trails in the La Crosse area are free! If you enjoy hiking check out the Marsh Trails and the Hixon Forest Trails! Not a fan of hiking? Check out Rim of the City and Grandad Bluff for some easy walking paths. Bonus points if you plan a picnic 😊

· Arcade Games: Check out Driftless Axe and Top Shots if you are over the age of 21 for some arcade games! Driftless has pinball machines, skeeball, etc. for only 25 cents! Top Shots has pool games for $1.50 and foosball for $1.

· Movie Night: Check out the La Crosse Marcus Theatre on Tuesdays for $5 movies and Thursdays for $7.50 Student Night Movies. Sign up for their rewards program to get deals on popcorn and soda as well!

· Game Night: Grab those old board games and have a game night with your friends! Rent games for free at the Student Union with your Student ID and check out the basement for free arcade games.

· TikTok trends: There are always Tik Tok trends going around for fun date ideas! Go to Walmart and each pick out items that remind you of each other, flip a coin to decide who picks the drinks, apps, entrée, and desert, or do the pick a card trend. Set a budget for these ideas aiming to spend under $20 or a different set amount.

· Restaurants: Most restaurants in La Crosse are college-budget friendly! Here are some highlighted options but check out restaurant websites or Instagram pages for more info:

o Howie’s: Mondays BOGO burgers

o Bodega: Tuesdays BOGO Entrée

o Senor Villas: $6 lunch specials and BOGO margaritas Monday & Tuesday

o Rosie’s and La Crosse Family Restaurant: cheap breakfast meals

o Rudy’s Drive In: Cheap Diner style food

Now you have some great ideas for your next date night or adventure with friends that will not break the bank! Thanks for reading!

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