Interstate highway 84 runs through the Eastern potion of the town.

La Grande is Union county's county seat. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, a park covering over 2 million acres is just to the West of La Grande. This national forest incorporates several wilderness areas Eagle Cap, Hells Canyon, Monument Rock and North Fork John Day. Another site for rest and relaxation, Lehman Hot Springs, also lies to the West of town. This complex includes a 9,000 foot square swimming pool and soothing hot pools. Examples of architecture from the latter part of the 19th century and the early 20th century exist throughout the downtown area. Eastern Oregon State University, located near the downtown area, originally was a teachers college. The school now offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Science, Business and Education.