35 Best Things to do in Eau Claire!

Eau Claire is a charming city in the heart of Wisconsin, known for its beautiful natural scenery, vibrant arts scene, and warm Midwestern hospitality. Whether you’re looking to explore lush parks, enjoy local music, or simply relax in a peaceful environment, Eau Claire offers something for visitors. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Eau Claire to help you plan your trip and ensuring an enjoyable experience during your visit to Wisconsin.

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1. Historic Attractions

Eau Claire’s Historic Downtown

The Eau Claire’s historic downtown is a lively area filled with old buildings, local shops, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of the city’s past. The downtown district began as a small settlement in the 1850s, growing into a center for business, entertainment and community life. Barstow Street, once home to the city’s first public school and post office, remains a key part of downtown, lined with boutiques, and historic sites. The Schlegelmilch House, built in 1871, is one of the oldest brick houses in the city and now serves as a museum with guided tours showcasing Eau Claire’s brewing history.

Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts

Built in 1889, Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts is a historic theater that was originally named as the Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater, honoring Mabel Tainter, the daughter of a local lumber baron. Designed in Richardsonian Romanesque style, the theater features intricate woodwork, stained glass windows and hand-carved details. The center hosts a full performing arts season, including music, theater, comedy and events, bringing people together through the arts. The venue offers outreach programs, workshops and an annual Fine Arts and Crafts Fair, supporting local artists and performers.

Chippewa Area History Center

The Chippewa Area History Center is preserving the rich history of the Chippewa Valley, featuring exhibits, artifacts, and displays on fur traders, European immigrants, town builders, and Native American communities. The center is home to the Chippewa County Historical Society, The Past Passed Here, and the Chippewa County Genealogical Society, which work together to protect and present local history. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that highlight the area’s cultural and economic growth. Special events include presentations by historians, guided tours, and genealogy research programs.

Elk Mound Hill Castle

Located in Mound Hill Park, Elk Mound Hill Castle is a sandstone observation tower built in 1937, offering panoramic views of the region from one of the highest viewpoints in Dunn County. Originally constructed as a memorial to rural mail carriers, the tower has become a local landmark, attracting visitors looking for scenic overlooks and a bit of history. The structure has three levels, with stairs leading to the top, where visitors can enjoy wide views of rolling hills and countryside. Some locals refer to it as the Dead Mailmen Haunted Castle, with stories of ghostly encounters adding to its mystery.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Phoenix Park

The Phoenix Park is a 9 acres public space located at the confluence of the Chippewa River and Eau Claire River, offering scenic views for visitors. A natural amphitheater hosts concerts and special events, including the popular Sounds Like Summer series, which brings live music to the park during warmer months. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market takes place here, offering fresh produce and local goods every Saturday. The Phoenix Park Bridge is illuminated with colorful lights at night. Visitors can explore the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour, which includes outdoor art installations in downtown.

Chippewa River Trail

The Chippewa River Trail is a 30 miles scenic path that follows the Chippewa River, offering an outdoor experience for walkers, bikers and nature lovers. The trail starts at Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire and stretches through river bottoms, prairies, sandstone bluffs and wetlands, creating a diverse landscape for visitors. The first 11 miles of the trail are paved, making it easy for biking and rollerblading, while the remaining sections have a smooth asphalt emulsion surface. The trail connects with Red Cedar State Trail, forming a 37.5 miles recreational route between Eau Claire and Menomonie.

Pinehurst Park

The Pinehurst Park is a year-round outdoor recreation area offering activities for all ages, with features that have expanded since 2013 to include mountain bike trails, dirt jumps, hiking paths, and disc golf. The park is a popular spot for adventure seekers, especially in winter when visitors can enjoy sledding, ice skating, hockey, and cross-country skiing, with a gear-share program offering free equipment like sleds and snowshoes. Seasonal events, including bike races and winter sports competitions, bring the community together, making the park a hub for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Hiking Trails

Eau Claire offers a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through forests, rivers, and scenic landscapes, providing a chance for outdoor exploration. Lowes Creek County Park has 8.2 miles of trails, offering a mix of easy and moderate paths for hikers and bikers, while the Chippewa River State Trail, stretching 38.9 miles, connects Eau Claire to nearby towns, making it great for long-distance hiking. Putnam Trail, a 1.3 mile easy path, runs along the Eau Claire River, offering peaceful views, while Tower Ridge Recreational Area features 955 acres of wooded trails, ideal for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Golfing Courses

Eau Claire has several golf courses that offer a mix of public and private options for players of all skill levels. Eau Claire Golf & Country Club is a private course with 18 holes, providing a well-maintained space for members to enjoy the game. Princeton Valley Golf Course, a public 9-hole course, features large greens and rolling terrain, making it a great choice for casual golfers. Pine Meadow Golf Club, also a 9-hole public course, is designed for quick rounds, allowing players to finish in under 2 hours.

Wild Ridge Golf & Event Center combines Wild Ridge and Mill Run, offering a championship-level links-style course for those looking for a challenge. Hickory Hills Golf Course, another public 18-hole course, provides a relaxed setting with options for group outings and junior golf programs. Checking availability and booking tee times in advance is helpful, as schedules may vary throughout the season.

Putnam Park

Spanning for 230 acres, Putnam Park is a natural area owned by the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, providing a peaceful escape in the middle of Eau Claire. The park follows the Chippewa River to the west and Minnie Creek to the east, creating a mix of forested landscapes and wetland areas. Originally donated to the city in 1909 by Henry Cleveland Putnam, the land was meant to be preserved as a botanical laboratory, showcasing diverse plant life. In 1957, ownership transferred to the university and in 1976, the park was designated a Wisconsin State Natural Area, protecting its local ecosystem.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology

The Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology showcases advancements in computing with the Cray Research Inc. Supercomputer Collection, displaying developments made in early supercomputer technology. It highlights the city’s contributions towards industry and technology through interactive exhibits and historical collections, allowing visitors to explore its impact on manufacturing and innovation. Guided tours offer deeper understanding into the exhibits, covering topics like early industrial growth, scientific breakthroughs, and the evolution of businesses in the Chippewa Valley.

Wisconsin Logging Museum

The Wisconsin Logging Museum is dedicated for preserving the story Wisconsin’s logging industry through its exhibits, interactive displays and historic buildings. In the beginning, it was known as Paul Bunyan Logging Camp, later the museum has developed to have four historic buildings, including a machine shed and interpretive center. The 1890s logging camp reproduction gives visitors a look at life in a traditional logging camp, featuring a cook’s shanty, bunkhouse and blacksmith shop. It hosts events like the US Open Chainsaw Carving Championship, where artists create sculptures from logs.

Carson Park

Covering 134 acres, Carson Park is a historic park located on a peninsula surrounded by Half Moon Lake, providing outdoor activities and cultural attractions. The park was donated to the city in 1914 by the heirs of William Carson, a local lumber baron. It features baseball, football, and softball fields, with the Carson Park Baseball Stadium hosting local and amateur teams. Walking trails, shaded picnic areas, and designated fishing spots provide a pleasant escape for nature lovers. Events like sports tournaments, historical reenactments and festivals, bring locals and visitors together throughout the year.

Pablo Center at the Confluence

Opened in 2018, Pablo Center at the Confluence is located where the Chippewa River an d Eau Claire River meet, offering a space for concerts, theater performances and art exhibits. This center features two modern theaters, art gallery exhibits and rehearsal areas for performances, supporting both professional artists and local creatives. Visitors can explore gallery exhibits, showcasing work from regional and national artists, while educational programs include workshops for students. Events such as music festivals and literary readings, bring together artists and audiences throughout the year.

Chippewa Valley Museum

Located at 134 acres of peninsula, Chippewa Valley Museum is a place where visitors can explore the history and culture of the region through interactive exhibits and preserved artifacts. It features award-winning exhibits, by displaying information about early settlers, industry and their daily life in the Chippewa Valley. Visitors can step into a 1950s ice cream parlor, browse historic structures on grounds and experience the multi-media object theater “This Day,” which brings local history to life. It is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, ensuring high-quality exhibits and special programs.

Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company has been crafting beer since 1867, blending German brewing traditions with local ingredients to create a variety of beers enjoyed across the country. The brewery welcomes visitors to Leinie Lodge, where they can sample different beers, explore merchandise and learn about company’s brewing legacy. Guided tours offer behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, sharing stories about Leinenkugel family’s role in Wisconsin’s beer industry. Events and beer tastings give visitors a chance to try new and limited-edition brews while enjoying the outdoors.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Irvine Park Zoo

Established in 1906, Irvine Park Zoo is a 318 acres nature park with walking trails, picnic shelters, and playgrounds, making it a popular spot for families and visitors of all ages. The zoo is home to cougars, bears, bison, tigers, deer, and waterfowl, giving guests a chance to see wildlife up close and a petting area allows visitors to interact with farm animals. Events including the Christmas Village, bring the community together with holiday lights and festive displays during the winter months. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Sunny Valley Schoolhouse and Pioneer Norwegian Log Home.

Children’s Museum of Eau Claire

The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a hands-on learning space designed to spark curiosity and creativity in kids. It offers interactive exhibits that encourage children to see, touch, learn, and grow through play. Kids can drive a firetruck, dig up fossils, heal animals, repair vehicles and learn about human body, making each visit a fun and educational experience. The museum focuses on the power of play, helping children develop their social and academic skills. Special programs like field trips, summer camps, and private rentals, allowing families and schools to enjoy unique learning opportunities.

Action City

The Action City is a 55,000 square-foot indoor entertainment center offering a mix of arcade games, attractions, and family-friendly activities. The venue is part of Metropolis Resort, which also includes a water park and hotel, making it a convenient destination for families looking for a full day of fun. Guests can enjoy a large arcade with over 150 games, including ticketed games that offer prizes. The Ninja Warrior courses, airbag stunt jump and dodgeball trampolines add to the excitement. Outdoor attractions like mini golf and a zipline, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh air along with their activities.

Chippewa Area Ice Arena

The Chippewa Area Ice Arena is a popular hockey and skating venue, offering both organized games and public skating sessions for all skill levels. The arena is home to the Chippewa Youth Hockey Association (CYHA) and the Chippewa Thunder, providing local teams with a space to practice and compete. Hockey leagues, tournaments, and training programs often take place, attracting both young athletes and experienced players. The outdoor rink serves as a gathering space for seasonal events, including the popular Beerfest in spring, which combines entertainment with community celebrations.

Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds

The Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds is a well-known event space that hosts the Northern Wisconsin State Fair each summer, along with various events throughout the year. The fairgrounds provide a large venue for concerts, exhibits, carnival rides, food vendors and livestock shows, attracting families and visitors from across the region. The annual July fair features national music acts, agricultural displays and local crafts, offering entertainment and activities for all ages. Beyond the summer fair, it include barns, exhibit halls, and outdoor stages, allowing variety of activities throughout the year.

Chippewa River Distillery

The Chippewa River Distillery is known for its handcrafted spirits by using locally sourced ingredients, making it a great stop for visitors interested in craft distilling. The distillery shares space with Brewster Bros Brewing Company, allowing guests to enjoy both craft spirits and beer in one location. Established in 2015, the distillery takes pride in its Wisconsin roots, featuring the name Chippewa on all its products, including vodkas, whiskeys and flavored spirits, each crafted with attention to quality. Tours and tastings provide insight into the distilling process and allow visitors to sample different spirits.

Hobbs Observatory

Built in 1978, Hobbs Observatory is an astronomical observatory located within Beaver Creek Reserve, about 4 miles north of Fall Creek. It is operated by the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. The observatory features a 24 inch reflector telescope and public viewing sessions are held throughout the year, giving guests a chance to explore the night sky with guidance from experienced astronomers. Events like Northwoods Starfest, bring astronomy enthusiasts for educational programs and telescope viewing.

5. Natural Attractions

Lake Wissota State Park

Covering 1,062 acres park, Lake Wissota State Park is a 6,300 acres man-made lake created by the Chippewa River dam in 1917. The park offers hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, along with picnic areas, playgrounds and a swimming beach, making it a great spot for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing, with plenty of space to explore the lake. The park connects to the Old Abe State Trail, a 17.5 miles route leading to Brunet Island State Park. Camping is available, with secluded campsites providing equipped facilities for a pleasant overnight stays.

Brunet Island State Park

Spanning 1,225 acres, Brunet Island State Park is located along the Chippewa and Fisher Rivers, providing several outdoor activities and scenic landscape. The park features quiet lagoons, wooded trails and backwater channels, making it a great spot for canoeing, kayaking and wildlife watching. Camping is available, with electric and non-electric sites, offering a comfortable stay for visitors. Fishing is popular, with the rivers providing opportunities to catch walleye, bass and panfish. Seasonal activities like hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making the park enjoyable year-round.

Lake Altoona Park

The Lake Altoona Park is a scenic outdoor space, providing visitors plenty of outdoor activities including kayaking, shaded picnic areas and open green spaces, making it an ideal place for relaxation and recreation. The park sits along Lake Altoona, a popular spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking, providing easy access to the water. Visitors can enjoy volleyball, playgrounds and cooking grills, making it an ideal destination for family outings and group gatherings. Seasonal activities include fishing tournaments and local events, adding entertainment options throughout the summer months.

Mount Simon Park

The Mount Simon Park is a 49 acres outdoor space known for its scenic overlooks, hiking trails and recreational activities. It features “Top of the World” viewpoint, offering one of the best panoramic views in the city. Hikers can explore nature trails passing through wooded areas, while those looking for relaxation can enjoy picnic spaces. The park also has two baseball fields, hosting local games and tournaments throughout the year, along with a 9-hole disc golf course that attracts players. Kayaking and fishing are common activities along the river, giving visitors a chance to enjoy time on water.

Tower Ridge Recreation Area

The Tower Ridge Recreation Area is a large outdoor space known for its cross-country ski trails, disc golf courses and hiking paths, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The area sits on Eau Claire County forestland, providing a mix of wooded terrain and rolling hills for visitors to explore. The 12 miles of ski trails are groomed and tracked, offering options for skiers, while a snowshoe trail runs alongside the ski paths, allowing for winter hiking. In summer, the disc golf courses feature 36 holes spread across wooded fairways, bringing players looking for a fun but challenging game.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

La Crosse

Planning a day trip to La Crosse takes around 2 hours from Eau Claire and offers a mix of scenic drives and attractions. The 96 miles route following Highway 53 and Highway 35, also known as the Great River Road, which runs along the Mississippi River. Once in La Crosse, Grandad Bluff offers a 600 foot-high overlook with panoramic views of the city and river. Riverside Park in downtown area, is a relaxing spot to walk along the Mississippi River and visit the La Crosse Queen paddlewheel boat. The city h as a variety of restaurants serving local Wisconsin specialties, including cheese curds and beer.

Wausau

From Eau Claire, a day trip to Wausau takes about 2 hours, making it a great getaway for travelers looking to explore central Wisconsin. Visitors can stop in Chippewa Falls, home to the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, where they can learn about Wisconsin’s brewing history and sample local beers. Another worthwhile stop is Stanley, where travelers can visit Marieke Gouda, a well-known cheese shop offering fresh Wisconsin-made cheese. The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum features rotating exhibits and a permanent collection focused on birds in art, making it a unique stop for art lovers.

Minneapolis, MN

Start a day trip from Eau Claire and drive about 2 hours to reach Minneapolis in Minnesota, offers a mix of city attractions and local experiences. Once in Minneapolis, visitors can explore Minnehaha Park, a popular outdoor space featuring Minnehaha Falls, walking trails and picnic areas. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry, is another great stop for art lovers. Downtown offers a variety of restaurants serving local specialties. Sports fans can visit Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins, alternatively U.S. Bank Stadium, where the Minnesota Vikings play.

Rochester, MN

From Eau Claire, a day trip to Rochester takes around 2 hours and offers a mix of attractions and outdoor activities. Along the way, visitors can stop in Durand, a quiet town with local diners and river views. Once in Rochester, Silver Lake Park provides walking trails, picnic areas, and a chance to see local wildlife. Downtown Rochester has restaurants serving local Minnesota specialties, including walleye and craft beer. Visitors can explore the Mayo Clinic’s historic buildings, which showcase the city’s medical heritage. Events like farmers markets and art fairs, add to the variety of experiences every year.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Planning a day trip to Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest takes about 2.5 hours drive from Eau Claire, provides a chance to explore Wisconsin’s Northwoods, with scenic drives, hiking trails and peaceful lakes. Popular spots include St. Peter’s Dome, a scenic overlook with views stretching to Lake Superior, and Lost Lake, a quiet area surrounded by cabins and campgrounds. Visitors can explore Cathedral Pines, a 40 acres old-growth forest with towering white pines and hemlocks. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, built in 1935, offers a glimpse into Wisconsin’s fire safety and prevention history.

How to Reach Eau Claire

Eau Claire is easy to reach by car, bus, or plane, depending on your starting point. The city sits along Interstate 94, making it simple to drive from Minneapolis, about 90 miles west, or Madison, around 170 miles southeast. For air travel, the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) is the closest option, offering limited flights and provides more connections. Greyhound, Megabus, and FlixBus offer bus service to Eau Claire, with transfers available in Madison for travelers coming from Chicago or Milwaukee.

Train service doesn’t run directly to Eau Claire, but nearby Amtrak stations in St. Paul, offer additional options. Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU), located a short drive from downtown, connects to major hubs like Chicago O’Hare, making it convenient for travelers. Those flying into Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) can rent a car or take a shuttle for a scenic 1.5 hour drive to Eau Claire, with countryside views along the way. Checking transportation schedules before traveling is helpful, as availability varies.

Local Transportation

Getting around Eau Claire, is simple with a mix of public transit, rideshare services, and local transportation options. The city operates Eau Claire Transit, which runs 13 bus routes covering most of Eau Claire and parts of Altoona, including stops near major employment centers and university campuses. Buses run on a set schedule, making them a reliable choice for daily travel. For those looking for private transportation, taxis are available, along with local taxi services.

Eau Claire also has bike-friendly streets and trails, making cycling a great way to explore the city. Visitors can rent cars from local rental agencies or use airport shuttles for trips to Minneapolis International Airport. The city’s roadways connect easily to Interstate 94, Highway 53, and Highway 93, making driving convenient for those traveling to nearby towns. Checking schedules before heading out is helpful, as bus and shuttle availability may vary.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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