20 Things To Do In Eau Claire

Eau Claire in Wisconsin is nestled on the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers in the very northern portion of the Driftless Region in Wisconsin. The city is a hub of cultural and natural beauty, hosting higher education facilities, fine art and musical performances. It flourishes in the cold, the heat, and the beautiful fall and spring. Hiking, fishing, and biking help make it a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. Galleries, plays and concerts make it a central hub for the artistic and expressive among us.

Eau Claire is known for its quirky, indie feel. Whether it’s the sculptures that dot the city or the unique art found in galleries, Eau Claire marches to the beat of its own drum. Here are some things to do in Eau Claire, but it is not the complete picture. 

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

20 Things To Do In Eau Claire

1- Visit The University Of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a public university in the city, with a campus that is home to several cultural and recreational facilities, including the Haas Fine Arts Center, which features a theatre, art gallery and music performance spaces.

The Hilltop Arboretum, which is located on the university’s campus, is also a popular attraction.

It contains a variety of trees and plants, as well as walking trails and a gazebo.

Since 1916, the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire has delighted thousands of campus visitors.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is at 105 Garfield Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

2- Explore The Chippewa Valley Museum

The Chippewa Valley Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the beauty, culture, and natural history of the Chippewa Valley region.

The museum features exhibits on Native American history, logging and lumbering, and the early settler experience.

It also has several special events and programs throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and field trips. Hours of operation can vary, so make sure to check the website to see if the Museum is open during your trip. I hope it is, as the trip through history is worth every minute of the visit.

The Chippewa Valley Museum teaches at 1204 E Half Moon Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

3- Visit The Children’s Museum Of Eau Claire

The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a hands-on museum for children and families, with interactive exhibits, including a simulated grocery store, a construction zone and a water play area.

It also offers a variety of educational programs and activities, such as story time and art projects.

Whether you’re a big kid or an actual child, the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is sure to satisfy your need for knowledge and learning.

The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire learns at 126 N Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

4- Take A Hike Or Bike Ride On The Chippewa River State Trail

The Chippewa River State Trail is a scenic trail that follows the Chippewa River through the city.

The trail is popular with hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers and it passes through several beautiful natural areas.

Along the way, you’ll find amenities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and parking lots.

The Chippewa River State Trail is certain to be a highlight of the Eau Claire area for anyone who craves the peace and natural tranquillity offered by Wisconsin’s fresh waterways.

The Chippewa Valley State Trail can be accessed at Phoenix Park in Eau Claire and travels to the town of Durand, WI.

5- Visit The Eau Claire County Expo Center

The Eau Claire County Expo Center is a multi-purpose facility that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year.

The Expo Center is home to the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Center, which features basketball courts, a climbing wall, and a turf field.

It also hosts concerts, trade shows and sporting events.

Check for shows before or during your trip planning, it’s possible your vacation will rock even harder.

The Eau Claire County Expo Center can be found at 5530 Fairview Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

6- Go Shopping At The Oakwood Mall

Whether it’s a need for souvenirs, bulking up on essentials, or finding those deals, the Oakwood Mall might check the traveller’s box.

Oakwood Mall is a large shopping mall located in Eau Claire.

The mall features a wide variety of shopping attractions, including department stores, specialty shops, and restaurants.

It also has a food court and a children’s play area.

A must-see for all shoppers visiting the Eau Claire area.

Peruse the Oakwood Mall at 4800 Golf Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

7- Check Out The Action City Trampoline Park

If your interests bounce around, jump over to the Action City Trampoline Park, an indoor trampoline park that offers a variety of activities for kids and adults.

The park has several trampolines, a foam pit, a trampoline dodgeball court and a basketball hoop.

It also has several arcade games and a snack bar.

Some would say that the Action City Trampoline Park leaps the competition as the most fun way to get exercise.

Action City Trampoline Park jumps off at 2402 Lorch Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

8- Visit The Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum

The Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum is dedicated to the history of logging in the Chippewa Valley.

The museum has several exhibits on the history of the logging industry, including tools, equipment and photographs.

It also has several special events and programs throughout the year, such as blacksmithing demonstrations and logging competitions.

Whether you ride in your car or on top of a blue ox, the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum is the place to sharpen your knowledge axe and grow your own tree of learning.

The Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum yells timber at 1110 E Half Moon Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

9- Take A Tour Of The Leinenkugel’s Brewery

Leinenkugel’s is a brewery that has been producing beer in Eau Claire since 1867.

The brewery offers tours that take visitors through the brewing process and gives them a chance to sample some of the brewery’s popular beers.

It also has a gift shop and a restaurant on site. History, tastings, and tours help display how important the brewing industry has been to the Eau Claire area and Wisconsin as a state.

Drink it all in, the traveller will not be disappointed.

Drink in the history of Leinenkugel’s Brewery at 124 E Elm St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

10- Go Skiing Or Snowboarding At Mount Washington 

The Mount Washington Ski and Snowboard Area is a ski hill located just outside Eau Claire with various trails for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, a terrain park and a tubing hill.

It also has a ski and snowboard rental shop and a lodge with food and drink options.

While not a rival to Rocky Mountain or California skiing, the Mount Washington Ski and Snowboard Area will certainly fulfil your gravitationally induced adrenaline needs.

Given the ample snow that Wisconsin is famous for, your chances of fresh powder are good, and your schussing should be satisfying.

The Mount Washington Ski and Snowboard Area heads downhill at 128 Graham Ave. Suite 234, Eau Claire, WI 54701

11- Take A Stroll Through The Downtown Area

Downtown Eau Claire features a number of shops, restaurants and art galleries.

The downtown area is also home to several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Eau Claire Jazz Festival and the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the quirkiest and most unique cities in the state of Wisconsin; there is always more to explore. This self-guided walking tour will help you get your bearings.

12- Visit the Eau Claire Dells

The Eau Claire Dells are a natural area featuring sandstone cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

The Dells are a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, rock climbing and they offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Due to the extremely hard Precambrian rhyolite schist, which has been rotated vertically, the area is an amazing example of natural erosive forces and the beauty they create.

Whether an avid hiker, geologist, or just a traveller that appreciates unique areas, the Eau Claire Dells is sure to fill the visitor with wonder and peace.

The Eau Claire Dells can be visited at P2150 County Road Y, Aniwa, WI 54408.

13- Explore Carson Park

Carson Park is a public park located on the exact confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers.

It has numerous amenities, including football and baseball fields, pavilions, and an excellent selection of hiking trails.

Carson Park is surrounded by Half Moon Lake, which offers excellent fishing, and a railroad that takes visitors on a tour of Half Moon Lake.

A statue of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox is also great for visitors and offers photo opportunities.

Whether hiking, fishing, or picnicking, Carson Park offers a great opportunity to appreciate Eau Claire’s natural beauty and riparian geography.

Carson Park is at 100 Carson Park Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

14- Visit the Eau Claire Farmers Market

The Eau Claire Farmers Market takes place on Saturdays from May through October.

The market features a wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and other products from local farmers and artisans.

It is a great place to pick up some locally-grown food and to support the local community.

Located in Phoenix Park, the Eau Claire Farmers Market will help satiate the need for produce, bread, or beer.

Live music helps keep the mood groovy.

If you are visiting Eau Claire in the late Spring and Summer months, the Eau Claire Farmer’s Market is sure to offer a taste of something good for all who visit.

The Eau Claire Farmer’s Market can be found at 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire, WI 54703.

15- Take a tour of the L.E. Phillips Scout Center

The L.E. Phillips Scout Center is a Scout camp that features a variety of outdoor activities and facilities.

The Scout Center has several hiking trails, a climbing wall, and a ropes course, as well as a number of campsites and cabins.

It is a great place for Scouts and other groups to enjoy the great outdoors.

Reservations are required, so if your group is heading to the Eau Claire area, booking those dates as far in advance as possible is a great idea.

If you’re interested in self-sustained camping and outdoor skills, the L.E. Phillips Scout Center is the spot to increase your harmony with nature in a safe and educational space.

The L.E. Phillips Scout Center can be explored at 16th Street, Rice Lake, WI 54868

16- Visit the Chippewa Valley Cultural Association

The Chippewa Valley Cultural Association hosts various cultural events and exhibits throughout the year.

The Cultural Association organizes events such as art exhibits, theatre performances, and concerts, and it also has a number of educational programs and resources available to the public.

Through their performance centre at the Heyde Center for the Arts, the Chippewa Valley Cultural Association has been bringing artistic flavour to the Eau Claire Area since 1976 and will hopefully continue to augment Eau Claire’s reputation as an artistic haven for years to come.

The Chippewa Valley Cultural Association is found at 3 S High St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

17- Visit the Eau Claire County Fair

The Eau Claire County Fair is a yearly event that features carnival rides, livestock shows, and other activities.

The fair takes place in late July or early August and is a popular event for families and other community members.

It is a great opportunity to experience rural life and enjoy some classic fair food.

View livestock, eat a funnel cake, and ride the zipper, the attractions at the Eau Claire County Fair are numerous and exhilarating.

Make sure you bring along your sense of adventure and appreciation of Wisconsin’s agricultural achievements.

The Eau Claire County Fair is happening at 5530 Fairview Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

18- Make A Splash At Chaos Water Park

Chaos Water Park is one of Wisconsin’s best indoor waterparks and offers the visitor a chance at swimming and floating in the midst of cold Wisconsin winters.

Make sure to check ahead and book in advance, as hours vary and capacity fills up quickly.

Take a float on the lazy river, slip your way down the waterslides, and get soaked by the gigantic water bucket.

Great for kids, adults, and anything in between, Chaos Water Park is sure to help organize your winter water needs and offer a feeling of summer fun during the doldrums of the snowy stuff.

Chaos Water Park cools you down at 5152 Fairview Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

19- Visit And Get Inspire At Artisan Forge Studios

Artisan Forge Studios allows viewers to see and experience art in a very interactive way. From music lessons, and learning the craft of luthiery at the guitar factory, to taking a painting or glassblowing class, the Artisan Forge Studios offers something for all lovers of expression.

Delight in learning about the craft of blacksmithing, or get your friends together for a tour of the over 30 galleries while enjoying some gelato and coffee.

No matter what artistic areas you are interested in, the Artisan Forge Studios are sure to offer a unique, memorable, and knowledge-immersive experience that the visitor will not forget anytime soon.

Artisan Forge Studios expresses itself at 1106 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701

20- Explore River Prairie Park in Altoona

River Prairie Park is 3 miles (4.8 k) from downtown Eau Claire in Altoona.

No matter your interest, you will find something to delight in at River Prairie Park.

Visitors can find interesting cuisine choices, listen to live music, or relax and cool down at the splash pad or stream.

Children are also represented with a large playground area for burning off some of that boundless energy.

From coffee to townhouses, ice cream to a pet wash, the River Prairie Park in Altoona is sure to satiate the hunger for either food or wanderlust.

River Prairie Park can be explored at Front Porch Pl, Altoona, WI 54720.