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Eau Claire is a city in west-central Wisconsin, set where the Eau Claire River flows into the Chippewa River. It grew in the 19th century as a booming lumber town, floating pine logs from the northern forests to its sawmills, and later became a manufacturing and college town. Today it is known for its arts and music scene, its university and its riverside trails.
The heart of the city is the confluence, where the modern Pablo Center hosts concerts and theater beside the rivers, and Phoenix Park holds a farmers market and free summer concerts. Downtown and the Water Street Historic District near the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are full of cafes, bars and independent shops.
Carson Park, on a peninsula in Half Moon Lake, is home to the Chippewa Valley Museum, the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum and a historic ballpark. Putnam Park offers wooded trails beside campus, Mount Simon Park has views over the city, and the Chippewa River State Trail leads cyclists southwest along the river.
A striking performing arts center opened in 2018 where the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers meet, with theaters for touring concerts, Broadway shows, local productions and art galleries open to the public. Its glass lobby overlooks the water. Check the calendar and walk the riverfront before a show.
A downtown riverfront park at the confluence with lawns, a trail bridge, a labyrinth and an amphitheater. It hosts the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market and the free Sounds Like Summer concert series. Bring a blanket for a Thursday evening concert in summer and arrive early for a good spot.
A wooded peninsula in Half Moon Lake with picnic areas, trails, a historic baseball stadium where Hank Aaron played early in his career, and two museums. A miniature railroad runs on summer weekends. Walk the shoreline paths, and check the ballpark schedule for summer baseball games.
A history museum in Carson Park telling the story of the Chippewa Valley, from Ojibwe life and the lumber boom to farming and modern times, with a large dollhouse, a historic schoolhouse and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Plan an hour or two, and pair it with the logging museum next door.
A museum in Carson Park that recreates an 1890s logging camp, with a bunkhouse, cook shanty, blacksmith shop and logging tools that show how lumberjacks lived and worked in Wisconsin's pine forests. A giant Paul Bunyan statue greets visitors. It is open seasonally, so check the hours.
A historic commercial street near the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire lined with 19th and early 20th-century brick buildings that now house bars, restaurants, coffee shops and small stores. It is lively on weekend nights during the school year. Walk over the river footbridges from campus.
The revived city center along Barstow Street and the riverfront, with independent shops, galleries, restaurants, breweries and murals, plus easy access to the Pablo Center and Phoenix Park. It hosts festivals and events through the year. Park once and explore on foot along the river trails.
A long natural area along the edge of the university campus, with trails through floodplain forest, past wetlands, rock outcrops and Little Niagara Creek. It is a peaceful walk just steps from Water Street. Trails can be muddy in spring, and the path makes a good loop with the campus footbridges.
A city park on a hill on the north side of Eau Claire, with wooded trails, a pavilion and an overlook with views over the city and river valley. It is a short drive from downtown and quiet on most days. Go near sunset for the best light, and bring water for the uphill trails.
A long paved rail-trail that starts in Eau Claire and follows the Chippewa River southwest through farmland, bluffs and river bottoms toward Durand. It is popular for biking, walking and inline skating. Start downtown near Phoenix Park and ride as far as you like; a state trail pass may be needed outside the city.
A children's museum with hands-on exhibits where kids can climb, build, pretend and explore science, art and community life, designed for young children and their families. It makes a good rainy-day outing. Check the website for open hours and admission, and plan two to three hours.
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