Eau Claire WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
1. Carson Park
HISTORIC PENINSULA PARK
Carson Park is a 134-acre peninsula surrounded by Half Moon Lake, offering visitors a variety of recreational facilities including football, baseball, and softball fields. The park was opened in 1915 when it was donated by heirs to the lumber baron William Carson, from whom it gets its name. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, outdoor recreational activities like skiing on Half Moon Lake, and explore the museums that tell Eau Claire's regional history.
2. The Brewing Projekt
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
The Brewing Projekt is one of Eau Claire's popular craft breweries with its own spacious parking lot. Visitors can sample a variety of innovative craft beers in a relaxed, modern atmosphere. The brewery represents Eau Claire's thriving craft beverage scene and embodies the city's unique Midwest Indie vibe.
3. Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery
LOCAL SPIRITS PRODUCER
Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery offers visitors a chance to taste locally produced wines and spirits in Eau Claire. This popular attraction showcases the art of winemaking and distilling in a welcoming environment. Guests can enjoy tastings and learn about the production process while experiencing another facet of Eau Claire's craft beverage culture.
4. Downtown Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE HUB
Downtown Farmers Market in Eau Claire brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers in a vibrant marketplace. Visitors can browse fresh produce, handmade crafts, and specialty foods while connecting with local vendors. The market serves as a community gathering place that highlights the agricultural bounty of the Chippewa Valley region.
5. Chippewa Valley Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Chippewa Valley Museum preserves and shares the rich history of the Eau Claire region through engaging exhibits and collections. Located in Carson Park, the museum features artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of the area's development. Visitors can explore the region's past from Native American settlements through the lumber boom and into the present day.
6. Mount Simon Park
ELEVATED OUTDOOR RECREATION
Mount Simon Park offers visitors a chance to take hiking to the next level with trails leading to elevated views of the surrounding area. The park features a dock and boat landing for fishing or water skiing, making it a versatile outdoor recreation destination. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy diverse outdoor activities year-round in this scenic Eau Claire park.
7. The Sonnentag Center
MODERN EVENT VENUE
The Sonnentag Center is a contemporary event venue in Eau Claire that hosts a variety of performances, sporting events, and cultural activities. The center serves as a hub for entertainment and community gatherings in the city. Visitors can enjoy concerts, shows, and events in a modern facility that enhances Eau Claire's cultural landscape.
8. Chippewa River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
Chippewa River Trail offers scenic views along the riverside for walkers, joggers, and cyclists in Eau Claire. The trail connects various parts of the city and provides access to natural areas and urban amenities alike. Visitors can enjoy peaceful nature scenes, observe wildlife, and experience Eau Claire from a unique perspective along this popular recreational path.
9. Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum
LUMBER HISTORY EXHIBIT
Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum preserves seven original lumber buildings from Eau Claire's logging heyday, allowing visitors to step back in time. Located in Carson Park, the museum showcases the equipment, living conditions, and daily life of the lumber workers who shaped the region's development. Visitors can explore authentic structures and learn about the legendary figure of Paul Bunyan while discovering the importance of the lumber industry to Eau Claire's history.
10. Children's Museum of Eau Claire
INTERACTIVE KIDS DESTINATION
The Children's Museum of Eau Claire offers hands-on exhibits and interactive learning spaces designed specifically for children and families. Young visitors can explore, create, and play in a stimulating environment that promotes curiosity and discovery. The museum provides educational entertainment that makes it a perfect destination for families visiting Eau Claire with children.
11. Chippewa Valley Railroad
HISTORIC TRAIN EXPERIENCE
The Chippewa Valley Railroad offers visitors a chance to ride on miniature trains through scenic Carson Park. This nostalgic attraction delights train enthusiasts of all ages with its detailed replicas and operational railway system. Families can enjoy a unique perspective of the park while experiencing a piece of railroad heritage in Eau Claire.
12. The Local Store
WISCONSIN ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
The Local Store showcases handcrafted items, artwork, books, music, and gifts made by Wisconsin artists and artisans. Shoppers can find unique souvenirs and products that capture the spirit and creativity of Eau Claire and the surrounding region. This distinctive retail space embodies the city's artistic character and supports the local creative economy.
13. Beaver Creek Reserve
NATURE EDUCATION CENTER
Beaver Creek Reserve is a 400-acre nature center located near Eau Claire that offers environmental education programs and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observe wildlife in natural habitats, and participate in seasonal activities like snowshoeing in winter. The reserve features a nature center with exhibits, a butterfly house, and astronomical observatory that make it a comprehensive destination for nature lovers.
14. Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery
ARTISAN CHEESE PRODUCTION
Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery is a renowned cheese producer known especially for its cheese curds, located a short drive from Eau Claire. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the cheese-making process, and sample fresh dairy products. This attraction showcases Wisconsin's famous dairy heritage and offers a delicious taste of local food culture.
15. Veteran's Memorials
MILITARY TRIBUTE SITES
Veteran's Memorials in Eau Claire honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel through thoughtfully designed monuments and commemorative spaces. Visitors can reflect on the contributions of veterans from various conflicts while experiencing these solemn and respectful tributes. The memorials serve as important historical markers and places of remembrance within the Eau Claire community.