Eau Claire is a unique destination that stands out from any other trip you might have taken in the Midwest. It lies just 90 minutes east of Minneapolis, rich in outdoor sights to behold, lots of history, art, and delicious food.
Whether it's hiking the delightful trails, watching live performances in local places, or savoring Wisconsin's cuisine, Eau Claire sure has activities for everyone. In this article, we have covered the 20 most enjoyable things to do in Eau Claire spanning multiple preferences and interests:
1. Wander Through Carson Park
Carson Park is a picturesque and historic park that caters to families and boasts numerous historical features. This park is home to a baseball stadium where the great Hank Aaron played and provides recreational opportunities such as hiking, boating, and picnicking.
Additionally, log cabins at the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum and Carson Park Drive are available for some sightseeing walks. It encompasses a wide range of activities that make it suitable for all age groups.
Hence, the most notable features include play spaces, sports playing surfaces, and Half Moon Lake.
2. Discover The Wonders Of The Children’s Museum Of Eau Claire
Have your children been given a holiday or are they requesting a holiday fun? If yes, then this can be a good idea. The Children's Museum of Eau Claire is another popular family-friendly facility, that encompasses education through play in the form of touching objects.
It has zones by disciplines such as that of science, arts, and constructive play areas promoting oneself in thinking creatively and inquisitively.
The museum is also known for some of its advanced activities, that is, several STEM-related programs and educational workshops. The museum is one of the places that every family visiting Eau Claire needs to go.
3. Make A Splash At Chaos Water Park
Do you feel that it's time to have some fun splashing water? Chaos Water Park is an indoor water park based in Eau Claire Wisconsin where every member of the family can have fun. It is famous for its water slides, a lazy river, and the large water-dumping bucket.
Perfect for kids, families, and water enthusiasts, it has something for everyone all year round. But still, the most popular ones are the Double Vortex waterslide, water play structures as well as leisure pools with basketball nets.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that this park is among the top places for families with children who love to play with water.
4. Shop From Oakwood Mall
Oakwood Mall, situated in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is famous for both shopping as well as entertainment. It has several shops, restaurants, and culinary adventures, hence it is great for Eau Claire WI things to do.
It is known especially for department stores such as Macy's, Scheels, and JCPenney, as well as many other shops and food places. The cinema is also contained in the mall and it also provides family-oriented activities thus drawing a lot of customers from the neighborhood.
The area's geographical position gives a chance to have different forms of shopping experiences, hence it is one of the reasons it is among the most attractive places in the city.
5. Go To The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market
The Downtown Farmers Market of Eau Claire is situated at Phoenix Park close to Chippewa River. This market has all the fresh produce straight from farms, assuring a strong bond of cultural exchange between local farms and the community by availing fresh products.
It is an interactive experience where visitors can meet the farmers personally and gather pictures of the food they cultivate, raise, or produce. It is situated in an open pavilion and has live music every Saturday, making it ideal for joining with family and friends.
6. Check Out The Reboot Social
Ever thought of a place called The Reboot Social in the form of a restaurant? Isn't it quite interesting? The Reboot Social is an innovative space located in the center of Eau Claire that encompasses food, drinks, and entertainment all in one.
Well-liked due to a combination of 4 Duckpin bowling lanes plus 30 refurbished arcade games, 15 pinball machines, billiards, and darts among many other things, it is packed with fun social interactions.
Moreover, one can find The Reboot Social happy to offer more than just endless gaming, with what it calls a scratch-to-craft menu food concept.
7. Relax At Phoenix Park
You are welcome at Phoenix Park in Eau Claire situated near the Chippewa River and downtown. The park contains amusement, beautiful sceneries, and agricultural land and sometimes hosts summer concerts or festivals.
You could also hike on available walking trails, and enjoy scenes by the riverside and if you own a kayak you could launch it.
Additional activities include a farmer's market pavilion, an open-air theatre, and where the Eau Claire rises and converges with Chippewa. If you are wondering what to do in Eau Claire WI make sure to add Phoenix Park to your list.
8. Learn About The Past At Chippewa Valley Museum
The Chippewa Valley Museum is an inquisitive and connective as well as an inspiring place. It is well known because of its interesting displays that are all about the culture and history of the region.
This is for everyone which contains surprising, pleasant, and real histories about Chippewa Valley in Wisconsin and why it is important in the history of America in general.
Some of the features here are the Historic Ice Cream Parlor, the Farm Life exhibit, and Changing Landscapes. In addition, you can have their time and admission details from their website named Chippewa Valley Museum.
9. Uncover The Excitement At Action City
Action City is located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and this facility is designed to provide fun for all in whatever taste preference they have. Tourists can take part in almost anything from go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, and a ropes course.
Additionally, the venue has a huge indoor play area and houses bumper cars. Due to these elements, Action City is known for giving out breathtaking moments appropriate for, birthday parties, team-building activities or just hanging out with loved ones.
Since it is based in the Metropolis resort, you may secure your pass or ticket for entering this venue from their official website-Metropolis Resort.
10. Enjoy An Adventure At Tower Ridge Recreation Area
If your idea of fun is being more outdoors than indoors, then Eau Claire, Wisconsin's Tower Ridge Recreation Area is a hot spot.
This photographically accessible site provides halls for walking, wheels for cycling, and courses for cross-country skiing, as well as a year-round facility description of recreational opportunities.
It is especially well known for contributing a plethora of mountain biking trails regardless of the biker's experience. The park has several rambling areas that are ideal for picnics with great scenic views perfect for family picnics or nature walks.
11. Browse Products At Volume One & The Local Store
Eau Claire's Volume One & The Local Store is a cultural center focused on the exhibition of local art, music, and suited products, something which tourists will appreciate.
Visitors purchase unique gifts such as handmade objects and local products which makes the place perfect for people who enjoy shopping from local producers.
By offering various activities such as community events and workshops, it embraces and promotes the creativity of the people. If you're into local products, this is an excellent medium for looking for and acquiring unique, area-specific, and appealing items.
12. Embark On A Journey With The Chippewa Valley Railroad
One of the appealing attractions suited for families in the Chippewa Valley is the California-style amusement park where visitors can enjoy small train rides around the beautiful Carson Park.
Run by volunteers, this historical mini-train ride offers steam and diesel engines to give visitors a feel of early 20th-century rail travel. It is known for its appeal as it provides both the young ones as well the adults.
Operates seasonally; it is great for train lovers and those wanting to try something local and different in Eau Claire.
13. Tour University Of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a public university with nearly 9,500 students in 2024 and is an important cultural and educational center. The university is located near the Chippewa River and it has bachelor's and master's programs in the system of the University of Wisconsin founded in the USA.
Here, visitors often enjoy the lively campus, attending Wild Rose sports events or performances at the Pablo Center. Therefore, the university provides a high-quality education and positively impacts the local area, making it a great thing to do in Wisconsin.
14. Venture Along Tower Ridge Ski Trails
Tower Ridge Ski Trails, located in Eau Claire Wisconsin County is becoming a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It attributes over 13 miles of well-maintained cross-country skiing trails that wind through the trees.
It is specifically famous for its superb track maintained for skiing, which is linked to good tracks for both beginners and advanced skiers. This ski area features both classic techniques and skate-skiing elements, which increases its functionality as a winter sport.
Apart from skiing, this region also supports other activities like snowshoeing and hiking ensuring entertainment all through the seasons.
15. Take In The Sights At Big Falls County Park
Big Falls County Park is one of the things to do near Eau Claire WI. This great site is well known because of the stunning waterfalls and natural swimming areas. It is also popular for hiking, picnics, and photography, therefore making it suitable for families and nature lovers.
It contains the breathtaking Big Falls on the Eau Claire River along with rugged terrains and calm forested pathways. It's suitable for all ages and different moods, whether you want to relax, have an adventure, or just enjoy some peace in nature.
16. Check Out Lowes Creek County Park
Widely appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts, Lowes Creek County Park is home to vast networks of mountain biking and hiking trails. Every inch of the park's landscape is a fitting ground for those who love trail running, riding bicycles, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
It is fit for every experience level as the hidden paths vary from the simple ones to the complex ones. Some of the most popular features are views, animals, and such seasons as winter entailing activities like cross-country skiing.
This park is perfect for adventure lovers, especially for those who also appreciate a peaceful moment while enjoying the scenery.
17. Book Your Stay At Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Hilton's Holiday Inn Express & Suites is known for its cozy and suitable rooms plus valuable amenities that include high Internet, continental breakfast, pools, and a gym. It is also built as quite several attractions for tourists, making it ideal for travel purposes as well as for a stay.
The chain is well-known for providing good quality accommodations that focus on cleanliness. It offers simple comfort at reasonable prices which makes it ideal for families and business travelers who want reliability and ease.
18. Delve Into The Brewing Projekt
For fans of craft beer, The Brewing Projekt is a place that they cannot miss. This brewery attracts customers who seek out its more experimental side and its creative brews. The Brewery's vision is quite simple "To make Damn Good Beer" that most people will enjoy it.
Its decor is inconspicuous but inviting with a large area serving food and drinks, and occasional events make it even more enjoyable, attracting both residents and tourists. Hence, this can be a great option if you are thinking of things to do in Eau Claire WI.
19. Stop By The Wisconsin Logging Museum
The Wisconsin Logging Museum offers an opportunity for the visitor to relive the era when Wisconsin Pine was the lifeline of a sprouting nation.
Within the museum is a reconstruction of a logging camp and the informational materials and exhibits describe the life and the trees that built the country that made Northern Wisconsin.
Interestingly, this museum is ideal for history lovers or family. However, the main highlights here are pictures with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, fun children's activities, and old-timey woodworking tools on display.
20. Spend Time At Metropolis Resort & Conference Center
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin known as Metropolis Resort & Conference Center is highly appreciated not only for families and groups but also for business travelers.
Even suitable for all ages, there are the familiar Chaos Indoor Waterpark and Action City which include go-karting, laser tag, and video games. In addition to that, the resort has large conference venues which make it famous for hosting Eau Claire events and meetings.
Plus, there are plenty of food options, lodging, and entertainment for the guests, which provides pleasure and thrill all together in one space. Hence, it is one of the Eau Claire Wisconsin attractions.
