27 Best & Fun Things to Do in Eau Claire (WI)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Eau Claire, WI?

Eau Claire is a beautiful city situated in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties in the west-central area of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Situated almost entirely in Eau Claire County, for which it is the county seat, the city is the state’s eighth-largest city.

Eau Claire got its name from Eau Claire County from “Eau Claire,” which is the singular form of the original French name, “Eaux Claires,” meaning “Clear Waters,” for the Eau Claire River. Eau Claire is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

The terrain of Eau Claire is characterized by the river valleys, with steep slopes leading from the middle to the eastern and southern parts of the city. Below are the top things to do in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Things to Do in Eau Claire

1. Fun at Carson Park

Carson Park is a historical park situated in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It rests on a 134-acre (54.2 ha) peninsula created on an oxbow lake, Half Moon Lake, that was part of the former course of the Chippewa River.

The park consists of football, baseball, softball venues and the Chippewa Valley Museum.

Donated in 1914 to Eau Claire by the heirs to lumber baron William Carson, and also named in his honor, Carson Park became open to the public the following year.

The park consists of two museums: the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum, which opened in 1934, and the Chippewa Valley Museum in 1974.

The Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum displays the town’s lumbering history and features seven original logging camp buildings, while the second museum serves as a regional history museum. You will also discover nature trails and enjoy other recreational activities such as water skiing and others in the park.

Address: 1040 Forest St, Eau Claire, WI 54703-3013

2. Downtown Farmers Market

Downtown Farmers Market is an excellent place to buy local items and food and also eat fresh produce. You’re sure to enjoy an outstanding shopping experience as you visit the Downtown Farmers Market.

The market is situated in Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire; the Farmers Market fosters a connection between family farms and the community. You will not only enjoy shopping for fresh, locally produced products, but you will also get the opportunity to chat directly with the person who grows, raises, or creates the foods.

It is also a perfect spot for family and friends to meet as the market has local musicians performing kinds of music you will love.

Local farmers bring items, and other farm produce such as fruits, eggs, flowers, pieces of bread, vegetables, etc., to Downtown Farmers Market to sell. Downtown Farmers Market features numerous vendors of more than 40 vendors offering different goods for sale.

Explore the market with your friends or family to find excellent fresh produce and items you will love to buy.

Address: 300 Riverfront Ter, Eau Claire, WI 54703-5181

3. Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is situated at the heart of downtown Eau Claire, and the park is the hub for all things in Eau Claire. Phoenix Park stands right along the banks of the Chippewa River.

Phoenix Park is an excellent and exciting place to visit when you want to soak yourself in some of the best natural sights and experience different varieties of things. Phoenix Park also serves as the Chippewa River State Trail; it provides a walking labyrinth, a natural amphitheater it hosts concerts and other fun activities.

Take a stroll through the park with your friends or family to enjoy the scenic views of nature, take a trip to the park every Saturday during the warmer months for the Eau Claire Farmers Market. You will enjoy watching the twinkly trees during the winter months.

Every night throughout the year, you will enjoy the picturesque views of the area starting from the rainbow light Phoenix Park bridge, Haymarket Plaza, and Pablo Center at the Confluence.

Address:330 Riverfront Ter, Eau Claire, WI 54703-5181

4. Children’s Museum of Eau Claire

The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is an engaging center for kids and adults that inspires creativity, imagination, discovery, and the love of learning. The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire is a favorite destination for families in Chippewa Valley.

It provides non-traditional learning opportunities to help children see, touch, learn, and grow their way through important developmental milestones like hands-on exhibits and “edu-training” programs.

The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire provides five exciting exhibits designed to assist kids birth to 10 years old and adults learn through hands-on play and others.

This makes what to do in Eau Claire with kids, do add to your bucket list of things to do in Eau Claire, WI, for a fun time with the kids.

Address: 220 S Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI 54701-3601

5. Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery

Infinity Beverages Winery and Distillery opened in 2010 as it is dedicated to developing a remarkable array of great-tasting spirits and wines. Innovation is what they are focused on, and with their relentless “liquid innovation,” they can produce great wines and spirits.

Visit the Infinity Beverages Winery and Distillery with your friends to explore and enjoy their sweet wines and spirits, as all of their products are unique.

Infinity Beverages Winery and Distillery source their raw materials from throughout the United States that supports American growers and suppliers, allowing the winemaker and distiller to concentrate on producing innovative and inquiring spirits and wines.

You can visit the tasting lounge of the winery to enjoy samples, specialty drinks, and wines by the glass. You may also love to stop by for a tour and tasting.

Address: 3460 Mall Dr, Eau Claire, WI 54701-7621

6. Chippewa River Trail

One of the best things to do in Eau Claire, WI is exploring the  Chippewa River Trail,  it’s worth adding to our checklist.

Chippewa River State Trail features a 26-mile urban-rural rail trail situated in western Wisconsin, which follows the path of the Chippewa River.

The Chippewa River Trail runs from the confluence of the Chippewa with the Eau Claire River, at Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire, meeting up with the Red Cedar State Trail close to Red Cedar, to the town of Durand.

The river trail is also connected with many more minor routes within the city of Eau Claire, including a walking path through Putnam Park on the far west area of the park; you will also find access to the Farmer’s Market in Phoenix Park, which opens on Saturday mornings.

The Chippewa River Trail is10 feet wide and surfaced with asphalt pavement from the beginning of the trail for a total of 11 miles; the surface is for rollerblading.

You will enjoy other fun and enjoyable outdoor activities like biking, walking, hiking, and in-line skating. During winter, you may like to use the trail for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and others.

7. Wisconsin Logging Museum: Home of the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp

Visit the Wisconsin Logging Museum: Home of the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp to discover a lot about the museum and whether Paul Bunyan was a natural person.

Wisconsin Logging Museum welcomes its guest as they take a step back into time to discover interesting things for themselves. You will find the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp in the museum, a replica of the 1890 camp.

You will also learn about when Wisconsin Pine was filling out rivers and supplying a growing nation. As you explore the logging camp, you will learn about men who lived in them, the trees that built cities all over the country, and other beautiful things you will find in the museum.

The Wisconsin Logging Museum is centered on displaying and preserving artifacts and documents from the logging industry and allowing visitors to experience life in a logging camp to educate the public on the history, technology, and impact of the logging industry in the city and the country.

Address: 1110 E Half Moon Dr. Eau Claire, WI 54702

8. Lowes Creek County Park

Lowes Creek County Park offers twisty single-track, fast climbs, and short sections; it is also home to the WORS Firecracker race. At Lowes Creek County Park, you will discover varieties of trails suitable for every level of rider, even if you are a beginner or advanced. The courses feature about 5 miles of the double-track cross country ski system and more than 13 miles of challenging single narrow track.

You’re sure to enjoy your ride at the Lowes Creek County Park as the track trails take you to all four parts of the park; you will wind through pine tree forests, cross creek beds, and also cruise along ridgelines.

Lowes Creek County Park trails are used for different purposes, hiking, snowshoeing, mountain bikers, runners, walkers, and others can enjoy riding, jogging, or walking on the trails.

Lowes Creek County Park also has a picnic shelter where you can organize friends or family reunions or get-togethers there. Drive through US HWY 93 south of Eau Claire to Golf Road, turn right, drive 1.5 miles to S. Lowes Creek Road, turn left as you proceed 1.5 miles to the park entrance.

9. Chippewa Valley Museum

Another award-winning attraction that is worth adding to your list of things to do in Eau Claire, WI.

Explore the Chippewa Valley Museum as you will discover exciting things and have fun as well. The Chippewa Valley Museum rests beneath towering pines in Eau Claire’s beautiful Carson Park, a 134-acre peninsula nestled inside horseshoe-shaped Half Moon Lake.

The Chippewa Valley Museum is dedicated to connecting people to the city and inspiring curiosity by collecting, sharing, and preserving the region’s historical and cultural resources. Chippewa Valley Museum offers school tours and group tours, as it brings students face to face with cultures, artifacts, and ideas necessary to the Chippewa Valley, which dates back to the 1650s.

Museum educators and museum-trained guides will help guide you around the museum and explain the exciting things there. You will discover an ice cream parlor as it offers a treat served from the 1950s themed ice cream parlor with different flavors like rainbow sherbet, chocolate, strawberry, and others.

Address: 1204 E. Half Moon Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54703

10. The Brewing Projekt

The Brewing Projekt is dedicated to producing fantastic beers. Enjoy some time with your friends as you visit the Brewing Projekt to have a drink or two with them.

The Brewing Projekt started in 2013, and its mission is to create the best beer everyone will love. The brewing taproom is fun for families and friends looking for unique, fresh, and exciting beers.

The Brewing Projekt’s taproom is family-friendly and dog-friendly. Try tasting their beer from the 20 line tap tower, and you can also enjoy playing a game of Kubb from the kubb pitch.

Some of the drinks and beers you will find in Brewing Projekt are in different series and variants, including the Dare Mighty things IPA & Variants, Resist Milk-Shake IPA & Variants, Puff tart & puff tart xl, and others.

Address: 2000 N Oxford Ave Bldg 3, Eau Claire, WI 54703-5184

11. Mount Simon Park

Mount Simon Park is a great place to explore to enjoy hiking, rock-climbing, rock scrambling, Cliff-jumping into the Chippewa River, fishing, snowshoeing, geocaching, and many others.

Mount Simon Park features white pines, hardwoods, and other natural things, including squirrels and different types of birds.

Mount Simon Park consists of two state-of-the-art baseball fields with good amenities that will make you enjoy the park. The baseball area has a comfortable and pleasant seating capacity of about 200 persons.

The park also consists of one nine-hole golf course and a picnic pavilion where you can plan your fun friends or family event. The park has a boat landing and dock, nature trails for hiking, alongside well-maintained restrooms.

12. Lazy Monk Brewing

Lazy Monk Brewing features a European craft brewer that focuses on traditional Bohemian and German beers. Lazy Monk Brewing is also great at producing IPA’s, Stouts, and Ales.

Lazy Monk Brewing exists out of a desire to serve local people good quality beers. They specialize in brewing Czech and German beers. Lazy Monk Brewing also serves British and American seasonal beers as well as unique limited-edition holiday beers. The two of the most famous beers of the brewery are the Bohemian Dark Lager and the Bohemian Pilsner.

The beers made in Lazy Monk Brewing are have-crafted using the finest local and imported ingredients. Lazy Monk Brewing has a family-friendly beer and a beer garden overlooking the Chippewa River situated in downtown Eau Claire.

Visit the Lazy Monk Brewing with your friends and family to enjoy a good time and a unique experience over a glass or more of their excellent beers. You will also get to interact with the locals in Lazy Monk Brewing.

Address: 97 W Madison St, Eau Claire, WI 54703-4405

13. Chaos Water Park

For some fun time, add a visit to Chaos Water Park to your checklist of things to do in Eau Claire, WI.

Chaos Water Park is the perfect destination to explore and enjoy a great family experience, and the park is for all ages, both kids and adults. Chaos Water Park features numerous slides, a fun activity pool, a lazy river, a double hot tub, lily pads, and an aquatic playground with a dump bucket and cool water features.

Chaos Water Park is all about family fun; you’re sure to enjoy the dump bucket. You will also discover a family interactive playground for your kids; the playground is an aquatic playground with cool splash features. In Chaos Water Park, slides, mini dump buckets, sprayers, and water cannons are available to give you a fun and memorable experience.

The significant activity pool in the park consists of a challenging lily pad path where only the strong can make it across without a dunk in the water. You can also challenge your friends to a fun game of water basketball.

Address: 5152 Fairview Dr. Chaos Water Park Resort, Eau Claire, WI 54701-9444

14. Tower Ridge Recreation Area

Tower Ridge Recreational Area is the largest cross-country ski trail complex in Eau Claire County and west-central Wisconsin. Tower Ridge Recreational Area consists of approximately 12 miles of trails with varying degrees of challenges offering something for all skiers.

The ski trails in Tower Ridge Recreational Area include wooded, rolling terrain that is groomed and tracked on the highest basis of the four ski trails provided by the county.

Tower Ridge Recreational Area offers miles of cross-country ski trails for all levels and seasonal disc golf courses.

Address: 955 South 82nd Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54703

15. L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is the right place to take your kids so they may learn and have fun. The library hosts interesting and educative events like art shows, book clubs, book programs for kids, teens, and adults, displays sculptures, and many others.

L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library features four significant sculptures which reflect a long-established commitment to the surrounding area’s cultural life. Some of the sculptures you will discover in the library are the Jack’s Story Time bronze sculpture by Gregory Johnson, the Circle of Friends bronze sculpture by Karen Crain, the Untitled steel sculpture by Michael Christopherson, and many others.

The library offers reading programs for kids like the 1,000 books for Kindergarten, which is designed to assist parents in preparing their kids for one of life’s significant milestones.

Address: 400 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire, WI 54701-3715

Planning a trip to Nebraska, don’t miss our checklist of fun things to do in Lincoln, also check out our list of things to do in Reno for a fun Nevada trip.

16. Chippewa Valley Railroad

The Chippewa Valley Railroad is a miniature railway that operates on a half-mile of 16-inch track in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The line meanders through the scenic Carson Park, high above Half Moon Lake. Roth Schleck, Dave Farr, Peter Beck, and Dave Peterson formed the Chippewa Valley Railroad Association in 1974 to bring a steam locomotive to the Chippewa Valley area.

The purpose of forming the Chippewa Valley Railroad Association was to operate a steam locomotive in the Chippewa Valley area for educational, recreational, and historical purposes.

The founders purchased a steam train set from Strum Steam Engine Days, Strum, WI, to build a parked railroad in Carson Park. Constructions started on the railroad from the early ’70s till it turned out to be the way it is currently.

Explore the Chippewa Valley Railroad as you will discover exciting and historical things like wooden 1880 style passenger coaches, streamlined passenger coaches, Coal-fired steam locomotives, a diesel locomotive, a gondola car, and one caboose, and many others.

17. Boyd Park

Boyd Park features more than seven acres alongside play equipment, off-street parking, and a recreational area. Boyd Park also offers a place for shoreline fishing.

Boyd Park has a pedestrian bridge that gives access to the city of Eau Claire’s recreational trails on either side of the river. With the different seasons, Boyd Park offers various activities throughout the year, including a picnic pavilion, a prairie area with walking trails, and a shelter house.

You can plan a family reunion, get-togetherness, and picnic in the park. The park offers an ice-skating rink and snow-banked hockey rink during the Winter, where families and friends can enjoy winter after-hour activities.

You will also enjoy participating in some shoreline fishing. There are basketball hoops, hockey rinks, scenic views, soccer fields, restrooms, shelter houses, picnic shelters, etc., in Boyd Park.

Address: 1202 Fairway St, Eau Claire, WI 54701-4106

18. Artisan Forge Studios

An interesting attraction to visit while in the city, and it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Eau Claire, WI.

The Artisan Forge Studios is an art gallery and studio that features more than forty local artists and vendors. The Artisan Forge Studios also consists of a coffee shop, chocolate shop, home decor and designs, a gift shop, an art lending library, and many others.

The gallery and gift shop in The Artisan Forge Studios is home to pieces from each of the artists available for purchase. The Artisan Forge Studios is the perfect place to shop gifts for your loved ones and decor items for your house and office.

Many vendors in Artisan Forge Studios specialize in arts of all forms and offer exceptional items and products for sales such as jewelry, a chocolatier, artists of all mediums, stylists, guitar factory, music lessons, and others.

The studio hosts regular events like jam sessions, art classes, special exhibits, etc. You are sure to find something spectacular and exciting happening in Artisan Forge Studios every time you visit.

Address:1106 Mondovi Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701-2735

19. Oakwood Mall

Situated in the Chippewa Valley, Oakwood Mall is the largest shopping center in west-central Wisconsin that features a robust retail mix. People that come to shop in Oakwood Mall enjoy about 100 of the popular retail brands.

There are different and exciting stores in Oakwood Mall such as JCPenny, Hobby Lobby, Scheels, GameStop, HOM Furniture, Old Navy, Ulta Beauty, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle Outfitters, and others.

The Oakwood Mall also features Forest kid’s soft play area alongside a 12-screen AMC Theatre with a stadium seating setting, creating a solid family draw.

Visit the mall to discover new-to-market brands and also explore your favorites at the perfect mix shops. The balanced retail stores’ mix and amenities in Oakwood Mall make it an excellent shopping spot in northwest Wisconsin.

20. Eau Claire Children’s Theatre

The Eau Claire children’s Theatre has provided quality theatrical and educational experiences for everyone in western Wisconsin for all ages since 1989.

The Eau Claire children’s Theatre is centered on offering a fun and exciting environment and an excellent theatre for kids; it also sought to serve the adults of the Chippeway Valley.

The Eau Claire children’s Theatre offers excellent opportunities for both the kids and adults to be on stage and in the audience. The young and the adults in the Theatre can also become the cast, crew, and audience.

With the beautiful opportunity and fun environment, The Eau Claire children’s Theatre provides, the Theatre has been consistently recognized for its success, growth, and unique service in the art community.

Eau Claire children’s Theatre is another classic Eau Claire attraction that is worth adding to your list of things to do in Eau Claire, WI.

Address: 1814 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54703-5171

21. 200 Main Gallery

200 Main Gallery offers unique artworks by local artists and a great selection of 200 different varieties of wines worldwide. You’re sure to have a wonderful time in 200 Main Gallery as you explore the unique artworks and sample their wines.

The owners of 200 Main Art and Wine Gallery, Terry Meyer and Jo Ellen Burke, are friendly and helpful as they offer you sweet wines and make sure you enjoy a wonderful time; there’s also music playing in the background.

The gallery also showcases many artists from around the Chippewa Valley, including sculptors, painters, potters, and others. You will also find affordable gifts and gift cards, items of clothing, jewelry, candles, and other things in the gallery.

Add a visit to this gallery to your list of things to do in Eau Claire, WI, for a memorable art experience.

Address: 200 Main St., Eau Claire, WI 54701, Eau Claire, WI 54701-3651

22. Caradori Pottery

Are you searching for the best abs perfect store to purchase potteries for your house, office, and other purposes? Are you confused about where to visit? Do well to see the Caradori Pottery as it consists of unique and quality potteries you will love.

David Caradori Pottery has been in the business of pottery-making for more than 30 years. The store consists of many local artists such as Mel Sundby, Anders Shafer, Allan Servos, Susan O’Brien, and others. David Caradori’s pots are hand thrown on a kick wheel and wood-fired in a sasukenai kiln, built and designed by famed Japanese potter Masakazu Kusakabe.

You will also discover original works from local artists with pieces on display such as pencil works from Alan Servoss, digitally-altered photos from Bobby Pitts, etchings from Don Smith, raku from Melvin Sundby, pottery from Joe Christianson, stoneware from Jerome Grasset, and ceramics from David Caradori.

Add a visit to this Pottery to your list of things to do in Eau Claire, WI, for a memorable experience.

Address: 359 Ferry St, Eau Claire, WI 54703-5946

23. Northwest Park Bike Trails

Northwest Park Bike Trails features beautiful wildflowers rated as moderate; the trail is mainly used for nature trips, skating, classic skiing during the Winter, hiking and mountain biking, and others.

You will enjoy a good time with your friends and family at the Northwest Park Bike Trails as it is consists of groomed trails, and you will also enjoy cross-country skiing.

The Northwest Park Bike Trails is a great trail system situated on the edge of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; it is a nice rolling smooth trail with some fun banked corners and exciting views overlooking the city.

You explore the Northwest Park Bike Trails as it is worth your stop, and you will enjoy biking or hiking the trails. You can also challenge your friends to mountain biking as it has an exciting and fun course, and you can smoothly display your skills on the tracks.

24. Action City

Action City is an entertainment spot within the Metropolis Resort and caters to people of all ages.

It boasts the largest indoor go-kart track in the midwest. You can spend time at the laser tag course or play at the laser maze vault. They’ve got over 150 arcade games to explore.

There’s also a large trampoline park that kids can enjoy. They have challenging Ninja courses, airbag stunt jump, dodgeball courts, slam-dunk stations, an open jump arena, fidget ladders, and basketball slam-dunk stations.

If you prefer outdoor activities, you can relish an adrenaline rush moment by soaring the 130-foot-high zip line. There’s a 19-hole mini golf course and an outdoor go-kart race track.

A day well spent is a day enjoying the wonders of Action City.

Address: 2402 Lorch Avenue, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, United States.

25. James Newman Clark Bird Museum

The Museum houses over 500 species of native birds acquired by James Newman Clark from 1870 to 1920.

The circular room holds four dioramas and several other bird species and serves as a natural habitat for the birds.

Some interesting exhibits are the Golden Eagle, bald Eagle, and the now-extinct passenger pigeon.

You can find this Museum in Phillips hall, room 002, implying that the University of Wisconsin has a license to keep these birds.

The Museum is open to the public and students, so take a look for yourself

Address: 101 Roosevelt Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701, United States.

26. Avenue Orchard

Avenue Orchard was launched in 2007 and is owned by Ron, Shelly Knutson, and their families.

You can find over 26 variations of apples and two pear varieties to choose from, even during the growing season.

They also offer pre-picked apples and fresh apple cider. All you do is make a pick, and it will be yours.

The Orchard has canned goods like jams, butter, jellies, pie fillings, and sauces. You can bond over a picnic at this family-friendly Orchard or over yard games.

Address: 6700 US-53, Eau Claire, WI 54701, United States.

27. Banbury Place’s Mural Art Gallery

The Banbury place is 1,900,000 square feet of land with over 135 business present, including the Mural Art Gallery.

This Gallery house different artistic murals that once adorned the windows of a vacant building downtown.

No longer lost but found in the Banbury Place Mural Art Gallery. Don’t wait to be told, and see for yourself.

Address: 800 Wisconsin St, Eau Claire, WI 54703, United States.

Explore other cities in Wisconsin, check out our list of things to do in Green Bay, things to do in Hayward, and things to do in Sturgeon Bay for a fun time.

Plan a Trip to Eau Claire

Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is the perfect place for your family and friends’ vacation as you’re sure to enjoy an exciting and memorable holiday.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin, features many amazing things to do and places to visit for its visitors and residents for a beautiful and enjoyable time in the city. You will discover exciting and historical museums, recreational parks, bars and restaurants, galleries and studios, wineries, farmers markets, malls, playgrounds, fantastic food, and many others.

The items listed above will lead you to the exciting things to do in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and places to visit with your loved ones. Start planning your next holiday with your family and friends to the exciting city as it is worth your trip.