Eau Claire: Trails, Nature and Culture

More than 400 acres of upland forests, floodplain forests, wetlands, and savannas are part of Beaver Creek Reserve. Along with river views, varied trails, and cultural offerings, they provide different ways to plan a trip to Eau Claire—from nature watching to events.

Nature and River Landscapes

At LL Phillips County Park, you can observe water and wildlife. A trail system offers views of the Eau Claire River. Putnam Park is also among the named nature destinations: it was designated a State Natural Area in 1976.

At the Lake Eau Claire Channel, there are two fishing piers with accessible access. For those who want to pair a nature destination with a specific activity, this offers an alternative to trails and viewpoints.

Choose Trails by Distance and Season

Beaver Creek Reserve has more than nine miles of trails; hiking routes range from half a mile to two miles. Before setting out on the trails, check in at the Wise Nature Center to pay admission fees and check current trail conditions. The different figures for the trail network and individual hiking routes can help you gauge the distance you want for your visit.

Eight trails run along the Chippewa River at the Town of Union Conservancy. They vary in length and difficulty. On the Chippewa River State Trail, you can hike, bike, and inline skate in spring, summer, and fall. Another trail starts at Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire, at the confluence of the Eau Claire River and Chippewa River; it is 30 miles long.

Winter also brings its own trail options. At Lowes Creek County Park, 13 miles of singletrack are groomed for fat biking and snowshoeing, along with more than five miles of double track for classic and skate cross-country skiing. The trail types are intended for different uses: singletrack is for fat bikes and snowshoes, while double track is for the two cross-country skiing techniques. Because grooming is seasonal, check current conditions before your visit.

Another seasonal activity is the annual candlelight snowshoe hike, held every February at Centennial Park. Check the current event date before your trip.

Culture, Exhibitions, and Events

The Eau Claire Sculpture Tour is a free outdoor attraction featuring more than 120 sculptures that can be explored year-round. The number and locations of the sculptures may change. Beaver Creek Reserve is also home to the 0.25-mile paved Storybook Hiking Trail. A different illustrated children's book about nature accompanies the trail in each season.

The Town of Union Conservancy serves as a learning center focused on the region's ecological, cultural, and geological history. At the Wisconsin Logging Museum, you can take photos with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. The Children's Museum of Eau Claire offers a safe and inclusive environment with interactive exhibits that support children's social and cognitive learning. Check current exhibits and visitor information before your visit.

The Chippewa Valley Museum features historical and cultural exhibits and includes a 1950s-style ice cream parlor. Check the details of the food offerings before your visit. The Pablo Center at the Confluence presents dance productions, family-friendly performances, and literary and film events across a range of genres. As schedules may change, check the program for your visit.

Eau Claire Marathon Weekend includes a marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K races, a four-person relay, and children's races. Check the dates and program again for the relevant year. Depending on when you travel, you can give seasonal outdoor activities, cultural offerings, and events different emphasis.

Discover more destinations: Eau Claire, Burnett, Calumet County, Rusk County, Vilas County, Taylor, Lincoln County, Vernon County

For the broader travel overview: Wisconsin.