Things To Do in Eau Claire

Shopping

Downtown Eau Claire: Downtown Eau Claire is the place to shop when you are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind products. The stores are of plenty and offer shoppers products, goods and services of many different kinds.

Farmer's Market: The Farmer's Market brings Eau Claire fresh, local grown produce. It gives the community the chance to socialize with neighbors while divulging in locally grown, healthy goods. There are three Farmer's market locations, the most popular of which takes place downtown in a Farmer's Market pavilion next to the Chippewa River.

Oakwood Mall: The Eau Claire area is considered a regional retail center thanks to the Oakwood Mall, which includes a food court, movie theater and many stores. Anchored by Sears, J.C. Penney, Younkers, Macy's and Scheels, the mall is a convenient place to shop for all your wants and needs.

Getting Around

Downtown Eau Claire is ranked by Walkerscore.com as a "Walker's Paradise." There are shops, art galleries, restaurants, and many other activities and events to entertain you, all within walking distance.

Chippewa River State Trail - One great way for residents of Eau Claire to enjoy the outdoors and participate in recreational activity is with the Chippewa River State Trail system. The trail consists of over 30 miles starting in downtown Eau Claire and ending on the Red Cedar Trail in Menomonie. A daily pass for persons 16 year and older that is biking or rollerblading is $4 whereas a yearlong pass is $20.

The trail is the perfect way to spend a sunny day, enjoying the scenic nature of wooded areas and open pastures. There are places to stop along the way to take a relaxing break or picnic lunch. The nearby weaving river provides ample opportunity to partaking in water activities.

Transit System - With the cost of fuel seemingly increasing with every pump at the gas station, Eau Claire residents are lucky to have an alternative form of transportation. The transit system not only benefits Eau Claire residents by providing incredibly low-cost fares, but also provides benefits of decreased congestion and pollution. Whether you want to save money on gas or you would just like to do your part in preventing global warming, the bus is the way to go!

The Transit System has routes that cover all of Eau Claire and go as far as neighboring Altoona. Major employment centers are included on the routes as are shopping centers and UW - Eau Claire.

Location - Eau Claire is conveniently located near four major cities: Milwaukee, Chicago, Duluth and Minneapolis-St. Paul. These huge urban centers are home to a wide mix of diversity and culture that is hard to find elsewhere. Each one of these cities has much to offer in the way of arts and entertainment, shopping, museums, parks and sports teams. Easy connections via Interstate I-94 or State Highway 53 make them the perfect place for a day trip, weekend away, or weeklong vacation.

Public Places

Parks: Eau Claire is in no short supply of parks, ranging from the large lakes, trails and sports facilities of Carson Park, to the much smaller, flower filled beauty of Randall Park to everything in between. The tranquil beauty of these parks provides inspiration for music and artists, athletes, outdoorsmen and those out just taking a relaxing stroll.

Waterfront Development: The use of our waterfront is important to the future of Eau Claire. Development started with Phoenix Park, which is now a cultural hub housing concerts, bike trails, festivals, and a farmer's market, among other events and displays. Across the road, a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood continues to be developed, which includes mixed use buildings incorporating brand-new office space, unique dining, and modern apartments.

Historic Buildings/Neighborhoods: Eau Claire is proud of its area's history, which is why we find preserving historic homes and buildings so necessary. From its official beginning in 1872, Eau Claire has grown into a booming cultural and economic metropolitan area. Despite the fact that it has experienced significant growth for well over a century, Eau Claire still likes to maintain the buildings that help link it to its humble beginnings as a lumber town.