10/09/2021
Relax in Phoenix Park
In the summer months, you can usually find the residents of Eau Claire sprawled out on picnic blankets in Phoenix Park. Overlooking the Chippewa River State Bike Trail, the park sets the scene for Eau Claire's beloved summer music series, Sounds like Summer.
The nine-acre park has prime real estate on the confluence of the Chippewa River and Eau Claire River. It also happens to be the string point for the Chippewa River State Trail and hosts the weekly farmers market. Phoenix Park is the beating heart of community activity in Eau Claire. Not only does it host the farmers market, but it is also known for Food Truck Fridays. Every Friday, a line of food trucks pops up at the park, and hungry devotees always follow.
Visitors can check the calendar of events, which also includes outdoor yoga, family nights, outdoor workouts, and several races held throughout the year. Come winter, the park sparkles with holiday magic, when the trees come alive with decorative twinkly lights.
10/09/2021
Run the Chippewa River Trail
Eau Claire's Chippewa River State Trail is a 26-mile trail that crosses through the city, as well as into the more rural areas surrounding it. It follows the path of the Chippewa River, which begins in popular Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire.
The trail then runs to the town of Durand to link up with the Red Cedar State Trail. This was once a railroad route, but today is frequented by runners, cyclists, and walkers, all looking to drink in the views of the beautiful grasslands, marsh area, and sandstone rocks. The path is paved for 11 miles outside of Eau Claire up until Caryville.
If you're looking to keep it local, the trail has smaller offshoot trails within Eau Claire, like a walking trail through Putnam Park.
Come winter, the trail is still put to good use when it is groomed for snowmobiling. Just a note that you will need a trail pass for biking, cross-country skiing, and in-line skating on the trail. You can purchase passes along the trail. It's $4 for the day or $15 for the year.
10/09/2021
Get Out to Carson Park
At the heart of Eau Claire is the historic, sprawling Carson Park. The 134-acre peninsula park sits perched over Half Moon Lake. The land that now holds the park was once the property of William Carson, a lumber baron from the area. Today the park is a hub of activity for the residents and visitors to Eau Claire, from the baseball and football stadium to the tennis courts, walking trails, and fishing spots.
Speaking of the baseball stadium, Carson Park's stadium has special historical significance for the city of Eau Claire. A member of the National Register of Historic Places, the stadium held its first game in 1937.
Other points of interest within the park include the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum, which tells the story of Eau Claire's lumbering history, as well as the Chippewa Valley Museum, which is dedicated to regional history. Read on to learn more about those particular things to do in Eau Claire.
