Beaver Creek Reserve covers more than 400 acres, with diverse habitats that include upland forests, floodplain forests, wetlands, and savannas. These varied landscapes give the Reserve a distinct natural character. Its trail network stretches for more than nine miles; individual hikes range from half a mile to two miles. The overall length of the network and the range of individual hikes describe different scales. Before setting out on the trails, check in at the Wise Nature Center, pay the admission fee, and check the current trail conditions there.
Nature Trails and Distinctive Features
LL Phillips County Park also offers opportunities to observe water and wildlife. Its trail system provides views of the Eau Claire River. Town of Union Conservancy has a different focus: as a learning center, it presents the region’s ecological, cultural, and geological history. Along the Chippewa River, it has eight trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The routes can therefore be considered according to two specific criteria, while the learning center also offers insight into the area through its natural, cultural, and geological history.
A 30-mile trail begins at Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire, where the Eau Claire River and Chippewa River meet. At Lake Eau Claire Channel, two fishing piers provide accessible access for fishing. Harstad Park is on the Eau Claire River along County Road HHH, between the Village of Fall Creek and the City of Augusta. Putnam Park was designated a State Natural Area in 1976.
Culture Through Sculpture, Museums, and Performances
The free Eau Claire Sculpture Tour is an open-air attraction featuring more than 120 sculptures that can be explored year-round. The number and locations of the works may change. At the Wisconsin Logging Museum, visitors can take photos with Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox—one specific reason to take a closer look at these two well-known figures.
The Chippewa Valley Museum features historical and cultural exhibits. The museum also has a 1950s-style ice cream parlor; check details about its food offerings before your visit. The Children's Museum of Eau Claire offers a safe, inclusive environment with interactive exhibits that support children’s social and cognitive learning. Check in advance for current exhibits and access information. The Pablo Center at the Confluence presents dance productions, family-friendly performances, and literary and film events across a range of genres. As programs may change, it’s worth checking the current schedule.
Experiences Through the Seasons
The paved Storybook Hiking Trail at Beaver Creek Reserve is 0.25 miles long. At any time of year, a different nature-themed, illustrated children’s book takes center stage there. Unlike the Reserve’s larger trail network, this is a short, clearly defined trail, and its book theme changes with the seasons.
The Chippewa River State Trail is open to hiking, biking, and inline skating in spring, summer, and fall. In winter, 13 miles of singletrack are groomed for fat biking and snowshoeing at Lowes Creek County Park. There are also more than five miles of doubletrack for classic-style and skate cross-country skiing. Grooming is seasonal; check conditions before your visit. The different figures make the seasonal changes in activities clear: three possible uses of the Chippewa River State Trail during the warmer seasons contrast with the groomed winter offerings at Lowes Creek.
Events also bring seasonal highlights. Eau Claire Marathon Weekend includes a marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K races, a four-person relay, and children’s races. Check the date and program for the year in question. Each February, a candlelight snowshoe hike is held at Centennial Park; confirm the current date before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Eau Claire, Walworth, St. Croix County, Iron County, Waukesha, Portage County, Vilas County, Door County.
For the main travel overview: Wisconsin.
