If you adore smaller cities filled with art, great food, and people who are invested in their community, head to Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Not only is the area quaint, but it also houses a host of surprises. Whether you’re considering a romantic getaway or a full-fledged vacation, here are the 14 best things to do in downtown Eau Claire, WI. P.S. It’s also a fabulous place for the creative couple to honeymoon!
Opinions are mine. In short: I loved it! P.S. Commission-based affiliate links enclosed.
How to Say Eau Claire, WI
Before getting started, there’s one thought on everyone’s mind — how to say Eau Claire, Wisconsin? Assuming you know how to say Wisconsin and most likely Claire, it’s the Eau that throws people off. This French name is said like the letter “O.” So, if you’re in town, be sure to say “O” Claire, and you’ll sound like a local.
Where is Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on a Map?
Naturally, the next question is, “Where is Eau Claire, WI?” It’s best to show you on a map, so take a peek below.
There are a few distances that are popular to search, so here are a few to get your bearings.
- time from Eau Claire, WI to Buffalo, NY – almost 17 hours by car, about 5 hours by plane (fly!)
- travel time from Eau Claire, WI to Canada border – depending on where you want to go, about 7-8 hours
- how long it takes to go from Eau Claire, WI to Minneapoli,s MN – approximately 90 minutes
Eau Claire, WI on map
Other FAQ About Eau Claire
Is Eau Claire, WI, safe?
Just like any city, you need to be mindful, but overall, yes! The downtown streets and river bridges are well-lit, and many people enjoy walking around day and night.
What is the Eau Claire, WI, weather year-round?
This adorable city experiences most of its tourism traffic during the warmer months of May through September, when the highs are 80°F and above, with lows in the mid-40s to low 60s. The coldest months are December through February, when the lows are in the single digits, with highs in the 20s. Brrr!
Eau Claire, WI, is in what county?
The city actually spans two counties. The majority is in Eau Claire County, and the rest is in Chippewa County.
What is the Eau Claire, WI website?
Although there are a few sites, visitors can find the most help at the Visit Eau Claire website. It holds a wealth of information about how to spend your time.
Of course, I’ll talk about what to do in Eau Claire, WI, but the tourism site has everything — festivals, lodging, restaurants, events, shopping, and more. It’s user-friendly, too.
Is there an Eau Claire, WI Airport?
Yes! The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is located within the city limits and serves many airlines, including United. The Eau Claire, WI airport code is EAU, which makes total sense!
Where to Stay While You’re in Town
There are quite a few Eau Claire, WI, hotels. However, boutique accommodations are a quick way to get an authentic taste of a town. I had the pleasure of staying at The Oxbow Hotel, which was absolutely perfect.
It’s a walkable distance to the central hub of all the things to do in downtown Eau Claire, WI. That’s important, but there are so many other features I enjoyed.
Both the open spaces and hotel rooms are bright and airy. The decor is a mix of vintage-inspired and artisanal elements, which creates a cozy feel. There is also an on-site restaurant, which serves morning breakfast snacks and coffee. If you just want to relax for a day, you can scope out the hotel itself.
Here are a few of my favorite things about this excellent Eau Claire, WI lodging spot.
Pay close attention to the photos as you’ll see these details.
- Each room features a record player, and guests can borrow records. There are clear instructions for the player, which is helpful. I listened to The Cars and AC/DC while I was in my room.
- I adored the common areas — so cute! I was genuinely drawn to the decor, complete with plants and unique touches.
- Live-edge wood was used for the headboard, and the artwork was available for purchase in the hotel rooms.
- Not only is there a cozy bedroom, but my room also has a suite with a single bed/couch and a workspace. The room also had a fridge.
- The trifecta of having a great stay (for me, at least) is a comfortable bed, quiet space, and a shower with tremendous pressure. Check, check, and check!
- Sidebar: As a lover of sustainability, I was thrilled they ditched plastic bottles in lieu of refillable bottles on the shower wall. Kudos!
Here’s a peek into The Oxbow Hotel, including the common areas, small event space, and my room (#26!).
Things to Do in Downtown Eau Claire, WI
1. Go on the Sculpture Tour Eau Claire.
What is Eau Claire, WI, known for? The arts! And going on the free walking sculpture tour is the perfect way to see the city. These installations are scattered throughout the town, from the riverside and downtown areas to side streets and outlying neighborhoods.
Art lovers can consider purchasing a sculpture, as many are for sale. The 2021 tour also includes a few interactive sculptures, including one with instruments and another (a pup!) that visitors can give a high 5. Putting this first on your list is a fantastic way to get a lay of the land.
2. Grab a coffee at SHIFT Cyclery and Coffee Bar.
Part bike shop, part coffee shop, and part art space, SHIFT is a welcoming place to visit. Whether you go first thing in the morning or head there in the afternoon (beer alert!), you can find a seat inside.
However, the best part may be the back alleyway — complete with seating — where a variety of murals take residence. Don’t miss the opportunity to peruse these art walls with a coffee or beer in hand.
Also, the name is a play on words. Of course, it has to do with shifting a bicycle’s gears, but it is also a nod to the importance of having a mindset shift. The owner not only redid an old building, but also SHIFT is a place where people can gather and build relationships.
P.S. Please note the Eau, SHIFT merch in the coffee photo below. Brilliant!
3. Sit by the river and have a beer at The Brewing Projekt.
The Brewing Projekt prides itself on its stubbornly crafted beer, but its craft brews aren’t the only thing that’s impressive. Like so many other businesses in downtown Eau Claire, WI, the owner restored a dilapidated building. The result is tasty beer — and spiked seltzer — in a fabulous space.
Drink in the courtyard, inside the brewery, or on the rooftop overlooking the river. There’s plenty of room to converse with others or find a private space to chat at this Eau Claire, WI brewery. It’s an upbeat atmosphere where you can drink beer made right in the city!
4. Spend time perusing The Local Store.
Good news: The Local Store is right across the street from The Oxbow Hotel. It’s filled with amazing goodies from Wisconsin artisans, and they have something for all ages. The Local is a fabulous place to shop for mementos from your time in the city.
Not only do they have great merch sourced from Wisconsinites, but one of the best things is that their in-house designers have crafted the cutest items. From adorable Eau Claire posters to t-shirts featuring retro businesses, they have a great selection.
Plus, the store itself has a great vibe, so be sure to stop by on your way to or from the hotel.
5. Sign up for an event at Forage.
In the heart of downtown Eau Claire, WI, there is an unassuming, bright, airy space. It’s so lovely that onlookers wonder what exactly it is, but the truth is — it can be just about anything! Forage serves as an event venue and frequently hosts artisan markets and other events of interest to both visitors and locals.
While I was in town, Northwoods Grazing held a class on how to make a charcuterie board. So fun! I learned how to create a basic board with vegetarian ingredients (my preference), and I’m delighted with how mine turned out.
Our time also served as lunch, which was perfect. The charcuterie was more than filling, although it was a bit sad to eat my artwork. But that’s what a charcuterie board is for, right?
6. Experience sustainable shopping at Seven Suns Vintage.
Be still, my vintage-loving heart! If you, like me, adore shopping in an eco-friendly way, stop by Seven Suns Vintage. They have something for everyone. From vintage T-shirts and cowboy boots to adorable dresses from the ’50s and ’60s, I think that preloved clothing makes the perfect souvenir.
The vibe at the store is eclectic, and it has a fabulous selection of styles and sizes. It is essential to consider this, as vintage pieces are often one-of-a-kind. Definitely pop in and say “hi” even if you want to experience a bit of a throwback to your childhood days. I loved this fabulous Eau Claire, WI, shopping spot (and, yes, I bought something!).
7. Make time for ice cream.
There’s no treat like a sweet, cold one, and there are a few Eau Claire, WI ice cream shops downtown. Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor is close to the Oxbow and serves ice cream made in nearby Madison. I chose This Just Got Serious, which is a delicious combo of salted caramel ice cream, sea salt fudge, and salted cashews.
Olson’s Ice Cream has been around since 1944 and makes its own flavors. My choice was Mint Cookies & Cream. So good! Head to both spots for a creamy, refreshing treat while you are in town.
8. Take a relaxing walk on the waterfront.
The Eau Claire, WI, river area is so lovely! Several pedestrian bridges cross over the river, so you can walk for exercise or to get out into nature. If you walk during the day, you may see tubers or fishermen on the water. However, if you choose to go at night, you’ll see how beautifully lit the area is.
It’s very walkable for most skill levels, and if you are in a wheelchair, several flat surfaces offer lovely river views.
9. Head to Banbury Place for local history and art.
Banbury Place has a unique history all its own, which you can learn at the basement museum. A former tire factory, closed and leaving thousands of employees without jobs, has been revitalized as a location for businesses to thrive.
Although some of the companies are private and can’t be visited, there are certain sections (building 13, in particular) that have artisans and even spots to grab a quick bite.
One of my favorite spots was the Mural Art Gallery in building 6. The murals used to cover boarded-up windows in the downtown area are now on display for all to see at Banbury Place.
10. Peruse the Eau Claire, WI farmers’ market.
One of the best ways to discover the flavors of an area is to visit the local farmers’ market. Let me pause and say that I LOVED the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market. The flowers were lush and beautiful (and inexpensive, as most bouquets were only $10!), and the vegetables were abundant and reasonably priced.
Another highlight was the presence of artisan vendors at the market. They had their own separate section, and quite a few talented folks were selling handmade pottery, leather moccasins (so cool!), and laser-cut jewelry. I thoroughly enjoyed walking around on such a beautiful morning. There is a lot to see, so be sure to stop by.
11. Wander and explore.
Of all the Eau Claire, WI things to do, sometimes just wandering around allows you to organically discover. Wander Barstow Street and the surrounding area, and pop into shops and grab coffee at EC~DC, which stands for Eau Claire Downtown Coffee — so creative! The downtown area is safe and flat, making it ideal for walking.
Whether you stay in the downtown area or head a bit off the beaten path, keep your eye out for murals. Many buildings showcase gorgeous outdoor works of art that you can drive past or pull into a lot to view.
Bonus: You’ll see a lot of sculptures along the way, so wandering is fabulously paired with the walking sculpture tour.
12. See a show at the Pablo Center at the Confluence.
Known to locals as simply “the Pablo,” this performing arts venue is the perfect counterpart to the many Eau Claire, WI music festivals that happen throughout the year.
From musical theater shows and orchestra performances to classes and art exhibitions, the Pablo fosters creativity and a love for the arts. Check their schedule, and see if you’re fortunate enough to be able to catch a show while you’re in town.
Where to Eat in Eau Claire, WI
By now, you may be wondering if I’ll ever get to eateries, but I thought I’d save them for last. After all, you need to eat while you’re exploring all of the Eau Claire, WI, attractions, right? Beyond coffee, ice cream, and delicious charcuteries, the city is packed with fabulous restaurants.
I’m highlighting ones I visited while I was there, so just be aware that this isn’t an all-inclusive list.
13. The Lakely
Having a fabulous restaurant on-site is a significant plus! Such is the case with The Lakely, which is connected to The Oxbow Hotel. We enjoyed a fantastic charcuterie board and drinks — both the Great Grampa (pictured) and the Koldt Vinter. I highly recommend either one or both.
14. The Informalist
The Informalist is housed on the same property as EC~DC inside The Lismore Hotel. As a vegetarian, it was easy to find options, and the food (the Savory Cannolis are pictured) and drinks were delicious. The restaurant also has a nice vibe and minimalist decor, which adds to a lovely evening out.
15. Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub
For a classy evening out, head to Houligans, which is right in the downtown area. It’s a fabulous place to get steak, seafood, and tasty cocktails. We had such a great time that I neglected to take photos, which is ok every once in a while!
16. The Nucleus
The hottest Saturday morning breakfast spot has to be The Nucleus. We arrived shortly before 8 am, and there was already a line outside. From visitors to regulars — truly, some Eau Claire residents make this a weekly Saturday morning stop — it’s an airy restaurant offering delicious breakfast options.
Save this and visit downtown Eau Claire, WI!
Have I convinced you yet? I genuinely think that everyone can find something of interest within this list of Eau Claire, WI, things to do. Definitely plan to spend a few days exploring what the area has to offer.
It’s such a lovely city that its residents truly care about. Great things are happening in their little corner of Wisconsin, and I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing it. Happy travels!
