Some people get bogged down by how cold a Wisconsin winter can be… but a true Wisconsinite knows that the season can also be magical. If you know the right places to go, and what to do, it can be the best time of the year. Eau Claire is a perfect example of a city that wholeheartedly embraces winter and all it can offer. Get ready to bundle up and head to this ‘Midwest Indie’ city for your next “wintermission” with these must-do activities!
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Winter Recreation Path
Photo Credit: Discover Wisconsin (Featured Host: Collin Geraghty)
Eau Claire is a community that embraces winter, and one top-notch way that we encourage people to enjoy the winter scenery, is through their pristine recreation paths. The city has over 32 miles of paved pathways for people to enjoy the activity of their choosing, whether it be walking, running, biking, or taking a stroll with your four-legged friends. They even
have a designated ‘Wintermission’ 4-mile loop that runs through downtown, which is designated high-priority for snow plows. Eau Claire knows that functional and accessible outdoor spaces aren’t just for summer, but winter as well. For this reason, it is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities that you’ll find!
Bridges on Bridges
Photo Credit: Visit Eau Claire via Facebook
Whether it’s the Haymarket Plaza, the UWEC Footbridge, or one of the many pedestrian bridges that connect the city, Eau Claire is chock-full of bridges that link the community together. Famously, the footbridge on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus once landed a spot on David Letterman’s, “Top 10 Coldest Places in America.” Today, students who brave this frozen air tunnel ban together and use the hashtag #BridgeFace to show their grit, humor, and solidarity as they come face-to-face with Jack Frost himself. The Eau Claire bridges help keep the city as pedestrian-friendly and connected as possible. Not to mention, you get to enjoy the beautiful views along the way.
Must-Play Parks
Photo Credit: Discover Wisconsin // Silver Mine Hill Ski Jump
No Wisconsin winter would be complete without the classics like: sledding, ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. All of these (and more!) can be pursued in the many parks Eau Claire has to offer. Pinehurst Park is considered a hidden gem in this area, but shouldn’t be for much longer! It’s the quintessential park for all Wisconsin winter activities. However, if you’re looking for something a little more adrenaline filled, head over to Silver Mine Ski Hill. This is one of the 6th largest ski jump hills in the U.S. and skiers can jump up to 300 feet!
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Want to see more before you road trip it to Eau Claire? Check out this digital short and start dreaming of your new favorite winter destination today:
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Susan Fochs: Marketing Coordinator for Discover Mediaworks. A self-proclaimed non-profit aficionado, coffee connoisseur, marketing nerd, and lover of all things Wisconsin.
