From Hiking to Waterfalls & Breweries galore, Western Wisconsin has a ton to discover.
We love taking day trips because they don't require very much driving and no added hotel costs. A trip to Eau Claire & Menomonie, WI can easily be done in a day, but it'll make you yearning for more! To discover more about our day trip, check out our Instagram Story Highlights titled "Eau Claire WI."
Brunch at The Nucleus Cafe
From sweet to savory - get your fill with brunch at The Nucleus Cafe in downtown Eau Claire, a favorite among the locals & college students.
Hike Mount Simon Park
At first glance, Mount Simon Park seems like a pretty standard park, but there's a lot more than the eye can see when you're in the parking lot.
Getting there: we parked in the large lot all the way down Addison Ave, where the boat launch is. Walk to the end of the road, which turns into a cul-de-sac and you'll see a big boulder rock, that's the entrance to the trail. We did see people coming from other directions so there are probably other access points.
The hike is right along the Chippewa River, some parts of the trail can get a little sketchy and best done on a dry day. You might think, where is this taking me, but keep going. You'll get to a clearing where you'll see ropes and steps going up trees, this is where people rope swing so pack a swimming suit! We had no idea about this part of the hike, it looked so fun!
Keep following the trail to the center where there's a pretty steep incline, climb to the top of the rock and you'll be rewarded with beautiful views!
Carson Park & Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum
"Buy me some Peanuts & Cracker Jacks!" Carson Park is home to a baseball, softball, football field AND the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum. Due to COVID everything was closed, so we just went for the photo-op of Paul Bunyan & Babe, but this place seriously looks so interesting! We will definitely go back when in full swing, which is NOW!
The Brewing Projekt
Time for a BEER! A visit to Eau Claire isn't complete without a stop to The Brewing Projekt, one of our favorite Wisconsin breweries! The Brewing Projekt is known for their experimental sours, delicious Hazy IPAs and their unbelievable taproom! Be sure to check out their rooftop and try as many beers and you can!
Other Places to check out in Eau Claire, WI
Eat at the Classic Garage Diner
Drive a short distance to Chippewa Falls, home to Jack Dawson and Leinenkugel's.
Devil's Punchbowl
Head back West to Menomonie, WI and make a pitstop at Devil's Punchbowl along the Rustic Road 89. It's a short hike down inside the punchbowl to see the waterfall. This is a great stop in the winter too, the walls will be covered in ice, similar to Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis!
Lucette Brewing Co
It's time for amazing wood fired pizzas & beer at Lucette Brewing Co in Menomonie, Wi. I actually went to college in this small town and life in Menom would have been even greater if Lucette's was around! It's right along the Red Cedar River with a large indoor & outdoor space and a beautiful custom wood fired oven.
Other Places to check out in Menomonie, WI
So much has changed since I went to school here, but a few favorites remain:
Relax on the patio along Tainter Lake at Jake's Supper Club
or grab the best sandwiches at Acoustic Cafe
We hope this inspires you to take a day trip to Western Wisconsin to visit our neighbors to the East! For more day trip itineraries, check out our posts below.
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