Eau Claire (Wisconsin)

Eau Claire (pronounced: O'Clare, French for clear water) is a city of about 62,000 in Northwest Wisconsin.

By car
Eau Claire is on Interstate 94 and U.S. Highway 53 and is 90 miles (145 km) east of the Twin Cities.

By plane


Alternatively, you can fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and take the shuttle service to Eau Claire:

Get around
Like most U.S. cities of its size, all Eau Claire offers by the way of mass transit is a relatively anemic municipal bus system. The buses have bike racks.

The downtown and Water Street areas, and most of the University academic buildings, are located within a river valley. Other parts of the town are located on higher ground. Walking and biking is an option in and between downtown, Water Street, and the University lower campus. However, for most folks (particularly in the winter) travel to other parts of the city will be by auto, taxi, or bus.

Do
For a fairly complete listing of current events, pick up a copy of Volume One, a free magazine available at more than 200 locations throughout the area. Another listing can be found in the Thursday edition of the local Eau Claire Leader-Telegram newspaper.

General

 * Cinema
 * Cinema
 * Cinema

Younger children

 * See also the Fairfax Pool listing in the "Recreation" section below, and the Crystal Cave and Wise Nature Center listings in the Northwest Wisconsin article.
 * See also the Fairfax Pool listing in the "Recreation" section below, and the Crystal Cave and Wise Nature Center listings in the Northwest Wisconsin article.
 * See also the Fairfax Pool listing in the "Recreation" section below, and the Crystal Cave and Wise Nature Center listings in the Northwest Wisconsin article.
 * See also the Fairfax Pool listing in the "Recreation" section below, and the Crystal Cave and Wise Nature Center listings in the Northwest Wisconsin article.

Festivals and events
These listings are presented in chronological order.



Eat
Eau Claire has its share of the usual chains. For more unique dining try:

Nearby restaurants
For restaurants near Eau Claire click here.

Water Street
The primary bar scene in Eau Claire is on Water Street, near the University lower campus. There are 10-15 bars within a few blocks. Highlights include:


 * Stella's Red Room near downtown

Go next

 * Augusta, Wisconsin.
 * Altoona, Wisconsin.
 * Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is about 12 miles (19 km) to the north.
 * Menomonie, Wisconsin, is about 24 miles (38 km) to the west.
 * The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota are about 90 miles (145 km) to the west.