Best Public Park

Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls is a veritable wonderland: With more than 300 acres of scenic beauty; a zoo with bears, tigers, and other wildlife; a museum; and even a cave, there’s a little something for everyone. Carson Park in Eau Claire, with voters put in second place, is located on a 134-acre peninsula. The park contains Half Moon Lake, playgrounds, a kiddie train, sports fields, and two museums. In the third spot is nine-acre Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire. Featuring half a mile of riverbank frontage, Phoenix Park offers walking paths, a labyrinth, and is a gathering place for family nights, farmers markets, live music, and yoga. — Nealy Corcoran