‘Tis the holiday season in the Chippewa Valley, and this year looks a little different. (OK, OK. It looks really different. We know. You don’t have to remind us.) Instead of jubilant family get-togethers, workplace holiday parties, and joyful celebrations with friends, many of us are choosing to spend the holiday season at home to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
But staying home and staying safe doesn’t have to be boring. Consider planning a wintertime getaway at these unique Airbnbs all around the Chippewa Valley to spice up the season and start a new holiday tradition. Book your stay-cay at airbnb.com.
As always, remember to follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines for prevention of COVID-19, and try to travel only with the people you live with. If you plan to get together with others, remember to mask up, sanitize, and stay socially distanced at least six feet apart.
Hobbit House
How many times during this pandemic have you thought to yourself: I should just move underground and hibernate until this is over? Be honest. Well, now you can at this neat Hobbit House located about eight minutes from Menomonie and 20 minutes from Eau Claire. This underground home features a unique design with high ceilings and cozy rooms, and is perfect for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers, and families. It’s conveniently located within 7 miles of the historic Wilson Place Mansion, Mabel Tainter Theater, Rassbach Heritage Museum, and Cottage Winery. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to see the evening stars or roast some s’mores.
location Elk Mound
number of guests 3
bedrooms 1
bathrooms 1
cost per night $65
Slender Spaces
If the stresses of modern life have made you want to become one of those live-in-a-van-and-travel-the-world kind of people, look no further than this tiny house located in Fall Creek. This tiny abode is intended for people who want to feel fully immersed with nature while staying warm and cozy inside. Despite its small size, this home includes an electric stove with two burners, a sink, mini-fridge, pot, frying pan, spatula, tongs, cooking spoon, cups, bowls, plates, silverware for eating, an electric toilet, and spa-style Nebia shower. There’s also a fire pit for roasting s’mores or enjoying the stars. If you’d like to bring a pet along, it’s just an added $30 charge!
location Fall Creek
number of guests 3
bedrooms 1
bathrooms 1
cost per night $217
Dome Home
Looking for a unique home with a unique view? Look no further than Turtles Landing, a dome home tucked away on 322 acres in Colfax, just 9 miles north of Menomonie. Cozy up in a private two-story room and bath, cook up some sweet treats in your very own commercial kitchen, read up in the private library, sweat it out in the sauna and gym, or head outside for hiking or snowshoeing on more than 11 miles of trails around the forest. Worried you’ll be bored? No fear. There are puzzles, board games, a piano, and a campfire to keep you relaxed and unplugged. This off-the-beaten-path place is located in a rural location with no streetlights, so arrive before dark in time to see the stars.
location Eau Claire
number of guests 4
bedrooms 2
bathrooms 1
cost per night $70
Charming Cabin
Everyday life got you restless? Look no further than this charming log cabin, located in Augusta. Besides enjoying this lakefront view, you can check out 100 feet of private beach and a large dock to relax on. This dog-friendly home has a gorgeous, custom stairway. Enjoy some hot cocoa by the cozy fireplace. Hey! We won’t judge if you feel like you’re on the set of a new Hallmark movie.
location Augusta
number of guests 13
bedrooms 3
bathrooms 1
cost per night $321
More log cabins to check out!
Charming Log Cabin on Lake Tainter
Menomonie
Lil’ Kickback on Elk Creek
Elk Mound
Lakefront Log Cabin on Lake Wissota
Chippewa Falls
Romantic River View
Looking for a romantic getaway this holiday season for you and your honey? Look no further than the Luxe Chalet, a romantic river chalet located right next to the Red Cedar River in Menomonie. Enjoy a 2,000-square-foot secluded sanctuary with a wood-burning fireplace, a whirlpool jacuzzi bath, and scenic wintry views. The vacant lot to the north is owned by the Department of Natural Resources, so feel free to trudge across the slopes. If you get snowed in, a snow plow is available for use. But snowed in might not be too bad either ...
location Menomonie
number of guests 6
bedrooms 2
bathrooms 1
cost per night $285
Cozy Church
If you have to miss your annual Christmas church service or mass, consider spending the holidays at this renovated church, located in Durand. Featuring stunning stained glass and a spacious open layout, you can hang with your quarantine pals and play some board games or take advantage of the piano and play some holiday tunes. This cozy church home is a short walk from the Chippewa River and local dining options, which you can grab to-go! This property is wheelchair accessible and includes cooking materials, so you can make some fresh-baked cookies. Don’t forget to leave some for the big guy in the red suit!
location Durand
number of guests 8
bedrooms 2
bathrooms 1
cost per night $123
More historic homes!
Demmler House
Eau Claire
Galloway House
Eau Claire
Studio Stays
Amid pandemic times, many artists are finding themselves overwhelmed and uninspired. Not anymore! Check out this adorable 900-square-foot studio/loft that once belonged to a local children’s book illustrator. Some of her artwork and photographs still hang around the apartment (no pun intended). Enjoy the view of deer, squirrels, bald eagles, hawks, and geese. Opportunities for fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, and kayaking are available about a mile from the studio.
location Menomonie
number of guests 4
bedrooms 1
bathrooms 1
cost per night $88
Marvelous Mansion
Did someone say “social distance?” Well at the Lake House Mansion, you have 12,000 square feet to really spread out. Enjoy eight fireplaces, 10 TVs, private bedrooms, and a large kitchen to enjoy the holiday season while staying safely distanced. This family-friendly home offers opportunities for nearby ice fishing, snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling, Enjoy the scenic views of Tainter Lake, or roast some s’mores over your own fire pit. Amenities for babies and small children (crib, highchair, baby gates, and toys) are available.
location Colfax
number of guests 16
bedrooms 6
bathrooms 10
cost per night $650
More lakefront views!
Lake Wissota Water Views
Chippewa Falls
Luxury Lakehouse
Chippewa Falls
Northwoods Getaway
Chippewa Falls
Remodeled Cabin
Chippewa Falls
Wind and Waves
Chippewa Falls
Lake Wissota Lakehouse
Chippewa Falls
published Dec. 3, 2020
