ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE. And, if you're in need of a little guidance, look no further than Eau Claire Outdoors. The local outdoors outfitter has been offering folks regional recreational adventures – with the comfort of a group – since 2024.

“My passion is showing our customers that they can find high adventure wilderness experiences right here in Northwestern Wisconsin,” said Kate Felton, owner of Eau Claire Outdoors, said of the business's Guided Adventures offerings.

Since launching the Guided Adventures in 2024, Eau Claire Outdoors has refined and expanded its day-long and overnight outdoors excursions. New this year is the "Overnight Paddle on the Chippewa River" experience, from Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 9 (difficulty level: beginner/relaxed), joining a couple of returning overnight trips.

This year, the "Overnight Paddle on the Boundary Waters" (difficulty level: moderate) returns from Thursday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 23. The "Backpacking for Beginners on the Ice Age Trail" trip is slated for Saturday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Aug. 30 (difficulty level: beginner/relaxed). 

2026 day trips include "Community Paddle" events on the Chippewa River on June 14 and July 11, with the "Fall Colors Paddle" event slated for Oct. 11, highlighting the autumnal beauty of the Chippewa River.

“We’ve freed up a bit of our calendar this year to make room for more private groups along with river trips for local music festivals,” Felton said. “We had a lot of interest in 2025 from groups with family reunions, staff retreats, bachelor parties and the like. We plan to make more space to explore these further this year.”

Pricing varies between Guided Adventure experiences, taking into account length of trip, provided supplies and expertise, among other things. The full calendar of Guided Adventures can be found online at www.eauclaireoutdoors.com/adventure.

Read the full descriptions of each Guided Adventures experience online and learn more at www.eauclaireoutdoors.com.