Best of the Chippewa Valley

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The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2022

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2023

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2024

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2025

The Best of the Chippewa Valley 2026

Best Thing

Interact with Wisconsin’s 30-plus native butterfly species at the Beaver Creek Reserve Butterfly House (S1 County Hwy. K, Fall Creek), which is open from early July through Labor Day weekend. The seventh oldest brewery in the United States, Leinenkugel’s still brews popular beers including Summer Shandy, Honey Weiss, and Juicy Peach, just no longer from its flagship Chippewa Falls location (although you can still visit the Leinie Lodge at 124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls). Since 2017, downtown Eau Claire has been illuminated by the lights on the Phoenix Park footbridge, adding brightness and color to the nighttime. —Rebecca Mennecke