Whatever your personal history in the Chippewa Valley, you’ll find plenty to fascinate and inform you at the Chippewa Valley Museum (Carson Park, Eau Claire), the undisputed champion in this category — and not just because of its vintage ice cream parlor. Leinenkugel’s Brewery (124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls) may not be rolling out the barrels anymore, but it’s still worth exploring to learn about a century and a half of brewing history and to enjoy a pint at the Leinie Lodge. Grab the kids, the grandkids, or the neighbors’ kids and head to the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire (126 N. Barstow St., Eau Claire), an educational and interactive spot in downtown. —Tom Giffey