1st Place: Eau Claire Dog Park
2nd Place: Music in the park
3rd Place: Lowes Creek Park (tied)
3rd Place: Carson Park (tied)

Eau Claire’s Dog Park is once again the best place for you and your beloved doggie companions to run, play, and make friends in the Chippewa Valley. But don’t get cocky, Eau Claire. You might have some competition. Chippewa Falls just approved the development of a dog park and Menomonie is in the process of doing so. For those pets put at ease around hundreds of people and talented local musicians, music in the park is always a good bet, whether at the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series in Phoenix Park or the Blues in Owen Park series. If Sparky is not so good around lots of people, venture out to Lowes Creek Park where 250 acres of scenic beauty, trails, and plenty of small furry mammals to chase down are waiting for you and your pet. Take a trot with your pet, splash in Half Moon Lake, or get a good old game of fetch going at Carson Park, 134 acres of pet bliss. – Heidi Kraemer