Historical Stuff You Can See Today
eight ways to delve into Eau Claire’s colorful history
V1 Staff |
Chippewa Valley Museum
Carson Park, cvmuseum.com • A curated collection of Chippewa Valley history featuring exhibits that showcase farm life, industry, and settlement, as well as an old-time ice cream parlor, a one room school house, a log house, and more.
Waldemar Ager House
514 W Madison St., agerhouse.org • A historic house museum that preserves the home, heritage, and literary works of Waldemar Ager, a Norwegian immigrant to the area during the turn of the 19th century.
Wisconsin Logging Museum
Carson Park, wisconsinlogging.org • A recreation of an 1890s logging camp. Explore the lives of early lumberjacks in their own words and learn about the logging history of Northern Wisconsin. Watch for the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
The High Bridge
Built in 1881, this six-span, iron lattice truss bridge is 900 feet long and rises 80 feet above the Chippewa River. This iconic area rail bridge was converted to a pedestrian bridge in 2015.
Schlegelmilch House
517 S Farwell St. • Built in 1871 by a Prussian immigrant, this historic house and collection showcases the history of immigration, community, and class structure in the early decades of Eau Claire. Offers group tours and private events.
Eau Claire City Hall
203 S. Farwell St. • The current Eau Claire City Hall complex includes the original City Hall and the old Eau Claire Public Library, built in 1916 and 1903 respectively. Both are built in a Classical Revival style.
Uniroyal Tire Factory Gallery
Building 13, Suite 29 of Banbury Place • This self-guided gallery showcases the history of the factory. Features photographs, visual timelines, and vintage equipment. Learn about the factory’s role in the city.
Eau Claire Landmarks
The city has a number of incredible landmarks spanning its history. Check out the Eau Claire Landmarks Commission for a booklet of these properties, available at City Hall or in a PDF form from the city website.
