Before you take to the trails, rip through your favorite local waterways, or climb any sort of mountain, it’s important to make sure of what you’re doing. While you’re gearing up, check out this section as a way to prepare for your ultimate journey. Be safe, be strong, and be adventurous!


25 Hiking Trails in the Chippewa Valley

Flip thru 25 trails with this Web-App by Volume One. Includes aerial images, Satellite Google Maps, directions, trail maps, photos, and descriptions.


Places & Resources

Camping 18

Great camping sites throughout the Chippewa Valley

Meeting to Focus on Developing Region as Outdoor Recreation Hub

June 4 gathering at Beaver Creek aimed at boosting rural economy through outdoor assets

An upcoming meeting will help shape an ambitious effort to boost west-central Wisconsin’s economy by building the region’s status as an outdoor recreation destination. The Regional Outdoor Recreation Meeting is planned for Tuesday, June 4 ...

It’s Free Fun Weekend in Wisconsin June 1-2. Here’s What You Can Do

admission to state parks is free, as are fishing licenses, trail passes, and more

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources invites the public to head outdoors for the 12th annual Free Fun Weekend happening Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2. State Park admission fees, fishing licenses, and trail passes are waived for all visitors ...

KEEP WILDLIFE WILD: What to Do If You Encounter Baby Wildlife

you may be getting out and about this spring, but so are baby animals

While you’re out and about having outdoor adventures this spring – wherever that may be – there’s a chance you could encounter some of Wisconsin’s bountiful wildlife as the weather warms up. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding people ...

Getting Out on the Gravel

Gravel biking is gaining popularity. Here’s why – and where to go

Gravel biking on low-traffic, off-grid, unpaved gravel roads has been growing in popularity in the last several years. More and more cyclists have been drawn to it because it offers a different kind of biking experience. While gravel roads and bikes have both ...

ROOTS RUN DEEP: Putnam Park Day Celebration To Explore Local Natural History

trolley rides around park to showcase what Putnam Park has to offer on May 5

This historical exploration event will lead attendees through the 230-acre Putnam Park to explore the deep-rooted history of the park and Eau Claire. Routes of the tour will be shared for individuals to use for personal walks or group trolley rides around the ...

TIME TO CLIMB: Midwest Mountain Guides Offers Guided Rock Climbing Courses

it's never been easier to get into mountain climbing in Wisconsin and Minnesota

If you’ve ever seen someone rock climbing and thought, “That looks fun, but I could never do something like that,” – think again. Midwest Mountain Guides is a locally owned and operated climbing guide service aimed to make rock climbing accessible to anyone ...

Hunting for Night Crawlers: A Necessary Part of Fishing Opener Ritual

catching trout begins with catching worms

To the uninitiated, “trout fishing” probably conjures up idyllic images: an angler chest deep in a rushing stream, gently sweeping a wispy fly rod back and forth, rolling out line tipped with a feathery fly as trout fairly leap out of the water in anticipation ...

SCENIC STROLL: Half Moon Lake Boardwalk Completion to Be Celebrated

April 20 ribbon cutting will mark fruition of decades-long vision

For the first time since their development in the early 1900s, Eau Claire’s Carson and Rod & Gun Parks will be connected thanks to the new Half Moon Lake Boardwalk Trail. Proposed by the City’s Engineering and Parks Departments nearly two years ago, the project ...


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