Browse all Winter Thrive Guide content by date.

Did You Know? Irvine Park Is Home To One Of Wisconsin's 'Beer Caves'

open-year round, this local natural landscape used to store and chill Schmitmayer Brewing Co. libations

As the winter season is in full swing, the Irvine Park “Beer Cave” in Chippewa Falls (125 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls), deserves the spotlight. While maybe not as well known, this cave played a significant role in the local libations industry during the cooler months. According to legend – well actually...

Inside The Chippewa Valley’s Creative Crafting Clubs

these local artist meetups, workshops offer a space to create during the winter months & all year-round

I firmly believe this to be true (especially in the winter months): Eau Claire, Menomonie and Chippewa Falls have no shortage of things to do, places to eat and drink, and spaces to discover. Yet, what excites many of us this time of year, is the chance to slow down and maybe pick up a new hobby or two...

The First Snowfall Signals The Start Of A Sacred Storytelling Season

Marge Hebbring, respected Ojibwe elder in the Chippewa Valley, shares the value of oral storytelling amidst arrival of winter

Marge Hebbring, a respected Ojibwe elder of the Lac Courte Oreilles band, will share some stories of the Ojibwe nation – in the oral storytelling tradition – from 11am-12pm on Saturday, January 17 in 2026 at the Chippewa Area History Center in Chippewa Falls. Oral storytelling plays a crucial role in the continuity of the Ojibwe people...

No Gear, No Problem: Free Winter Gear Rentals in Eau Claire

from snowshoe kits to hockey sticks to sleds, Gear Share participants can help you get the most out of the winter months

Sometimes building a snow fort or making a snow angel just doesn’t cut it. When you feel the need for sledding speed this winter season – or want to snowshoe, borrow some hockey sticks, play crokicurl, etc. – there are a handful of places in the Eau Claire area which offer free gear rentals ...

Run, Don’t Walk To This New Winter Wonderland

Valley Sports Academy opens massive outdoor skating destination

The Valley Sports Academy is, year-round, a hot destination to keep active through all sorts of recreation activities. But this winter they’ve stepped up the game with a huge new addition to their space, including some attractions you won’t find anywhere else ...

SNOW TIME TO WAIT: At Silver Mine, Cross-Country Skiers Make Their Own Snow

volunteer Craig Manthe leads an effort to create artificial snow to keep cross-country enthusiasts skiing during dry winters

A distinct lack of snow in the Chippewa Valley during the past few winters has often left outdoor recreation lovers at a loss. Consider cross-country skiers, including the 50-some youth members of Chippewa Valley Nordic. No snow means no skiing, which means ...

The Ice May Be Nice, But Is It Safe?

DNR advises caution for snowmobilers and others who venture onto the ice this winter

“The biggest thing we want folks to remember is that no ice is completely safe,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. “On a sunny day, ice that may have been thick enough to drive on in the morning may be unsafe by the afternoon ...

COLUMN: A Burning Desire

despite the extra effort, heating with wood warms the home and the heart

No matter where I’ve lived since, whether more makeshift rentals with friends, the first home I shared with my wife, or more recently even our city place in south Eau Claire, the steady heat from a wood fire has always been a must-have for me ...

Crack the Code This Winter With the Carson Capers Scavenger Hunt

seek clues, solve puzzles, and win prizes through Jan. 31

Need some motivation to get out and about despite the winter weather? Eau Claire Parks, Recreation, and Forestry has launched its annual Carson Capers Scavenger Hunt. Throughout the month of January, participants are invited to “crack the code” and decipher ...

Outdoor Recreation Boosts Wis. Economy by $11.2B, Report Says

rec industry grows faster than overall state economy

Every time you strap on snowshoes, fire up your ice fishing auger, buy a deer license, or ski, bike, hike, or ATV on one of the Badger State’s many miles of trails, you’re boosting the state’s ever-growing outdoor recreation industry ...