Can I tell you something I genuinely love about living in the Chippewa Valley?
Summer here is SO good.
And I say that as someone who grew up in Hayward, Wisconsin and has lived all over this part of the state. When people ask me what there is to do in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, I always laugh a little because the list is longer than most people expect.
This is not a “drive through” kind of area. There is genuinely so much to do here.
Whether you are a lifelong local, a family who just moved here (hi, welcome!), or someone who is seriously considering a move to the Chippewa Valley, this post is your starting point. I am sharing some of my personal favorites across water fun, outdoor adventures, family activities, local food, and summer events.
And if you want the complete version with every splash pad, beach, pool, pizza farm, event, farmers market, and rainy day backup plan? I put it all into a free 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide you can grab below. 💕
Okay. Let’s get into it.
Want everything in one place? Download the free 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide — it has splash pads, beaches, pools, events, pizza farms, day trips, farmers markets, live music, rainy day ideas, and a printable summer bucket list. All free. 🌸
Water Fun in the Chippewa Valley
When it’s hot in Wisconsin, you want to be near water. Lucky for us, this area has no shortage of options.
For a classic splash pad morning with little ones, Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls and River Prairie Park in Altoona are two of our favorites. Easy, free, and the kids are absolutely soaked and happy within minutes. Haymarket Plaza in Eau Claire is another great one right in the heart of downtown.
For a full beach day, Half Moon Beach in Eau Claire is a convenient in-town option. Big Falls County Park has a sandy beach surrounded by actual waterfalls, which is pretty hard to beat. Over in Chippewa Falls, Lake Wissota State Park has a beautiful sandy beach with a bathhouse and playground.
And if you want a classic Wisconsin water day that involves floating down a river with a cold drink in hand, Loopy’s Grill and Saloon in Chippewa Falls rents tubes, canoes, and kayaks all summer long. They shuttle you upstream and you float back to their backyard on the Chippewa River. Live music, tiki bar, lawn games. A perfect summer afternoon.
You might also already know about FATFAR, the Frenchtown Annual Tube Float and Regalia, which happens the third Sunday in June. It has been going on since about 1975 and is dubbed the world’s largest single-day tubing event. If you have never done it, add it to the list. It is one of those only-in-the-Chippewa-Valley experiences. 21+ event.
Want the full list? Grab the free 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide and get every splash pad, beach, pool, event, pizza farm, and local favorite in one place. 💕
Outdoor Adventures Worth Adding to Your Summer Bucket List
This area is genuinely beautiful in the summer. Here are a few of my personal favorites for getting outside.
Irvine Park and Zoo in Chippewa Falls
Free admission. 318 acres. A zoo with cougars, bears, bison, and tigers. A petting zoo open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hiking trails, picnic shelters, a historic schoolhouse, and a splash pad. Irvine Park is one of the most underrated gems in all of Wisconsin and we go constantly. Zoo gates open 8 AM to 6 PM daily, petting zoo 10 AM to 6 PM. Free parking, free admission.
Lake Wissota State Park
Just a few minutes north of Chippewa Falls, Lake Wissota covers over 1,000 acres of old-growth forest right on the water. Swim, kayak, fish, hike, or camp. The Lake Wissota Loop trail is about 6.4 miles right along the water with wooden walkways over some sections. You do not have to do the whole thing. Bring the kids and go as far as feels good. You will need a Wisconsin State Park vehicle sticker to get in.
Chippewa River State Trail
Over 20 miles of paved trail connecting Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls right along the river. Perfect for bike rides, walks, or a stroller push with beautiful scenery the whole way. One of those things where you feel like you went on a real adventure without having to plan very hard.
Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek
A short drive outside of the cities but absolutely worth it. Beaver Creek Reserve has trails, wildlife areas, and an outdoor obstacle course with a zipline that kids love. The Butterfly House Exhibit runs July 5 through September 1 and is genuinely magical. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for kids ages 2 to 15.
Want the full list? Grab the free 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide and get every splash pad, beach, pool, event, pizza farm, and local favorite in one place. 💕
Family-Friendly Fun in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls
Summer with kids in the Chippewa Valley is the best. Here are a few spots our family keeps coming back to.
Carson Park in Eau Claire
Home to the Chippewa Valley Museum, the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp, and the Chippewa Valley Railroad. The train runs Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day and costs $2 for kids 12 and under, $3 for adults. My kids lose their minds every time. Fun fact: the historic stadium at Carson Park is where Hank Aaron played minor league ball.
Chaos Water Park at Metropolis Resort
On those hot July days when you need a win with the kids, Chaos Water Park is your answer. Water slides, a lazy river, lily pads, water cannons, a hot tub, and a kids aquatic playground. Day passes available, or book a room at the resort and admission is included. If I need to hear something other than “Mom, I’m bored” this is where we go. 😂
River Prairie Park in Altoona
Beautiful riverfront setting, a splash pad, walking trails, and several good local restaurants nearby for lunch or dinner after a morning of playing. Great option when you want a change of scenery from the Eau Claire or Chippewa Falls parks.
Want the full list? Grab the free 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide and get every splash pad, beach, pool, event, pizza farm, and local favorite in one place. 💕
Local Food and Drinks Worth Making a Trip For
I would be doing you a disservice if I talked about summer in the Chippewa Valley without mentioning the food scene. We eat well here.
Downtown Farmers Markets
The Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market at Phoenix Park runs Wednesday and Saturday mornings (7:30 AM to 1 PM) and Thursday afternoons (noon to 5 PM). The Chippewa Falls Farmers Market runs every Thursday noon to 6 PM at Riverfront Park. Local vendors, fresh produce, flowers, coffee, baked goods, and community energy that just feels really good. Show up early and bring a reusable bag.
Pizza Farms
This one is one of the most uniquely Wisconsin experiences on this list and if you have never been to a pizza farm, you are in for a treat. Working farms that serve wood-fired pizza made with local ingredients, usually on outdoor tables in the middle of a field. Farm to Fork in Mondovi, Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm in Cochrane, and The Stone Barn in Nelson are a few worth putting on your radar. Check their Facebook pages before you go because these spots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Leinenkugel’s Brewery Tour
A rite of passage if you live in or visit Chippewa Falls. Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company has been here since 1867 and the tours are genuinely fun. Root beer options available for the kids. A great one if you have family visiting from out of town.
Want the full list? Grab the free 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide and get every splash pad, beach, pool, event, pizza farm, and local favorite in one place. 💕
Summer Events You Will Not Want to Miss
Beyond the everyday activities, summer in the Chippewa Valley is absolutely packed with events.
Eaux Claires Music and Arts Festival
This one is a BIG deal. Eaux Claires is back at Carson Park on July 24 and 25, 2026, after an 8-year hiatus. Founded by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), this nationally recognized music and arts festival is one of the most exciting things happening in the Chippewa Valley this summer. If you love live music, do not miss it. Grab tickets at the official Eaux Claires website.
Live Music All Summer Long
One thing that genuinely surprised me when I moved here is how much live outdoor music happens in the summer. River Prairie Park in Altoona, Phoenix Park in Eau Claire, River Jams in Lake Hallie, Owen Park Bandshell in Eau Claire, River Bend Winery in Chippewa Falls. There is something going on almost every night if you know where to look.
Check Volume One (volumeone.org) and Visit Eau Claire (visiteauclaire.com) for full up-to-date event calendars all season.
Want the full list? Grab the free 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide and get every splash pad, beach, pool, event, pizza farm, and local favorite in one place. 💕
A Personal Note From Someone Who Actually Lives Here
I moved to the Chippewa Valley in 2017 and I will be honest, I was not totally sure what to expect. I grew up in Hayward and I was used to the northwoods. But this area has completely surprised me in the best way.
The community here is genuine. The outdoor access is incredible. The food scene keeps getting better. And there is always something to do with my boys.
We live on 30 acres just outside of Chippewa Falls and our summer bucket list usually includes half the things in this post. Irvine Park is practically a standing weekly date. We have done Loopy’s more times than I can count. And watching my kids experience things like an Eau Claire Express game for the first time makes me really grateful we chose to build our life here.
If you are considering a move to the Chippewa Valley, I hope this gives you a real taste of what summer looks like. It is really, really good. 💕
Grab the Full 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide
This post is just the highlight reel.
The full free Summer Guide has everything: every splash pad with details and pro tips, all the beaches and pools with hours and admission pricing, a complete farmers market schedule across the valley, pizza farms, breweries, wineries, pick-your-own fruit farms, rainy day ideas, a done-for-you day planner, a printable summer bucket list, a Chippewa Valley summer bingo card, live music schedules, day trip itineraries, and more.
Download it free here: 2026 Chippewa Valley Summer Guide 🌸
Want to Learn More About Living in the Chippewa Valley?
If this post is making you think “okay, I want to know MORE about what it is actually like to live here,” I have got you covered. Check out my full guide to Moving to the Chippewa Valley for everything you need to know about relocating to this area. And if you are curious about what small-town life outside Eau Claire actually looks like day to day, go read this post on small town life in the Chippewa Valley that I just published. You can also explore Life in the Chippewa Valley for a broader look at what this community is all about.
Thinking About Making the Chippewa Valley Home?
As a REALTOR at Symple Real Estate who has been living and working in this area since 2017, I would love to be your resource. Whether you are relocating from across the country or moving from the next town over, I am here to help you find a home and a community you absolutely love.
Reach out anytime. I genuinely love talking about this place. 🌸
Chat soon!
Casey
REALTOR | Symple Real Estate | Chippewa Falls, WI