Best of Summer 2022

Owner + Publisher + Creative Director

Nick Meyer nick@volumeone.org ext: 214

Editorial + Content

MANAGING EDITOR

Tom Giffey tom@volumeone.org ext: 221

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Parker Reed parker.reed@volumeone.org ext: 218

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sawyer Hoff sawyer.hoff@volumeone.org ext: 216

LISTINGS EDITOR

James Johonnott james@volumeone.org ext: 215

Advertising + Digital Marketing

MEDIA STRATEGY DIRECTOR Brian Maki brian@volumeone.org ext: 211

MEDIA STRATEGIST Jake Smith jake.smith@volumeone.org ext: 212

MEDIA & CLIENT SUPPORT John Lyberg john.lyberg@volumeone.org ext: 259

Video + Photo + Design

VIDEO & PHOTO DIRECTOR Ma Vue ma.vue@volumeone.org ext: 260

WEB DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN Don Ross don@volumeone.org ext: 219

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Taylor McCumber taylor@volumeone.org ext: 222

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Hleeda Lor hleeda@volumeone.org ext: 220

PHOTOGRAPHER Andrea Paulseth andrea@volumeone.org

Retail + Gallery

LOCAL STORE DIRECTOR Lindsey Quinnies lindsey@volumeone.org ext: 217

LOCAL STORE STAFF

Jada Evans + Maggie Israel + Bonni

Knight + Tasha Nelson + Matt Novacek + Lydia Park + Soren Staff + Megan Troia + Rylee Herr + Tatiana Broses

Office + Distribution

OFFICE MANAGER / BOOKKEEPER Angela LaVoy angela.lavoy@volumeone.org ext: 224

DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS Tom Jannusch + Matt Novacek + Daniel Wewusson

THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY’S LEADING

OWNED COMMUNITY VOICE

Staff Notes

Best of Summer or Summer is the Best? You Be the Judge.

FINALLY, WE’RE GETTING OUR SHARE of the blue skies and sunny days here in the Chippewa Valley (knocking on wood, throwing salt, the whole nine) which means summer is finally upon us. The sight of all the green grass makes me physically giddy, though the allergies that come with that sometimes make it hard to see anything through all the sneezing. Nevertheless, summer is the time of year when my seasonal depression shrivels up and dies and there is an abundance of things to do around the Valley. I am especially excited for this summer. Why, you may ask? Because this is my first summer as

a true-blooded Eau Clarian. I am originally from Minneapolis and came here to study at UW-Eau Claire, which means during my last few summers I either went back to Minneapolis or was doing online school and working full-time here. But this summer is going to be excitingly different for me because not only do I have weekends off work now (hallelujah!), but I now feel as though I’m a part of this community, thanks to my work here at Volume One. So bring on the food trucks, the beaches, and the AC. Let’s all ring in this summer with our special “Best of Summer” issue, which has all the info you need to find the fun.

V1

VOLUMEONE.ORG Exclusive

Office / Store

205 N. Dewey Street

Downtown Eau Claire, WI 54703

(715) 552-0457

About Us

Volume One is the leading locally owned, locally operated, and locally focused media organization in our market. We’re a collection of print and online publications; a video, design, and digital marketing company; an event production and ticketing company; and a mission-driven retail operation. In print we typically distribute 13,000 copies to 500+ locations in Eau Claire, Menomonie, Chippewa Falls, and other communities 26 times/year. Online at VolumeOne.org we garner nearly 5 million annual pageviews, have a weekly email network of more than 30,000 people, and we connect daily with another 30,000 on social media. The magazine was co-founded in 2002 by Dale Karls & Nick Meyer.

Memberships + Subscriptions

You can support Volume One with a membership, subscription, or by shopping at The Local Store. Visit VolumeOne.org/ membership for options, or call (715) 552-0457. For annual subscriptions of 26 issues and special publications, mail a check for $65 (covering postage) to the address above.

Advertising Info

For information about ad rates & sizes in print or online, or about digital marketing including email, video, or social media and more, email: advertising@volumeone.org or call (715) 552-0457.

Partner Content

Volume One occasionally partners with local organizations to create content in print and online that may be of interest to thousands of readers throughout the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Articles or videos created “in partnership” are sponsored by the partnering organization and may be created with their assistance or expertise, for informational and/or promotional purposes. Any content created in this way – which comprises less than 2% of the pages Volume One publishes each year – will always include “Partner Content” indication.

Contributors + Submissions

If you’d like to become an occasional or regular contributor, please email tom@ volumeone.org. There are opportunities for paid writing, photography, and cover art, though most contributions are unpaid. We also welcome the submission of ideas or completed works from the community for publication consideration.

Internships

Internships are available for a number of exciting and interesting positions including writing/editing, photography, sales/marketing, illustration, and more. Contact us to learn more.

Our

Stay

© 2022

Contributed writing, artwork, and photography in Volume One remains the property of the authors, artists, & photographers. The opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the publication or its advertisers.

FROM VOLUME ONE ASSOCIATE EDITOR SAWYER HOFF

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

WRITER

Contributors

EDITOR

PARKER REED is going out on top, but realistically around the middle.

LISTINGS

EDITOR

JAMES JOHONNOTT will say he doesn’t want a side of fries but then will definitely sneak one off of your plate.

INTERN

DESIGN

HLEEDA LOR loves a good summer color palette.

CARLEE SHIMEK has a car, has money, she could go buy a tub of ice cream right now –that’s too much power for someone to hold.

WRITER

KEELY KHOURY cannot bear wearing the leg traps called trousers this far into the year.

ILLUSTRATOR

LYDIA “NIBS” NOBLE makes happy paintings and sad comics.

ILLUSTRATOR

* EVA PAULUS is never gonna give you up but it’s possible that she’ll let you down.

WRITER

MIKE PAULUS isn’t about to let that leftover pasta salad go to waste. Not on his watch.

ADVERTISING

NATALIE DERKS will succumb to a cheesy death before telling the Olive Garden server to stop.

WRITER

CAROLINE AKERVIK wants to hear things straight from the horse’s mouth, except during hockey season.

JAKE SMITH is debating another of life’s great conundrums… if you take two lasagnas and stack them on top of each other, how many lasagnas do you have?

WRITER

BARBARA ARNOLD fell flat on her derriere when she tried barefoot water skiing...feet not big enough.

WRITER

BRIANA NOVACEK can say, Never Have I Ever had a tick on my skin. *knocks on wood*.

EDITOR

SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS: Anna Sutton, Caitlin Boyle

SAWYER HOFF is in desperate need of a six month vacation... twice a year.

+ NEW CONTRIBUTOR | * BIO OF THE FORTNIGHT

On The Cover

“Bright, Midsummer High” by Hleeda Lor, Taylor McCumber, & Ma Vue • “ When our staff brainstormed this issue’s special Best of Summer photo cover, we wanted to create something eye-catching. Something so bright – so summery – you’ll need sunscreen to read the issue. We chose monochromatic colors that were unequivocally summer and went with a contemporary still-life photography aesthetic that demanded attention. We picked and customized products reminiscent of our summers here in the Chippewa Valley and strategically placed them to obtain a mesmerizing spread. Add in harsh lighting to emulate the high summer sun and we had ourselves a winning summer cover! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did creating it!”

08 APPLAUD 18 SAVOR 30 SPLASH 40 EXPLORE 52 PLAY 60 TOUR

If you’re going to sweat it this summer, you might as well have fun doing it – and there’s more to do than ever around the Chippewa Valley. I mean, heck, we live in western Wisconsin, where the weather’s perfect, the people are friendly, we have the best cheese curds on Earth, and it looks like this summer is going to be a busy one! Get down and dirty with some paintball, move and groove at your favorite music festivals, catch a game at Carson Park with the Eau Claire Express, watch the Ski Sprites defy gravity on water, experience a splash of color at Chalkfest, or get a load of those mouth-watering funnel cakes at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. Take in all the sights and sounds of the summer season with this handy dandy guide to the best of summer. And, hey – while you’re on the go, don’t forget to pack some sunscreen and sunglasses. Keep it beachy keen, Chippewa Valley!

GOTTA KEEP ON ROCKIN’

The Rock’n on the River Summer Concert series is starting back up in River Prairie on June 15 and will be rock’n out every

Wednesday until August 31. Music starts at 6:30pm every

Wednesday.

GLOWING WITH PRIDE Jun. 3, 6pm • Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • $5+ tax • pablocenter.org Pablo Center hosts its first pride event, featuring family-friendly programming including face painting, a vendor market, drag story time, an art-making station with ARTmobile, a family-friendly drag show, music, and more. The night will also feature an after-hours drag show and a glow dance party.

FAREWELL TRANSMISSION PRESENTS: MATT VOLD & THE SHOREWOOD MOUNTAINEERS Jun. 3, 6pm • Brewery Nonic, 621 4th St. W, Menomonie • FREE (Bring cash to tip acts) • (715) 578-9078 • facebook. com/events/1434794823626022 Enjoy pints, pedal steel, lyrics, and lagers. Farewell Transmission is a weekly, folk country and Americana show on Converge Radio.

DARK SUN, MOTHERWIND, UN-BROKEN Jun. 3, 8pm • Every Buddy’s Bar, 19 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls • $10 • facebook. com/events/648927396174623 A night of hard rock.

NASHVILLE NORTH PRESENTS

CHRIS KROEZE, IMAGINICK, ELLIEMAY & THE DRYSDALES, AND EMMALIA KLINE AKA EMM K Jun. 7, 4:30-9pm • Nashville North, 1300 N 130TH AVE, FALL CREEK • $25 GA, Free for 12 and under • All Ages • (615) 319-8421 • ticketor.com/nashvillenorth EllieMays Nashville North Kicks off the summer with one of our very own Chris Kroeze, Magician and Comedian Imaginick, EllieMay & her band “ The Drysdales,” featuring “Voices of our future” Emmalia Kline (Emm K). Bring a chair, Food Vendors on site, no carry ins.

ROCKIN FOR REACH Jun. 8, 6-8:30pm • The Brewing Projekt, 1807 N Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire

• $5 • All Ages • (715) 552-2763 • mdove@reach-inc. org • Rockin4Reach.givesmart.com Come out and see three local bands battle it out to raise money benefitting REACH, Inc.

PROJECT 3:13 CONCERT FEAT. THE MUSIC OF REO SPEEDWAGON Jun. 10, 7pm • Altoona Hobbs Sports Center, 2300 Spooner Ave., Altoona • $15 • All Ages • altoonalionsclub. com/cinder-city-days $5 will be donated to Blake’s Backers! Gates Open at 4:00 pm, Music Starts at 7:00 pm with opening act, The Contingency.

DURAND FUNFEST Every Day from Jun. 10 to Jun. 12 • Memorial Park, 2nd Avenue East, Durand • FREE • All Ages • funfestdurand@gmail.com • facebook.com/durandfunfest Since 1963 FunFest has been a staple for entertainment in beautiful downtown Durand, WI two weeks after Memorial Day Weekend. Great Music, Carnival, Food, Grand Parade and more.

BLACKLITE DISTRICT: THE 1990 TOUR Jun. 10, 8pm • Every Buddy’s Bar, 19 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls • $10-15 • eventbrite. com Hardrock Blacklite District is joined by Divide the Fall & Evernoir.

JASON DEA WEST AND INTUITIVE COMPASS BENEFIT FOR HOMELESS

CHILDREN Jun. 11, 1-4pm • Wilson Park, Menomonie • FREE • All Ages • (715) 505-2776 A benefit for homeless children featuring Jason Dea

LISTEN UP! LISTEN UP!

listings by James

Johonnott

Hear that? That’s the sweet sound of summer – an array of acoustic activities to shake you from your air-conditioned slumber, including cacophonous concert series, fun-flled festivals, and awesome artistic activities to lure you to the great outdoors, beyond the front door of the hermit holes we’ve been hibernating in for the past year. Feast your eyes (and ears!) on these events slated for the summer.

West and Intuitive Compass, playing unique western folk music.

SHOTGUN JOHNSON & THE MISSIS-

SIPPI SEVEN Jun. 11, 5-8pm • Valkyrie Brewing Company, 234 W Dallas Street, Dallas • FREE • All Ages • (715) 837-1824 • Outdoor music by Shotgun Johnson & the Mississippi Seven. BYO lawn chair.

PARTY ON THE PLAZA Jun. 11, 6-9pm; Jun. 25, 6-9pm • Haymarket Plaza, 128 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • FREE • haymarketlanding.com Fun, upbeat, free music on Haymarket Plaza. Make downtown your destination for some summer weekend fun.

DRINA N THE DUDES FREE CONCERT AT CINDER CITY DAYS Jun. 11, 6pm • Altoona Hobbs Sports Center, 2300 Spooner Ave., Altoona • FREE • All Ages • altoonalionsclub. com/cinder-city-days Featuring modern pop/rock with throwback soul/funk music of Drina N The Dudes from Minneapolis, MN at Hobbs/Cinder Park in Altoona. Gates Open at 4pm. Free Admission - Donations will be collected for the Altoona Care Closet.

LIVE ON THE LAKELY STAGE: AN EVENING WITH CALEY CONWAY Jun.

11, 8:30-11:30pm • The Lakely, 516 Galloway Street, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com Caley Conway’s “brilliant songwriting spirit that focuses on melody and earnestness,” (No Depression Magazine), takes elements of jazz and post-rock, deft guitar solos, and a bit of well-played wit to seal a “Joni Mitchell meets early St. Vincent” vibe, as she self-describes her now-hallmark sound.

CARSON PARK EXPERIENCE Jun. 12, noon-5pm; Jul. 4, noon-5pm; Aug. 14, noon-5pm

• Carson Park, 100 Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 834-7871 • info@cvmuseum.com • visiteauclaire.com/carsonpark Summer fun and activities, museums, food trucks, music, beer gardens, Chippewa Valley Railroad, and Eau Claire Express games.

NORTHWOODS BLUES FESTIVAL

Every Day from Jun. 17 to Jun. 18 • Riverfront Park, Bridge St. and River St., Chippewa Falls • northwoodsbluesfest.com Celebration of blues featuring local and regional acts.

CHOOR - ARTSMIDWEST Jun. 17, 7:30pm

• Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • $22 + fees • mabeltainter.org Playing native Mongolian music.

COWBOY JACK’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY BASH Jun. 18, 8pm • Cowboy Jack’s, 1432 Front Porch Place, Altoona • FREE • All Ages • CowboyJacksAltoona.com Live music by Contradiction at 8pm with no cover charge. Specials, prizes, and fun.

ELLIEMAYS NASHVILLE NORTH Jun.

21, 4:30-9pm • Nashville North, 1300 N 130TH AVE, FALL CREEK • $25 GA, $75-100 VIP • All Ages (FREE for 12 and under) • ticketor.com/ nashvillenorth 3 BLONDES (Jamie O’Neal, Carolyn Dawn Johnson and Anita Cochran) . ROCK INTO A ROOM, Tommy Hargis, EllieMay & The DrysDales and Blaine & Leah. Music, Food & Fun.

1. VOLUME ONE’S SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

2. IRVINE PARK, CHIPPEWA FALLS

3. TUESDAY NIGHT BLUES AT OWEN PARK

Dozens of local bands and artists take the stage during Volume One’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series in Phoenix Park, showcasing the musical talent in the area. What’s truly better than a day at the park, relaxing with the whole family

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

ASHLEY FOR THE ARTS

Check out artists like Train and Morgan Wade at this year’s Ashley for the Arts Music Festival, slated for August 11-13.

BLUE OX MUSIC FESTIVAL Jun. 23 • Pines Music Park •blueoxmusicfestival.com/lineup/ An annual celebreation of bluegrass, americana, and folk. Headliners include Pert Near Sandstone, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Bela Fleck My Bluegrass Heart.

COUNTRY FEST Every Day from Jun. 23 to Jun. 25 • Chippewa Valley Music Festivals, 24447 County Hwy S • GA, lawn seating, VIP, and campsite tickets avialable • countryfest.com An annual country musical festival featuring nationally touring acts. This year features headliners Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, and Lee Brice.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN STATE

FAIR Every Day from Jul. 12 to Jul. 17 • Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 225 Edward St., Chippewa Falls • Tickets online • (715) 723-2861 •

nwsf@charterinternet.net • northernwistatefair.com

ROCK FEST Every Day from Jul. 14 to Jul. 16 • Music Festival Grounds, 24447 County Hwy S, Cadott • GA, reserved seating, campsites, VIP tickets available • rock-fest.com An annual festival of rock music. This year’s headliners are Disturbed, Evanescence, and Shinedown.

COUNTRY JAM USA Every Day from Jul. 21 to Jul. 23 • Festival Grounds, 3443 Crescent Ave, Eau Claire • Ticket packages online • All Ages • (715) 839-7500 • countryjamwi.com This year’s Country Jam Features headliners Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, and Cody Johnson among other acts. Offers a variety of festival experiences like general admission, VIP, and on-site camping.

DIXON’S AUTUMN HARVEST WIN-

ERY CUSTOMER APPRECIATION

Hosted by Rock Creek Song Dogs.

WEEKEND W/ KYLE KOLIHA

Jul. 24, 11am-6pm • Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, 19947 County Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • FREE • All Ages • (715) 720-1663 • eventsatdah@gmail.com • facebook.com/autumnharvestwinery Live music from Kyle Koliha, beverages served by the winery, and a local food truck on site.

ONEFEST Every Day from Jul. 29 to Jul. 31 • Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, 225 Edward St., Chippewa Falls • one-fest.com/home The area’s annual Christian music festival, featuring Crowder, Matthew West, Sidewalk Prophets, Mac Powell, Maddie Rey, Tasha Layton, Eagle Brook Music, Austin French, and Tru-Serva.

THE SWAMPERS: CURVIN’ THRU

IRVINE Aug. 10, noon; Aug. 11, 7:30pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $25 lunch/show, $13 show only, $6 youth show only • cvca.net A unique blend of swampgrass harmony to lead folks on a winding musical journey through the history of Irvine Park.

PURE WATER DAYS RIVERFEST

Aug.

13, 2pm • Riverfront Park, Bridge St. and River St., Chippewa Falls • FREE • All Ages • chippewafallsmainst.org Bring the whole family to the riverfront for inflatables, live music, giant bubbles, food trucks, a beer tent, craft vendors, and more.

GEMINI SYNDROME W/ CULTUS BLACK & THE NOCTURNAL AFFAIR

Aug. 24, 6pm • Every Buddy’s Bar, 19 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls • $25adv, $30 week of • 21+ • facebook.com Gemini Syndrome plays alternative metal. Cultus Black is a dramatic deathcore/Nu-metal crossover. Nocturnal Affair is an alternative/dark rock project.

SCHUETZY’S MUSIC JUBILEE Aug.

27, 1-11pm • Schuetzy’s Tavern, 18195 Highway J, Chippewa Falls • $25 adv, $30 door • schuetzys. com Featuring Adam Pearce (as seen on NBC’s “The Voice”), Celebrating the Music of *PRINCE!* LIVE! with Chase & Ovation, and The Gators. Beer tent and bar. Event will be held rain or shine. Bring your own chair. Parking across the street. Camping available.

RECURRING

OPEN MIC NIGHT Every Thursday until Aug. 11, 6-9pm • Dancing Yarrow, S193 County Road BB, Mondovi • FREE • 21+ • farmtoforkretreat.com

LIVE MUSIC AT VINO CAPPUCCINO

Every Friday, Saturday until Oct. 1, 5:30-7:30pm • Vino Cappuccino, N5734 Hwy 12, Elk Mound • FREE • All Ages • (715) 879-4157 • vinocappuccinobistro. com Live music on the patio at Vino Cappuccino. Enjoy authentic wood-fired pizza, local wines & beers, coffee, unique homemade desserts, and more.

TUESDAY NIGHT BUES Every Tuesday from May. 31 to Aug. 30, 6:30-8:30pm • Owen Park Bandshell, 1st Avenue, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • chippewavalleyblues.com/tnb Every Tuesday night in summer your favorite local and regional blues singers play at the Owen Park Bandshell. Free admission, family friendly.

OPEN MIC NIGHT Second, Third, Fourth Wednesday until Oct. 26, 6-9pm • Northwoods Brewpub & Grill, 50819 West St., Osseo • FREE • 21+ • northwoodsbrewpub.com Hosted by Rock Creek Song Dogs.

SUMMER WEDNESDAY MUSIC Every Wednesday until Jul. 1, 6:30-8:30pm • 6th Avenue Cidery, 120 Sixth Avenue W, Menomonie • FREE • All Ages • (715) 578-9001 • facebook.com/6thAvenueCidery Summer music every Wednesday night at 6th Avenue Cidery throughout the summer.

EAU CLAIRE MUNICIPAL BAND

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Every Wednesday from Jun. 8 to Jul. 27, 7:30-8:45pm • Owen Park Bandshell, 1st Avenue, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • eauclairecommunitybands.org

Listen to Eau Claire’s oldest concert band. Playing at scenic Owen Park at the band shell, the Municipal band performs Wednesday evenings, playing fun and family friendly marches, show tunes, and classic band tunes.

FIRESIDE TUNES ON THE LAKELY PATIO Select Wednesdays in Summer • The Lakely, 516 Galloway Street, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • theoxbowhotel.com Spend an evening outside sipping drinks in a low-key setting around a firepit and enjoying live music from local and regional talent.

MUSIC OVER MENOMIN Every Thursday from Jun. 9 to Aug. 11, 7-8:30pm • Menomonie Public Library • FREE • All Ages • tockify.com Live music on the lawn of the Menomonie Public Library, played over scenic Lake Menomin.

JAZZ AT THE STONES THROW Second Friday, Saturday, 6-11pm • Stones Throw, 304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • $5 • 21+ • thesoundofeau-

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SMITH

it’s festival season

NORTHWOODS BLUES FESTIVAL

17-18 JUN

23-25 JUN

23-25 jul

Riverfont Park • Chippewa Falls • northwoodsbluesfest.com

Celebration of blues featuring local and regional acts. Acts include Harrison Street, Chris Bears, John Primer, The Bob’s of Blues, Damon Fowler, JP Soars & The Red Hots, Victor Wainwright and the Train, Mike Zito and Friends.

BLUE OX MUSIC FESTIVAL

Pines Music Park • eau claire • blueoxmusicfestival.com

Bluegrass, Americana, and more, featuring pert near sandstone, old crow medicine show, railroad earth, Punch brothers, and more.

COUNTRY FEST

Country Fest Grounds • cadott • countryfest.com

An annual country musical festival featuring nationally touring acts. This year features headliners Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, and Lee Brice.

ROCK FEST

Rock Fest Grounds • cadott • rock-fest.com

An annual festival of rock music. This year’s headliners are Disturbed, Evanescence, and Shinedown.

21-23 jul 04-06 aug

14-16 jul 29-31 jul 11-13 aug

COUNTRY JAM

Country Jam Festgrounds • eau claire • countryjamwi.com

This year’s Country Jam Features headliners Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, and Cody Johnson among other acts. Offers a variety of festival experiences like general admission, VIP, and on-site camping.

ONE FEST CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL

Northern Wi State Fairgrounds • Chippewa Falls • one-fest.com

The area’s annual Christian music festival, featuring Crowder, Matthew West, Sidewalk Prophets, Mac Powell, Maddie Rey, Tasha Layton, Eagle Brook Music, Austin French, and Tru-Serva.

BLUES ON THE CHIPPEWA

Memorial Park • durand • bluesonthechippewa.com

A free music festival featuring area and regional blues favorites like Pokey LaFarge, Malina Moye, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, Hooten Hallers, and more.

ASHLEY FOR THE ARTS

Memorial Park • arcadia • ashleyforthearts.com

Hosted by Ashley Furniture, this massive charity event hosts world-class music, kids activities, arts & crafts fair, family fun, and more. Music lineup features Morgan Wade, Phillip Phillips, Train, Brantley Gilbert, Danielle Bradbery, Night Ranger, and more.

claire.com/groove-merchants The Groove Merchants Present Jazz with special guests.

TWO RIVERS Jun. 16, 6-9pm; Jul. 7, 6-9pm; Aug. 18, 6-9pm • Foster’s Fireside, E10934 County Hwy HH, Osseo • FREE • All Ages • (715) 597-6605 • fostersfireside.com Sue Orfield, Randy Sinz, Gregg Wheeler & Tommy Wieseler, play some old country, some swing, some bluegrass, and some made-up-stuff. Enjoy a tasty wood fired pizza and settle in for a cozy, quirky evening of music.

DURAND MUSIC IN THE PARK Fourth

Wednesday from Jun. 22 to Aug. 24, 6-9pm • Memorial Park, 2nd Avenue East, Durand • FREE • All Ages • durandimprovementgroup.org/Events.html BYO lawn chair, and don’t forget your dancing shoes. Homegrown Tomatoes in June, July TBA, and Whitesidewalls in August.

THEATRE

—

MY LADY TONGUE Jun. 3, 7:30pm; Jun. 4, 7:30pm; Jun. 5, 1:30pm • The Grand Theater, 102 West Grand Ave, Eau Claire • $15 • All Ages • More on Facebook See this romantic comedy in this new original and locally written play about whisky, showbiz, and love.

ECCT: “THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE

DAME” Jun. 9, 7:30pm; Jun. 10, 7:30pm; Jun. 11, 7:30pm; Jun. 12, 1:30pm • Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • $24 adult, $10 youth, $14 student, $20 senior • pablocenter.org Featuring songs from the Disney animated feature, Victor Hugo’s epic story of love and acceptance comes to life on stage. Quasimodo escapes from Notre Dame, only to be treated cruelly by everyone but the beautiful

gypsy Esmeralda. As the evil Frollo plots to destroy the gypsies, it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.

FORTUNE COOKIES: A ONE ACT

PLAY ABOUT MEMORY LOSS

Jun. 14, 5-7:30pm • Jacob’s Well Church, 989 122nd Street, Chippewa Falls • FREE • All Ages • NWWI-fortune2022.eventbrite.com A one-act play and community conversation on memory loss. Free event includes resource booths and dinner. RSVP required.

CVTG: MATILDA THE MUSICAL Jun. 23, 7:30pm; Jun. 24, 7:30pm; Jun. 25, 7:30pm; Jun. 26, 1:30pm • Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • $35 adults, $15 youth • pablocenter.org Based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, the Tony Award-winning stage musical Matilda is the inspiring story of a young girl dreaming of a better life as she fights injustices at home and at school.

OLE AND LENA’S FAMILY REUNION

Jun. 28, noon; Jun. 29, noon • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $27 lunch & show, $15 show only • cvca.net The hilarious antics of Ole, Sven, and Lena during a surprise family reunion. Lunch catered by Bridge Street Brew.

BYE BYE BIRDIE

Jul. 21, 7:30pm; Jul. 22, 7:30pm; Jul. 23, 7:30pm; Jul. 24, 2pm • The Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 South High St., Chippewa Falls • $16 adults, $9 youth • cvca.net The classic musical comedy that offers a loving look at the 1950s, smalltown America, teenagers, and rock & roll.

ECCT PRESENTS: THE LITTLE MERMAID

Jul. 27, 7:30pm; Jul. 28, 7:30pm; Jul. 29, 7:30pm; Jul. 30, 1:30pm, 7:30pm; Jul. 31, 1:30pm • Pablo Center at the Confluence, 128 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • $24 adults, $10 youth, $15 students, $20 seniors • pablocenter.org Eau Claire Children’s Theatre presents this stage adaptation of the Disney animated classic.

WEEKLY OUTDOOR GIG survival guide

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES

SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Thursdays • 6pm-8:30pm

Volume One’s Thursday night gig in downtown Eau Claire’s Phoenix Park. Local bands play to crowds each night on the banks of the Chippewa River in June, July, and August. Multiple food vendors will have food for sale. Pets are allowed at the concert.

Phoenix Park • Eau Claire • volumeone.org/concerts

TUESDAY NIGHT BLUES

Tuesdays • 6:30-8:30pm

Blues and blues-inspired music from local and regional favorites in Owen Park. Family friendly venue, with food and vendors on-site.

Owen Park • Eau Claire • chippewavalleyblues.com

KICK’N IT COUNTRY

Mondays, July - Aug • 6:30pm

Country music in the Prevea Amphitheater at River Prairie Park. Plenty of room to get your hoedown on.

River Prairie Park • Altoona

facebook: kickinitcountrysummerconcertseries

ROCK’N ON THE RIVER

Wednesdays, July - Aug • 6:30pm

Classic rock’n roll at the Prevea Amphitheater. Plenty of room to dance. Food trucks on site.

River Prairie Park • Altoona

facebook: rock’nontheriversummerconcertseries

MUSIC OVER MENOMIN

Thursdays • 7-8:30pm

Live music on the lawn of the Menomonie Public Library, played over scenic Lake Menomin.

Menomonie Public Library • Menomonie menomonielibrary.org/music-over-menomin

RIVERFRONT PARK MUSIC

Sundays, July - Aug • 6pm

Live music at the new Riverfront Park. Also hosts movie screenings on select Saturdays.

Riverfront Park • Chippewa Falls facebook: atthechippewariverfront

VINO CAPPUCCINO

Saturdays & Select Fridays • 5:30-7:30pm

Catch some fish, eat a shorelunch meal, and listen to some live tunes while relaxing in the casual atmosphere of the fish farm. Elk Mound • vinocappuccinobistro.com

DIXON’S AUTUMN HARVEST WINERY

Select Saturdays and Sundays • 1-4pm

Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery hosts live music outdoors with food trucks on-site. Check their website for a full schedule.

Chippewa Falls • dixonsapples.com/live-music

COLFAX MUSIC IN THE PARK

Thursdays, JunE 23 - Aug 18 • 7pm

For an eclectic mix of folk music stylings, look no further than the beautiful Colfax Music in the Park which this year features bluegrass, folk, country, barbershop, rock n roll, and more.

EAU CLAIRE MUNICIPAL BAND

Wedesndays, june - july • 7pm

Witness the Eau Claire Municipal Band and it’s Sousa marches, gorgeous melodies, and contemporary compositions.

Owen Park

LUDINGTON GUARD BAND

Tuesdays • 7:30pm

A community concert band that was officially organized in 1888 with roots going back to 1877. They play a variety of classical band music, marches, overtures, show tunes and novelty pieces. Wilson Park • Menomonie

Take a look at what outdoor music is happening practically every night of the week in the Chippewa Valley. Go to one or go to all of ‘em if you want! Just bring a lawn chair and enjoy!

+

OCCASSIONAL GIGS, NOTHING REGULAR.

CHIPPEWA

FALLS

ANYBODY WANT TO START ONE? +

+ OCCASSIONAL GIGS, NOTHING REGULAR.

ANYBODY WANT TO START ONE? +

CHALK AND AWE CHALKFEST RETURNS IN-PERSON TO UWEC

for 15 years, Chalkfest has combined family fun, chalk, and art words: carlee shimek

PREPARE

YOURSELVES FOR UW-Eau Claire’s sidewalks to become a kaleidoscope of beauty created with nothing but chalk and imagination. Chalkfest, hosted by UW-Eau Claire and Volume One, is back in person on Saturday, July 23. The previous two years it has been held virtually, but now the community can come together again to appreciate art and chalk as one.

“It’s cool to see the different artists and talk to (them) while they’re working. And chalk art is such an interesting form of art because it goes away,” said Nicole Rindone, major events and conferences manager at UWEC. “Art’s a huge piece of the Eau Claire community and we want to continue to be able to provide that for people.”

Along with an opportunity to view many different chalk creations, Chalkfest will have food trucks, games, live music, and a kids chalk art area for those under 12. Professional judging will take

place, but community attendees can vote on their favorite pieces as well.

Artists can begin drawing at 7am, and the event opens to the public at 11am. Registration begins June 1, and anyone 12 and up can participate. Folks can register solo or as a group. A sidewalk square for chalk drawing is $20. If you want chalk provided, it costs $35. Gloves, a sponge, and a cooling towel are provided free of charge. The event is free for attendees.

212 squares are available this year, so don’t hesitate to book one because in 2019, the last in-person Chalkfest, more than 200 squares were purchased. Don’t miss out on a chance to see beautiful art by locals, and make sure to send good vibes for it not to rain on the day of Chalkfest.

To learn more about Chalkfest and how to register as an artist, visit www.uwec.edu/centers/chalkfest or https://volumeone.org/chalkfest.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Savor taste &

SPRINKLED, SUGARED, AND OH SO SWEET

Is it even summer without a sweet treat? Whether you have a hankering for fried goodies from Holy Donuts food truck, shown above, or a frozen treat from your favorite shop, the Valley has your sweet tooth covered.

PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREA PAULSETH

LOCAL FOOD TRUCKS

Find your favorite food truck

THE BATTERS BOX facebook.com/battersboxfoodtrailer Serving game-time inspired food favorites like hot dogs with a wide variety of toppings like chili, bacon cheese, nacho, maple bacon jalapeno, BBQ pulled pork, and nachos.

BF STREET KITCHENS facebook.com/BFStreetKitchens Serving cheeseburgers, rice bowls, “Schmatty Melts”, curds, tots, apple crisp, and the favorite “Schmork Rolls” with pork, cream cheese, and pickled jalapenos.

BIG GIRL STREET FOODS Chippewa Falls/Eau Claire This mobile food operation will satisfy your big appetite with chili cheese dogs, steak bites, walking tacos, and more.

BIG PAPA BBQ FOOD TRUCK facebook. com/bigpapabbq Offering Southern-Style BBQ. Pulled pork & chicken sandwiches, corn on the cob, potatoes, nachos, rip tips, burnt ends, and half or full rack of ribs.

THE BIG WEENY (715) 833-2120 ^ facebook. com/TheBigWeeny The Big Weeny will fill your appetite for classic summer fare, including hot dogs, brats, chili dogs, popcorn, and kettle corn. You’ll find them out and about in the Eau Claire area.

BUBBLES BBQ facebook.com/ bubblesbbq/ Bubbles smokes their own meats – including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and pulled chicken – and make their own sauces. New this year is the Beast Burger, a combination of elk, bison, Wagyu Beef, and wild boar in a patty topped with bacon bits and cheese.

take a big bite

take a big bite

listings by James Johonnott

Savor the favor of summer foods with some mouthwateringly good eats. From homemade gyros, tacos, barbecue, and hot dogs, to pizza, donuts, ice cream, and frybread, grab some classic street grub from your favorite food truck this summer, or check out your favorite fair foods at a number of festivals. While you’re at it, hit up some local breweries and wineries to try their tangy summer drinks, or go on a hunt for a unique iced treat, which you can read about on page 25.

CALIFORNIA TACOS (715) 530-4272 •

Find it on Facebook West-coast inspired Mexican cuisine. Featuring classic burritos, tortas, California nachos, pambazo, sobes, and quesadillas.

CHIPPEWA VALLEY CHEESESTEAK

facebook.com Serving an array of cheesesteaks and burgers piled high with melted cheese, shrimp po’boys, fish sandwiches, waffle fries, cheese curds, and chicken wraps.

DAVIS DOGS (715) 505-0922 • facebook.com/ davisdogsllc Davis Dogs is all about the hot dogs. Whether you like them plain, covered in cheese and peppers, Chicago style, or even wrapped in bacon, Davis has you covered.

DHIMITERS GYROS facebook.com/DhimitersGyros Dhimiters Gyros now runs a mobile food truck, serving their gyros around town. Dhimiters Gyros feature a 70% lamb to 30% beef ratio, the highest lamb ratio in town. They also serve spinach pie, and other Greek specialties.

FIRE TRUCK PIZZA 715-642-0252 • facebook.com/firetruckpizza Featuring artisan pizza, hand-stretched and topped fresh. Six staple varieties are always on the menu, with the occasional featured gourmet pizza making an appearance. Look for them at local events, or bring them to catering your event.

GUAC & ROLL facebook.com/GuacNRollArcadia Preparing tacos, sopes, tortas, quesadillas, nachos, burritos, and more. Meat options include chicken, barbacoa, asada, and al pastor. Can be hired to cater events. Family-owned and operated out of Arcadia.

HERS-TO-GO facebook.com Serving Banh Mi sandwiches (chicken & veggie), egg rolls (pork & veggie), crab rangoon, and vermicelli salad (chicken & veggie).

HOLY DONUTS facebook.com/HolyDonuts-

WI At the age of 16, Myron Marko transformed a passion for donuts into a trailer-turned-donut shop. Some featured donuts (such as Key Lime Pie, Raspberry Lemonade, Orange Dream, Grandma’s Apple Crisp, Midwest Maple, and The Fall Fest) vary by seasons while others (Glaze ‘n Sprinkles, Butterfinger Bomb, The Cloud, and Cinna-Yum) are Holy Donuts staples.

THE HUBB FOOD TRUCK facebook. com/TheHubbEC The Hubb allows diners to travel around the world without leaving the Valley. Curb your appetite with specialties like gyros, reubens, Southern pork fritters, and smoked mac-and-cheese bites.

IPIEROGI ipierogi.com iPierogi keeps Polish food traditions alive with homemade style pierogis and other traditional Polish favorites. Serving pierogis, Polish sausage, stuffed cabbage (Golbaki), potato pancakes, and crepes (Nalesniki).

ISLAND VIBE FOOD TRUCK facebook. com/islandvibecaribbeancuisine Authentic Caribbean food. Grilled jerk chicken, slow roasted jerk pork served with traditional Jamaican side dishes

BEST OF SUMMER! BEST OF SUMMER!

BEST FOOD EVENT

1. FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

2. TOGETHER FARMS BURGER NIGHTS

3. FARM TO FORK RETREAT - PIZZA NIGHT

HONORABLE MENTION: CVTC’S 620 WEST POP-UPS

Volume One’s summertime food experience, Food Truck Friday at Phoenix Park in Eau Claire, is basically a license to graze on amazing eats for eight hours while supporting local businesses. It’s a win-win situation for all! Burger Nights at Together Farms (W93 Norden Road, Mondovi) offers a relaxed environment to munch on some of the best burgers in town with some of the best people around. And at Pizza Night at Farm to Fork Retreat (S193 County Road BB, Mondovi), taste wood-fred pizzas made with local ingredients from May through September. Just narrowly missing third place was Chippewa Valley Technical College’s award-winning 620 West Culinary Pop-Up events, which snagged an honorable mention.

–Briana Novacek

PHOTO BY MARK OLIVER

KATE’S COFFEE COOP facebook.com/KatesCoffeeKoop Espresso and coffee drinks hand-crafted with beans from 3 Arrows Coffee Co. Classic coffee drinks, cold brew, affogato, Italian sodas, a wide array of flavored syrups.

LIFE SUPPORT BBQ facebook.com/LifeSupportBBQeauclaire Need tasty barbecue, stat? Life Support BBQ will provide the meaty jolt your tastebuds need. With the help of their specialized smoker-outfitted trailer – dubbed the “Hambulance” – Life Support specializes in mouth-watering roasted pork. Works with any budget.

LITTLE RED GRILLED CHEESE facebook.com/LittleRedGrilledCheese A family-owned grilled cheese food truck with a number of different cheese & meats including cheddar, monterey jack, mozzarella, bacon, ham, and pepperoni. Also serving mac & cheese, tomato soup, and ice creams.

LIVE GREAT FOOD TRUCK livegreatfood.com/ live-great-food-truck LGF offers a fresh, made from scratch menu, that’s seasonally inspired and inventive. Their food is always evolving and changing, and has featured innovative creations like fried fiddleheads, veggie burgers, farmburgers, “Braht Mi” sandwiches, salads, and more.

THE MARIGOLD CAFE (715) 563-4069 ^ facebook.com/themarigoldcafe This mobile cafe specializes in Italian panini sandwiches as well as sweet treats such as gelato with semifreddo (grilled Italian cake) and affogato (gelato with a shot of espresso). You’ll find it popping up across the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

MI MÌ CAFÉ facebook.com/mimicafeeauclaire Serving authentic Vietnamese street food: bánh mì (porky belly or chicken), noodle bowl, and more.

NE-NE’S TACOS facebook.com/NeNesAuthenticMexicanTacos Ne-Ne’s Tacos serves authentic Mexican food including homemade tortillas, chips & queso, tortas, guacamole, nachos, burritos, quesadillas, street tacos, and elotes (Mexican style street corn.)

ROSY’S TEXAS OUTPOST facebook.com/Rosys-Texas-Outpost Serves up soft or hard shell tacos, super tacos, burritos, super burritos, chips & cheese, taco salsa, and fiesta chips. Pick your sauce from their variety of homemade selections of mild, medium, hot, and “hurt ya.” Their portions are generous and tasty.

SMOKESTREAM facebook. com/SmokeStreamFoodTruck Combines the classic intrigue of a food truck with an eclectic and eccentric menu. Its menu features street food classics with a music-themed twist, including Tupaco Tacos, the Snoop Dog, and Macklemore mac’n’cheese. The truck’s smoker and charbroiler produce mouthwatering barbeque and good old comfort food.

THE TASTY TROLLEY tastytrolley.net An eye-catching trolley, serving pulled pork sandwiches, super nachos, walking tacos, soft pretzel, ice cream novelties, and more.

TWO GALS & A FRYER facebook.com/TwoGalsAndAFryer Known for their square, fried cheese curds with six flavors (white & yellow cheddar, bacon, garlic, jalapeno, and ghost pepper.) Serving hamburgers, brats, chicken tenders, walking tacos, baskets of fries and onion rings.

FRYBREAD FACTORY

Doughy, delicious, family-owned, and ready to serve words: carlee shimek photos: andrea paulseth

A FAMILY OF FRIERS

HOT,

CRISPY, AND DELICIOUS IS what you’ll get when you try the new food truck in Eau Claire, Frybread Factory. Brand new and family-owned, Frybread Factory is the place every foodie should try. Kristine Martin and her three children are the proud workers behind this food truck, bringing fresh frybread to the Chippewa Valley.

Martin’s family recipe will fre up your tastebuds. Frybread is a fat dough bread that’s fried in oil and can be paired with an assortment of sweet toppings, like cinnamon, powdered sugar, honey butter, peanut butter, and more.

“There’s nothing better than seeing people enjoy their food. It’s just a great feeling. We just want to keep getting better and I guess the special thing about it is it’s just from the heart,” Martin said.

Along with the sweet factor, Frybread Factory uses frybread to make Indian tacos, a taco using frybread for the shell, and blanket dogs, which are hotdogs wrapped in frybread dough and deep-fried. The food truck’s menu also

includes walking tacos, loaded nachos, and powwow fries, which is Martin’s son’s own invention using regular fres but with a super-secret blend of spices and nacho cheese sauce.

Martin said this food truck has been a dream of hers for years. She and her family started out by serving their food at local pow wows with friends and family, and now she wants to share it with the public.

“My kids, this is something I can leave to them and my grandkids and I feel really good about that,” Martin said. “They just love it. And we spend time together and that’s the big thing for me.”

You can see where Frybread Factory will be on their Facebook page, where they post when and where a couple of days in advance. The Martin family is working to bring a little diverse deliciousness to the Chippewa Valley. Martin said, “We just hope to make people happy with our food.”

To learn more about Frybread Factory, visit their Facebook page facebook.com.

Kristine Martin runs Frybread Factory with sons William (right) and Dakotah (left).

MEATY GOODNESS

Valley Burger Co. is taking Eau Claire by storm with its locally-sourced meat and delicious cocktails.

PICK-YOUROWN GARDENS

Call ahead for hours and to find out what’s in season!

— AUGUSTA BLUEBERRIES E27020 E Branch Rd., Fairchild • 612-850-9852 • augustablueberries.com Several acres and varieties of cultivate

DRIVE-IN restaurants

BLUEBERRY RIDGE ORCHARD E2795 Hageness Rd., Eleva • (715) 287-3366 • con tact@blueberryridge-orchard. com • facebook.com/blueberryridgeorchard A 25 acre blueberry orchard that offers 7 varieties of pick your own blueberries. In fall, you can buy readypicked apples and plums.

BUSHEL AND A PECK MARKET 18444 County Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-0133 • apples@bushelandapeckmarket.com • BushelAndaPeckMarket.com Open in early August for pick-your-own apples, raspberries, and plums. Gift shop and bakery on site featuring honey, jams, jellies

CONNELL’S FAMILY ORCHARD 19372 Co. Hwy OO, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-5889 • connellsfamilyorchard.com Forty acres of fruit and veggies. Pick tart cherries, blueberries in July, and apples starting in August. Pies, ice cream, carameled apples, jams, honey, and salsas are also available.

DIXON’S AUTUMN HARVEST WINERY & ORCHARD 19947 Cty Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1663 • winer@autumnharvestwinery.com • autumnharvestwinery.com Produces 13 varieties of wine including many wines using fruit from their orchard, and a hard cider. Relax on the outdoor patio seating, or peruse the gift shop. Enjoy the beautiful sights of blooming apple trees, flowers and an abundance of wildlife.

FOSTER FARMS STRAWBERRIES W. Robin Rd., Foster • (715) 835-7407 • facebook.com/ FosterFarmsStrawberries Foster Farm’s is a family owned and operated strawberry farm established in 1979 just south of Foster, WI.

GOVIN’S MEATS & BERRIESSPRING & SUMMER ATTRACTIONS

N6134 670th St, Menomonie • (715) 231-2377 • jgovin@govinsmeatandberries.com • govinsmeatsandberries.com In spring, Govin’s Lambing Barn opens to the public. In summer, Govin’s has you-pick and pre-picked strawberries. Naturally raised beef, free-range chicken, lamb, and pumpkins also for sale.

GRAMPA GLENN’S ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES

W11280 Cty Rd. B, Humbird • (715) 9648663 • gstuve@centurytel.net • facebook. com/GrampaGlennsCertifiedOrganicStrawPick certified organic strawberries on the Stuve farmstead. Sampling while picking is a must. Call in advance if you want someone to pick on your behalf.

LITTLE BERRY FARM W1832 Maple Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 559-0447 • berrygirls@littleberryfarmec.com • littleberryfarmec.com Offering naturally grown strawberries and raspberries that are healthy and delicious. Little Berry Farm do not use any chemicals or sprays. Visit their website or find them on Facebook for more details and information regarding picking dates and times.

MAC’S BERRIES 10439 130th Ave., Bloomer • (715) 568-1672 They have both u-pick and prepicked strawberries available. We also have pea pods for picking. If you want pre-picked strawberries, call and we’ll reserve them for you to pick up at the farm.

MICHAELS BERRIES, LLC E8715 730th Avenue, Colfax • facebook.com/michaelsberries/ Fresh blueberries available by U-pick or order ahead.

BREWERIES

Take a tour and explore the Valley and surrounding region’s finest brews.

BLOOMER BREWING COMPANY 1103 9th Avenue, Bloomer • 7159334995 • bloomerbrewingco.com A fun, casual, family friendly taproom and destination brewery. Their staple brews are lagers, with fresh new varieties of IPA and sours. Flights are a great way to sample what’s currently on tap. The taproom offers food, and can be rented for events.

BREWERY NONIC 621 4th St. W, Menomonie • facebook.com/brewerynonic

A small, taproom only, truly handcrafted brewery specializing in super fresh beers from a wide variety of influences in a historic building. Built within the old train depot building in historic downtown Menomonie. The brewery features 8 taps, 4 of which are year-round favorites. The remaining are filled with seasonal and experimental concoctions.

THE BREWING PROJEKT 1807 N Oxford Ave, Eau Claire • thebrewingprojekt.com The Brewing Projekt’s mission is to craft awesome, unique, or hard-to-find ales and lagers. The taproom at the Projekt is right inside of the brewery complete with all the sights, sounds, and smells of the craft.

CHIPPEWA RIVER DISTILLERY & BREWSTER BROS. BREWING CO. 402 W River St, Chippewa Falls • (715) 861-5100 • chippewariverdistillery.com A brewery and distillery in Chippewa Falls with a gorgeous taproom/bar and regular visits from area food trucks. Customers are also able to bring food in or order food there. Check out their rotating selection of award-winning delicious beers and high-quality spirits.

DURAND BREWING COMPANY N6649 State Highway 25, Durand • facebook.com/durandbrewingco/ Durand Brewing Company is a new brewery that is just starting operations. It is locally owned by two veterans who love the art of brewing.

FFATS BREWING COMPANY: NANO

BREWING & TAP ROOM Brewery: 36447 Main Street // Tap Room: 18517 Blair Street, Whitehall • ffatsbrewingco.com As a brewery, FFATS (Staff spelled backwards) is continually seeking to

1 2 3

DAIRY WAY

111 Gebhardt Rd

BLACK RIVER Falls

Open April through September, this classic roadside stand has an extensive array of cold, milk-based treats. Flurries, malts and shakes are faves. Burgers grace the top of the menu, but further down are choices like chuckwagon steak sandwich and veggie sub.

GUP’S DRIVE IN RESTAURANT

607 W Lincoln St • AUGUSTA

Gup’s is a classic, with real carhops, real trays that mysteriously attach to your window, and old school prices. The menu offers burgers, chicken, salads, sandwiches, plus garden burgers and grilled veggie sandwiches. There are many different ways to get your soft serve ice cream, and they make their own root beer.

PANTHER DRIVE-IN

1018 East Prospect Street • DURAND

The menu features burgers, fish, chicken, BBQ, and steak sandwiches, mini tacos, and dogs. Plus pick from fries, rings, hashbrowns, mushrooms, cheese nuggets, poppers, and more. Waffle cones, floats, freezes, shakes, malts, snocones, and Cyclones make for a daunting dessert selection. The ice cream is softserve, and there are 20 options.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

find your perfect beer match for you. From Pale Ales to Dark Lagers and everything in between, they are committed to helping you find a beer just right for you. Enjoy a relaxed new environment at our TAP ROOM that is inviting with a rustic feel yet first-in-class establishment to socialize and meet friends.

K-POINT BREWING AT THE COFFEE

GROUNDS 4212 Southtowne Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 834-1733 • thecoffeegrounds.com/k-pointbrewing Taking its name from a ski jumping term, this nanobrewery adjacent to the Coffee Grounds focuses on brewing small batches of beers “that are never out of style.” Enjoy one of their unique stouts, ales, or lagers paired with food from the café at the Coffee Grounds. Also hosts beer dinners, fish frys, and more.

LAZY MONK BREWING, LLC 97 West Madison Street, Eau Claire • info@lazymonkbrewing.com • lazymonkbrewing.com Step into the old world, German-style Bier Hall to try over 14 taps, a root beer, and a great atmosphere. They specialize in brewing Bohemian Beers, and also have British and American seasonal beers, plus special limited edition holiday beers. Take home growlers and 4 packs.

LEINENKUGEL’S 124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls • 888-534-6437 • leinie.com Brewing since 1867, Leinenkugel’s is one of America’s oldest craft breweries, boasting a portfolio of several distinctive, flavorful beers inspired by its natural Northwoods surroundings. The brand has put Chippewa Falls on the map for their adventurous array of full-flavored brews in small, high-quality batches.

LUCETTE BREWING COMPANY

910 Hudson Rd., Menomonie • (715) 233-2055 • lucettebrewing.com Lucette takes its name from Paul Bunyan’s girlfriend. Their brews include theFarmer’s Daughter (a blonde ale with coriander) or a highly rated pale ale Ride Again (a drinkable ale with notes of floral and citrus), plus one-of-a-kind small-batch creation. Try their four-beer sampler flights or “guest beers” from other Wisconsin breweries. The Woodfired Eatery serves classic house pizzas, seasonal creations, calzones, and salads.

MODICUM BREWING 3732 Spooner Ave. Suite A, Altoona • 715-895-8585 • info@modicumbrewing.com • modicumbrewing.com Local craft brewery Modicum Brewing offers a stylish taproom resting in full view of its brew tanks. They pour from a select batch of recipes developed by brewmaster Eric Rykal. Plenty of seating, room for large groups, and tasty snacks from local producers.

NORTHWOODS BREW PUB 50819 West St., Osseo • (715) 552-0510 • northwoodsbrewpub. com In a new, industrial-style setting, patrons at Northwoods Brewpub can enjoy changing seasonal menus and 29 handcrafted beers as well as six sodas, all brewed on site. Covered outdoor seating will be on a massive new patio.

OLIPHANT BREWING 350 main st suite #2, Somerset • oliphantbrewing.com Trevor and Matt, Oliphant’s official quackers, cycloned through this brewing process to end up in Somerset, WI. Tongue firmly in cheeks, these two are crafting with a diligence previously unknown to them.

OMBIBULOUS BREWING 1419 Winchester Way, Altoona • Find it on Facebook The new kid on the scene, Ombibulous Brewing has a handful of classic taps; two east coast IPAs, a stout, a black lager, a honey red lager, and soon a lemon wheat. The taproom is full of prohibition-era aesthetic with dark wood and leather seating.

RUSH RIVER BREWING COMPANY

990 Antler Ct, River Falls • rushriverbeer.com Rush River specializes in unfiltered and unpasteurized ales. This makes for a very fresh and flavorful beer with a shorter shelf life. They are open for growler fills Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, their tap room is open Thu-Sat 4-10pm, and free tours are held the second Saturday of each month at 1pm.

SAND CREEK BREWING CO 320 Pierce Street, Black River Falls • (715) 284-7553 • sandcreekbrewing.com One of Wisconsin’s largest microbreweries. Brewers of fine craft-brewed ales and lagers in the proud tradition of Wisconsin brewing. Stop by for a tour on Friday afternoons, and Saturdays during the warmer months.

VALKYRIE BREWING COMPANY 234 Dallas St, Dallas • (715) 837-1824 • valkyriebrewery.com A small family owned and operated microbrewery in Dallas, Wisconsin. They brew up loads of Norse-mythology inspired drafts that you can pick up in bottles or enjoy in their kitschy taproom.

ZYMURGY BREWING 624 Main Street East, Menomonie • facebook.com/zymurgybrewing Zymurgy takes its name from the Greek word for the study and practice of fermentation. Brewmaster Jonathan Christenson serves 15 taps from a raw-edge bartop. Zymurgy is modeled to be sustainable, earth-conscious, and minimize waste creation. Many brews are made with local ingredients. 12 taps of unique creations, and non-beer options like house ginger ale.

1 2 3 4

pizza on the farm

A TO Z PRODUCE AND BAKERYPIZZA FARM

N2956 Anker Lane, Stockholm • (715) 448-4802 • info@ atozproduceandbakery.com • atozproduceandbakery.com

This weekly pizza destination is open Tuesdays from 4:308pm during the Summer. Drivers arrive by car or even horseback. The later you arrive in the season the wait is (can be up to an hour) but the pie is worth it. If you’re in a rush, they can fix you one to go. Also a CSA farm. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks and games, explore the farm, or purchase beer while you wait.

FARM TO FORK - PIZZA NIGHTS

S193 County Road BB, Mondovi • (715) 210-1799 • farmtoforkretreat.com

Head to the Farm to Fork retreat 5-9pm, Thursdays through Saturdays for wood-fired pizza nights. They close for weddings, so keep an eye on their website or Facebook to stay up to date. $15 for basic pizzas, and $18-22 for specialty pies. They serve a variety of local beers at their Milk House Bar.

NELSON STONE BARN - PIZZERIA

S685 County Road KK, Nelson • (715) 673-4478 • info@ nelsonstonebarn.com • thenelsonstonebarn.com/pizzeria

Open Friday through Sunday from 5-9pm through the spring and summer months, Nelson boasts a hand-rolled thin crust and meats from locally raised livestock. Nelson offers custom pizzas as well as wine, beer, and ice cream. New pizzas are added to the menu often, and you always customize your pie with a “build your own” option.

STONEY ACRES FARMPIZZA FARM

7002 Rangline Road, Athens • facebook.com/ stoneyacresfarmandpizza

Pizza night at Stoney Acres is on Friday evenings from late April to early November. Some ticketed Saturday events are available. They serve up simple, seasonal, organic pizzas, have local beers & wines for sale, and you can check out their farmers market goods.

PHOTO BY RACHEL WORTHING

WHETHER YOU ARE A VEGAN, LACTOSE INTOLERANT, or just want something light on a hot day, non-dairy ice cream options are super important. I am what I like to call a “mostly vegan”: I do my best to have an all plant-based diet (for environmental and dietary reasons) but will have the occasional non-vegan item – sometimes accidentally, sometimes not. Regardless, I only eat non-dairy ice cream because the alternative gives me too much tummy trouble. I called 15 – yes, 15 – different ice cream places in the Valley and found that only fve sell non-dairy options. Three of those fve places serve Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, which usually offers a variety of non-dairy options, so I went to all of those places anyway. My non-dairy-eating roommate, Anna, came with me to all fve places so we could both give our honest feedback about their non-dairy options.

C & J’s Candy Store & Scoop Shoppe

342 MAIN ST. E, MENOMONIE

C&J’s, the frst stop on our trek, serves Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. With one Italian ice favor on the menu, we made our decision relatively easily. We got a scoop of the Raspberry Lemon Italian ice (with sprinkles, of course) and it was delicious. There is something about Chocolate Shoppe’s Italian ice that is so light and refreshing, and the consistency is super soft and amazing. We were happy.

Custer’s Cones

17183 50TH AVE., CHIPPEWA FALLS

Our second shop also sold Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, and again had only one non-dairy favor. Luckily, this one was different, so we tried the Carrot Mango Italian ice. I was reluctant, because carrot ice cream? Yuck. But it was by far the best. It had that same amazing texture and it was perfectly sweet.

THE SEARCH FOR NON-DAIRY IN THE DAIRYLAND

Our writer sought out the best (and only) spots in the Valley that serve non-dairy ice cream. Here’s what she found. words: sawyer hoff photos: anna sutton

AMERICA’S DAIRY-FREE LAND?

Here’s a guide to the best (and only) places in the Valley that sell dairy-free ice cream options.

Olson’s Ice Cream

80 S. BARSTOW ST., EAU CLAIRE

My roommate and I had been to Olson’s several times, so we knew they had some good stuff. We were pleasantly surprised to see we had not one but two options we could choose from. We got the strawberry banana sorbet, which we had mixed feelings about. If you’re looking for a non-dairy ice cream substitute with the closest texture to ice cream, this is your guy. But it didn’t have as much favor as the Italian ices. I gave it a “yay,” but my roommate said “nay.”

Ramone’s Ice Cream

503 GALLOWAY ST., EAU CLAIRE

Again, we had been to Ramone’s quite a few times and have always loved the soy ice cream favors to death. Ramone’s is arguably the best-smelling place in the Valley since they make all of their waffe cones in-house. We were heartbroken to fnd that they had no soy favors that day, but they did have three Italian ice favors. Because we had already tried two of them earlier in our journey that day, we chose the remaining option, Electric Watermelon. Honestly, we were a little sick of the Italian ice and wanted to switch it up. Luckily, Ramone’s offers slushes, which combine an Italian ice favor with lemonade. A non-dairy-eater’s milkshake, if you will. It was sourer than we had expected, but quite delicious. We even got a cherry on top, which was, in fact, the cherry on top.

Casey’s Creamery

4740 KEYSTONE CROSSING, EAU CLAIRE

Casey’s only sells their non-dairy favors in quarts, which was fne, because that just meant more for later. I was elated to see that they had two different non-dairy favors that were not fruity. I picked up an Oatmeal Cookie quart and a Pumpkin Spice quart, and let me just say: wow. They were both amazing and provided a perfect way to end this non-dairy day.

WINERIES & VINEYARDS

Pop the cork and find your new favorite wine.

—

BELLA VINEZ WINERY W10829 875th Avenue, River Falls • bellevinez.com A family owned and operated wine destination in beautiful western Wisconsin, this Tuscan-style winery is set directly in the heart of the vineyard. Guests can enjoy a wide range of wine options and a small bite to eat from our brick oven or expansive appetizer menu.

BEMIS BLUFF CUSTOM FRUIT

WINES E2960 Hageness Rd, Eleva • (715) 8282344 • facebook.com/BemisBluff Winery, vineyard, and wine bar. Enjoy up to 3 samples of their custom fruit wines. Purchase a glass and enjoy all of their wines.

BRAMBLEBERRY WINERY N3684 Claire Rd., Taylor • (608) 525-8001 • info@brambleberrywinery.com • brambleberrybandb.com A small artisanal winery tucked into the beautiful rolling hills of Western Wisconsin, not far from the Great River Road. Also featuring a bed and breakfast.

BRANCHES WINERY E6796 Old Line Rd., Westby • (608) 634-9463 • brancheswinery@gmail. com • brancheswinery.com Producing wine from estate-grown grapes. The cheerful and friendly tasting room is surrounded by vineyard views and offers tastings plus wine by the glass or bottle. A menu of appetizers highlights local cheeses and regional delights.

CHATEAU ST. CROIX WINERY & VINEYARD 1998A State Rd. 87, St. Croix Falls • (715) 483-2556 • chateaustcroix.com From Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel, winemaker Troy Chamberlin makes all of his award-winning red wines ‘oh so flavorful’. Distinct in flavor, bold in color, heavy on the palette, and speaking for themselves.

DANZINGER VINEYARDS & WINERY S2015 Grapeview Lane, Alma • (608) 685-6000 • danzingervineyard.com Fifteen acres perched atop the Alma Bluffs in Buffalo County overlooking the Mighty Mississippi River. They use Frontenac, Prairie Star, St Pepin, La Crescent, La Crosse, Frontenac Gris, St Croix and Marquette for their wines, and also have fruit wines available.

DIXON’S AUTUMN HARVEST WINERY & ORCHARD 19947 Cty Hwy J, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1663 • winer@autumnharvestwinery.com • autumnharvestwinery.com Produces 13 varieties of wine including many wines using fruit from their orchard, and a hard cider. Relax on the outdoor patio seating, or peruse the gift shop. Enjoy the beautiful sights of blooming apple trees, flowers and an abundance of wildlife.

ELMARO VINEYARD N14756 Delaney Rd., Trempealeau • (608) 534-6456 • lynita@elmarovineyard.com • elmarovineyard.com Nestled in the Mississippi River Valley, this winery’s unique location makes for beautiful scenery and ideal conditions for cold, hearty vines.

INFINITY BEVERAGES WINERY & DISTILLERY 3460 Mall Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 895-8020 • infinitybeverages.com A winery and distillery producing a wide range of innovative and unique wines and spirits. Tasting room offers wine flights, spirit tastings, wine by the glass, and specialty cocktails including the two time “Best of the Chippewa Valley” winning cocktail the Summer

GREAT GRAPES

The Riverbend Vineyard harvesting will kickoff in early September, gotta give those grapes a few months to make the perfect glass of wine.

Heat. Live music, all day happy hour on Thursday, and sangria Sundays.

MAIDEN ROCK WINERY & CIDERY

W12266 King Ln., Stockholm • (715) 448-3502 • info@maidenrockwinerycidery.com • maidenrockwinerycidery.com Presenting a unique collection of premium hard ciders & fruit wines, from fresh local fruit, flavored by Wisconsin. Their grape wines include Stockholm Red, Stockholm White, and Frontenac Nouveau – as well as a grape-apple blend, Apfelwein.

MUNSON BRIDGE WINERY & VINEYARD W6462 Bridge Rd., Withee • (715) 2294501 • sales@munsonbridgewinery.com • munsonbridgewinery.com Located in Wisconsin’s heartland, MBW offers a large variety of fruit wines including raspberry, elderberry, boysenberry, plum, blackberry, crabapple, and cranberry wines, plus maple syrup wine and many other seasonal favorites.

O’NEIL CREEK WINERY 15369 82nd St., Bloomer • (715) 568-2341 • oneilcreekwinery. com O’Neil Creek Winery was built in the heart of the Chippewa Valley by Joe and Dorinda Wynimko featuring an assortment of fruit wines that are crisp and refreshing. Come and enjoy the scenery along with the relaxing atmosphere on our patio while you have a glass of wine.

RIVER BEND WINERY & DISTILLERY 10439 33rd Avenue, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-9463 • riverbendvineyard.com Visitors to the Tasting Room enjoy complimentary samples and may purchase wine by the glass or by the bottle. Gourmet foods, gifts and accessories for the wine enthusiast are also available. Attendees enjoy the view from a comfortable patio overlooking the vines.

SEVEN HAWKS VINEYARD 17 North St., Fountain City • (608) 687-9463 • sevenhawksvineyards.com Seven Hawks Vineyard includes almost 18,000 northern hybrid grape vines and 500 plum and cherry trees, making them one of the largest vineyards in the upper Midwest. Wines are local, hand pruned, hand tended, and hand harvested, with free tastings available for walk-ins.

TENBA RIDGE WINERY N27587 Joe Cou-

BEST OF SUMMER! BEST OF SUMMER!

lee Rd., Blair • (608) 525-2413 • tenba@triwest.net • tenbaridgewine.com From high atop a ridge in rural Trempealeau County sits one of Wisconsin’s most enjoyable winery experiences. Tenba Ridge produces a number of wines that have won national and state awards. Known for its award-winning peach apple wine, blueberry apple, black raspberry apple, and white cranapple.

VERNON VINEYARDS WINERY S3426

Peterson Ln., Viroqua • (608) 634-6181 • vernonvineyards.com Vernon Vineyards Winery is 75 acres in Vernon County in Western Wisconsin, and offers lovely vineyard views and a beautiful tasting room. Their 16 wines are made with 100% locally grown Wisconsin grapes and cranberries. Guests can count on a healthy serving of rural Wisconsin hospitality with every sample.

VILLA BELLEZZA WINERY 1420 3rd St., Pepin • (715) 442-8484 • villabellezza.com The winery name – Bellezza, the Italian word for beauty – is inspired by the stunning river bluff drive to the winery along the Mississippi’s historic Great River Road. Visitors may relax in the piazza with small plates and a bottle of wine while listening to the fountain and enjoying the scenery.

VINO IN THE VALLEY W3826 450th Ave., Maiden Rock • (715) 639-6677 • vinointhevalley. com Vino in the Valley is a unique, outdoor dining experience designed to stimulate all your senses. Open Thursday through Sunday, May through September (with additional weekends October-December), enjoy a glass of wine and a pasta dinner among the vines in an outdoor setting nestled in the heart of the Rush River Valley.

WISCONSIN VETERAN FARM LLC & WINERY 921 South 8th Street, Cornell • (715) 705-6212 • wisconsinveteranfarm@gmail.com • facebook.com/wisconsinveteranfarm Featuring a large selection of small batch handcrafted, homemade fruit wines. 10% of proceeds benefit the American Legion, VFW, and other charities. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for tasting events. Wine selection is always changing and has featured fruit flavors like apple, pear, plum, chockcherry, elderberry, rhubarb, blackberry, strawberry/banana, raspberry, cranberry, spiced banana.

BEST FOOD TRUCK

1. LIVE GREAT FOOD TRUCK

2. HOLY DONUTS

3. SMOKESTREAM

delicious change in scenery? Try a food truck. Live Great Food wins frst place with its simple yet unique and locally sourced menu. Holy Donuts showcases delicious, pillowy delicacies – including their Glaze ’n Sprinkles, Butterfnger Bomb, Cinna-Yum, The Cloud (yes, that’s really the name), Captain Crunch Donut, Orange Dream, Keylime Pie – need we go on? All their delicious doughy goods are great any time of day. And, in third place, be sure to check out Smokestream, a local food truck inspired by big-city eateries, small-town kitchens, mom’s home cooking, and backyard grilling. Be sure to try their famous Mac N’ Cheese!

Looking for

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

05 JUN

food events

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

Phoenix Park • eau claire • 11am-7pm volumeone.org/foodtruckfriday

Food, snack, and drink trucks will open for business for lunch and dinner, providing the opportunity to sample and feast upon the work of multiple mobile chefs. It’s the perfect chance to take a break from the office, grab some grub, and snag a patch of grass or a bench by the river.

TASTE OF THE VALLEY

Phoenix Park • 11am-5pm taste-valley.com

Featuring food vendors, kids activities, beer garden, food sampling, live music, local breweries, and more.

11 JUN

WINE WALK

Downtown menomonie • 2-6pm exploremenomonie.com/events/wine-walk-downtown-menomonie

A walking wine tour throughout multiple downtown Menomonie locations. Ticket includes dinner specials, “Wine Walk” glass, and more.

LEINENKUGEL’S SUMMER KICK-OFF

Leinie’s Lodge • chippewa falls • 10am-6pm leinie.com

Food trucks, live music by The Dweebs & Uncommon Denominator, outdoor games, vendors, and ice cold beer. Ticket includes 3 pints. Soda for under 21.

WINE TASTINGS IN THE GARDENS

Schlegelmilch House • eau claire • 6:30-8pm cvmuseum.com

Eric Nelson from Coffee Grounds will conduct a wine tasting with a variety of German wines which can be purchased at Coffee Grounds following the event. The program is from 6:30-7:30 and visitors may tour the house from 7:30-8pm

COOKOUT IN THE COUNTRY FUNDRAISER

The Heyde Center for the Arts • Chippewa Falls • 6pm cvca.net/events/cookout-in-the-country

Held at the scenic White’s Wildwood Retreat. Featuring a charcoal chicken dinner from Karl’s BBQ Express, music, and beverages, to raise money for the Heyde Center.

GRAND EVENING ON THE BRIDGE

Grand Avenue Bridge • eau claire • 5:30-8pm downtowneauclaire.org/grandevening

Featuring a main course provided by Houligan’s Steak and Seafood Pub, dessert by the Informalist, entertainment by UWEC Jazz, and a selection of beverages. DECI’s largest, yearly fundraiser.

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM.

This gigantic sundae is certified drool-worthy and can be found at the Danc’n Bean.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Splash splish &

LITTLE SPLASH ON THE PRAIRIE

Ge ing cool in the water can mean diving in headfirst, dipping in your toes, or dashing through the spray like this kiddo on the splash pad at Altoona’s River Prairie Park. Whatever your style, the Chippewa Valley has many ways to get wet.

PHOTO CREDIT: andrea paulseth

dive right in dive right in

listings by James Johonnott

Looking for ways to get back into the swim of things this summer? Or maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to soak up some sun? Either way, there’s no shortage of beachy keen things to keep your summer on the bright side. Make a splash at the pool, as most Chippewa Valley waterparks and pools reopen this June! Rent a canoe or kayak and get out on the water. Or take a peek at the superb Ski Sprites water ski show. No matter what, don’t forget to lather on some sunscreen and make every splash count!

BEST OF SUMMER! BEST OF SUMMER!

Eau Claire County

BIG FALLS COUNTY PARK off both County Hwy Q and County Hwy K

COON FORK LAKE COUNTY PARK off County Hwy CF • 2 locations: swimming beaches on both the east and west sides of the 80 acre lake

HARSTAD COUNTY PARK off Cty Hwy HHH, Augusta

LAKE ALTOONA COUNTY PARK off County ND, Augusta

BEACHES

Swim at your own risk. Remember your floaties.

BEST BEACH

Is there sand in my eyes or am I seeing this right?! Big Falls County Park (600 Big Falls Forest Road, Fall Creek) claimed frst on the list for best beach once again! It must be the timeless beauty of nature that leaves people wanting more. Now, from the South Side of Lake Wissota to reclaiming second is Ray’s Beach (18124 County Hwy. X, Chippewa Falls). It’s sticking to the hearts of the community, like the sand inside your swimsuit! And fnally, back again in third is Lake Wazee (N6302 Brockway Road, Black River Falls). Whether you’re looking to canoe/kayak, swim, or lounge, this beach is nothing but fun in the sun.

Chippewa County

LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARK off County Hwy O (Ray’s Beach on south end of Wissota, off County Hwy X)

MORRIS ERICKSON COUNTY PARK Beach on Lower Long Lake, New Auburn

OTTER LAKE COUNTY PARK 35309 170th Ave, Stanley

PINE POINT PARK on Holcombe Flowage

ROUND LAKE COUNTY PARK 117th St.

RAY’S BEACH 18124 Cty. Highway X

—

POOLS & WATERPARKS

A big box of water for you to splash in —

BERNARD F. WILLI OUTDOOR POOL on Bridgewater Avenue, next to Marshall Park, Chippewa Falls • (715) 726-2733 • chippewafalls-wi.gov This pool has a very shallow end for children and a deeper end that a water slide empties into. Opens the first Saturday in June, and closes in mid-August. Passes are $3/person. Infants under 12 months are free. Open swim during Monday-Friday: noon-6pm; Weekends: 1-6pm.

FAIRFAX POOL 4200 Fairfax Park Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 839-1680 • pr@eauclairewi.gov • ci.eau-claire.wi.us The facility includes a main pool with zero depth entry and an Olympic size, eight lane, 50 meter swimming area. A stationary waterslide, 22 feet high with a flume extending 150 feet, is one of the main attractions of the pool. The pool also features a “Raindrop” in the zero depth area of the pool. A separate diving well includes both a one-meter and a three-meter diving board. Pool pass is $4.25. The pool is open from last weekend of May through the first weekend of September. Open Monday-Friday, 11:30am-7pm; Saturdays, 11:30am-6pm; Sundays, 1-6pm.

City of Eau Claire

HALF MOON BEACH off Whipple Street

RIVERVIEW PARK at 2711 Riverview Drive

—

Dunn County

PINE VIEW COUNTY PARK South of Menomonie, Eau Galle.

WAKANDA WATERPARK 909 Pine Ave E, Menomonie • (715) 232-5050 • menomonie-wi. gov The large Wakanda Park features 13,914 square feet of water surface, a 230-foot-long, 31-foot high waterslide, and a 20-foot-long, 12-foot high drop slide. Passes are $3-5, kids under 1 FREE. Season runs from late May to late August., 11:30am-8pm, Monday - Friday; 11:30am-6pm, Saturday; 1-6pm Sunday

CHAOS WATER PARK 5150 Fairview Dr., Eau Claire • 715-852-6000 • ChaosWaterParkFun. com Looking for some family fun? Visit Chaos, the Valley’s only indoor waterpark which features multiple slides, an activity pool, hot tub, lily pads, lazy river and kiddie area. Visit ChaosWaterParkFun.com for admission and seasonal hours.

1. BIG FALLS COUNTY PARK

2. RAY’S BEACH ON LAKE WISSOTA

3. LAKE WAZEE (BLACK RIVER FALLS)

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

RENEWING RESPECT FOR THE RIVERS

Tubing is a trademark of Eau Claire summers, and it helped one longtime local gain a new appreciation for the place she calls home.

words: caroline akervik

illustration: lydia “nibs” noble

IHAVE

LIVED IN EAU CLAIRE FOR NEARLY 30 years. And yet, until Last summer, I had never tubed the river.

This may come as a shock. After all, the vision of college students foating down the river is a trademark of an Eau Claire summer. The rivers are an enchanting omnipresence in Eau Claire. We bike along the rivers. We fsh the rivers. On winter nights, we admire the lights gleaming like jewelry on the numerous bridges crossing over the rivers.

So, how had I made it through three decades of living in Eau Claire without foating down the river?

As a child, I went on a tubing trip with my siblings down the aptly named Gunpowder River. Though my father had the enthusiasm to bring us to this natural waterpark, he didn’t do the necessary research to ensure a successful expedition.

When we joined the throngs of people exiting their cars to head down to the departure point, I noticed immediately certain details: Most everyone was wearing battered old sneakers or water socks, while we were ouch-ing along barefoot over the rocky path. Other folks had sweatshirts, food, and drinks with supplemental foaties, and most well-prepared tubers that day also had bottoms on their tubes, generally a piece of wood secured with bungee cords.

The result of this expedition: When we fnally emerged from this ill-fated tubing adventure, we were shivering, hungry, and covered in bruises and scrapes from the rocks and submerged tree limbs we had encountered during our ride.

Is there any wonder that I waited three decades to try it again?

Yet I couldn’t resist the siren song of the river. Deep in my heart, I envied those foaters every summer. I longed to tube.

The perfect opportunity presented itself during the summer of 2021. With the lifting of many COVID-19 restrictions, my sister planned to come visit from California. She had never tubed the river either. Thus, it was time to

seize the moment.

When the selected day arrived, I was prepared. We stopped by Azara on Water Street to purchase our tubes, and a nice young man infated them for us. We stopped at the Holiday gas station where my sister purchased compulsory beverages. I was skeptical about this stop, wary of the dangers of the wild river, but after a full day – my sister assured me – a beverage or two while foating was simply a good life choice.

What follows I can only describe as an

IT WAS A WARM AND

EVENING AND THE SUN HAD FADED TO A COMFORTING MID-SUMMER

GOLD. THE WATER MOVED US GENTLY, UNHURRIEDLY ALONG. WE SAW RIVER OTTERS FROLICKING ALONG THE SHORE AND A BALD EAGLE SOARING ON UPDRAFTS IN THE SKY.

extended enchantment. We launched from the beach accompanied by several much younger –but extremely friendly – tubers. We popped the tops on our beverages, and sipped in the summer. It was a warm and glorious evening and the sun had faded to a comforting mid-summer gold. The water moved us gently, unhurriedly along. We saw river otters frolicking along the shore and a bald eagle soaring on updrafts in the sky. There was none of the roughness or danger of that long ago Gunpowder foat – and, yes, the beverages tasted divine.

We emerged at the Hobbs boat landing transformed, relaxed, and totally Zen. I had made my peace with the river.

Only a few days later, my sister’s signifcant other came to visit. We both urged him to try foating the river, and fnally he agreed. They chose to go one cool afternoon after a rainy spell in July. Remembering our glorious tubing experience, my sister and I didn’t take note of the fact that on that day, the water was moving much more quickly. In addition, there were no other tubers. What had taken my sister and me an hour and a half a few days before, took them 25 minutes on this day, and they had to battle strong currents to get out at Hobbs. Rather than frighten me, it gave me a renewed respect for the river.

The rivers are part of the town’s logging history and part of the identity of Eau Claire and the people who live there. Our rivers are to be respected, even feared a little. But above all, they demand to be understood.

The rivers are a part of who we are, inextricably pulsing through the heart of our fair city, with the pounding cacophony of heartbeats of all the people who foat down the river propelling us forward. And, as the evenings spent on the rivers come to an end, we remember those summers spent in the sun, and look forward to the next adventure.

GLORIOUS

Hillside

With her positive and upbeat personality, Bethany joins our clinic with over 17 years’ experience caring for all ages in a variety of settings. She has a passion for ser ving her patients and would be honored to care for you and your family!

Jennifer Olson, FNP-C, APNP Dr. Michael J Smith, MD, FAAP

Welcoming Bethany Stevens, FNP-C, APNP to our team!

Bethany Stevens, FNP-C, APNP

SKI SPRITES ARE BACK WITH A

NEW THEME

The Ski Sprites will be showcasing their ‘Ski-S.-I.’ summer show at Lake Altoona Beach

words: barbara arnold photo: ricci wagner

JUSTIN “CRIME” FOR SUMMER, the frst Ski Sprites Water Ski Show of the club’s season will be at 6:30pm on Sunday, June 5, at Lake Altoona Beach. After practicing inside on “dry land” over the winter, the club’s 50-plus members started practicing a couple of weeks ago.

This year’s show theme is “Ski-S.I.: A Crime Scene Investigation,” and will be a thriller.

The club performs at Lake Altoona Beach every Sunday and Wednesday nights from early

June through Labor Day starting at 6:30 pm. The cost is $5 for a county parking pass, and then a hat is passed at the show for free-will donations.

So grab your Sherlock hats and your magnifying glasses, and don’t miss the extraordinary performances by the Ski Sprites this summer.

For more info, visit skisprites. com and facebook.com/skispriteswaterskiteam.

FAR OUT! GET READY FOR THIS YEAR’S FATFAR FLOAT

Frenchtown’s Annual Tube Float and Regalia will foat on down the mighty Chippewa on June 19

words: sawyer hoff photo: michael lundebrek

GRAB YOUR TUBES, FLOATIES, canoes, and come on down to the 46th Frenchtown Annual Tube Float and Regatta (better known as FATFAR) on Sunday, June 19.

People from across the Valley take part in FATFAR to bask in the sunlight while drifting down the Chippewa River. People start showing up around 11am (get there early if you want to rent a tube from Loopy’s Grill & Saloon).

You’ll know you’ve reached the end of the foat after about two hours when you hit Lake Hallie’s Sportsman’s Club and River Jams, where live music, entertainment, and plenty of food and drinks will be waiting to complete this fun-flled day. Loopy’s is at about the halfway mark if you want to join the festivities early.

Please remember to clean up after yourself and not bring any glass or styrofoam with you into the river. Wear life jackets if you aren’t a strong swimmer or if you’re planning to drink.

When you’re done with festivities at Loopy’s, River Jams, and Sportsmans, there is a shuttle for only $5 to get you back to your car – or your Uber.

Read the full article at VolumeOne.org.

POOLS FOR PUPPERS

This end-of-summer swim times is for good pups only! Cool your dog off at Eau Claire’s Fairfax Pool at the end of the season. Check website for dates.

CANOES & KAYAKS

The Chippewa Valley’s river rat outfitters, educators, rentals, and more.

DUNHAM’S SPORTING GOODS

1501 Broadway St. N., Menomonie • (715) 2350750 Dunham’s has a number of locations across the midwest, selling a range of outdoor gear like bicycles, fishing, footwear, sports, camping, kayaking, hunting, golf, and more.

EAU CLAIRE BIKE AND SPORT 403

Water St, Eau Claire • facebook.com/bikeandsport/ Local bike shop with supplies for bicycles, snowboards, skateboards, long boards, and roller blades, new and used.

GANDER MOUN-

TAIN 6440 Scully

Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 834-4594 • gandermountain.com This store’s equipment goes beyond its “hunt, fish, camp” slogan, also offering gear for canoeing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and geocaching.

LOOPY’S 10691 Cty Hwy X (Bus. Hwy 29), Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-5667 • 723loop.com Loopy’s rents canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes all summer long. Their free shuttle will zip you into town so you can float down the

Chippewa River and back to the shop. You can also rent a van for the trip. They even offer “driver safe” beverages, food, ice, and cooler tubes. Stop by Loopy’s restaurant and bar when you’re done.

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS 3561 Gateway

Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 834-0602 • playitagainsports.com The biggest retailer of second-hand recreational equipment in the area, including bikes, skates, skateboards, sports, fitness, skiis, snowboards, running equipment, and more.

RIVERSIDE BIKE & SKATE 937 Water St., Eau Claire • (715) 835-0088 • RiversideBikeSkate. com A full service bike retailer featuring major brands. They offer bike repair and tune-up services. They also service hockey equipment, skates, canoes, kayaks, and more. Riverside also rents canoes and kayaks, shuttles and trailers, so you can plan your own river excursion.

RIVERSIDE JUNCTION

27 S Highway S, Augusta • (715) 456-2434 • riverside@ bluebuzz.net • riversidejunction.com Riverside Junction offers canoeing and kayaking on the Eau Claire River - trip planning, drop off/pick up, and rentals.

SCHEELS 4710 Golf Road, Eau Claire • (715) 833-1886 • scheels.com A comprehensive place for all your fishing, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, biking, camping, geocaching, and hunting needs.

SIMPLE SPORTS 326 Main St. E., Menomonie • (715) 233-3493 • facebook.com/SimpleSportsU Serving downtown Menomonie, Simple Sports sells bikes, disc golf equipment, snowboards, skates, snowshoes, and more.

BEST BODY OF WATER FOR RECREATION

1. LAKE WISSOTA

2. CHIPPEWA RIVER

3. LAKE HOLCOMBE

Grab your boat, pontoon, or personal watercraft and hit up beautiful Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls for some of the best action on the water. Even though the reference to it in Titanic wasn’t exactly accurate, it’s still beautiful year-round. Splash around or lay down a towel on its sandy beach and catch some rays. Looking to kayak, canoe, or tube? The Chippewa River is the perfect place to relax and enjoy scenic beauty. But if fshing is what you desire, you must check out the waters of the gorgeous Lake Holcombe flled with all the greats: walleye, musky, panfsh, bass, and more. –Jen Ekblad

PHOTO BY MARK OLIVER

PHOTO BY SAM BOOS

ALL’S FAIR WITH WATERFOWL

Sure, you could float down the Chippewa River in a regular old tube – or you could get a bunch of friends together and rule the water while floating atop a fantastical aquatic beastie.

ALTERNATIVE WETNESS

Other ways to make a splash

SKINNY DIPPING

According to Wisconsin State Statute 944.20 concerning lewd and lascivious behavior, exposing one’s unmentionable regions publicly and indecently – whether in the water or on land – can get you up to nine months in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Unless no one sees you.

SLIP ‘N’ SLIDES

Looking for some low-tech, low-friction fun? Get this – they still make Slip ’N’ Slides! A basic version is around nine bucks, and you can upgrade to hoops and a finishing splash pool for around thirty bucks. Low on cash? You can always cobble together a DIY version using trash bags and cinderblocks. If you really want to ramp up the fun factor (and the risk of limb-damage) set that thing up on a grassy hill. Adults beware: you probably weigh more than the last time you slipped and slid, so don’t forget that force equals mass times acceleration.

SPRINKLERS

Call me conservative, but I much prefer a good old-fashioned sprinkler any ole’ day of the week. Whether it’s one of those that shoots water up in the air like a rainbow, or one of those rotating sprinklers that rifles water with precision, you’ll see us gleefully prancing through the spray in our front yards this summer. Expect us to act like it’s so cold every time that we scream and run, but then go right back in for more.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

A WHEELIE FUN TIME TO BE HAD!

A bike for you, a bike for me, a bike for us both! There are so many things to explore in the Chippewa Valley whether you’re on foot, on wheels, or on one of those those strange hoverboard things.

PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREA PAULSETH

Seek Adventure Seek Adventure

listings by James Johonnott

Adventure is out there! The Chippewa Valley has no shortage of hidden gems for you to discover – whether that’s on the luscious local hiking and biking paths, cozy campgrounds, or great getaways. Find your footing in the great outdoors, soaking in the sun and local wildlife, the greenery and the scenery. Get climbing, skydiving, river rafting, hammocking, traveling, or – maybe most extraordinarily – trying something new. You never know! You might like it.

HIKING & BIKING TRAILS

Lace up your boots and grease up your chain for these beautiful trails

Chippewa County

CHIPPEWA COUNTY RIVERVIEW

RESERVE TRAIL Trails go through woods and meadows. Some pass by small ponds as well as Lake Wissota. Take Hwy 178 north to Wissota Green Blvd (east of St. Joseph’s Hospital) and then on Beach Drive. There is a small parking lot near the trailhead. Parking also available near the Chippewa River bridge on 178.

CADOTT SCHOOL FOREST Several loops go through woods past two creeks and a covered bridge as well. From Hwy 29, take the Cty Rd X exit and drive to Cty Rd XX. Head north to 80th Street. Head east for 1 ½ miles and look for a gravel dead-end road. You might have to park at the gate and walk into the educational building area. Otherwise, there is parking at the building.

CHIPPEWA RIVER STATE TRAIL This former railroad corridor parallels the Chippewa River and including river bottoms, prairies, sandstone bluffs, wetlands, and more. Trailruns from Phoenix Park in Eau Claire to Caryville. Joins the Red Cedar Trail in the Dunnville Bottoms near the confluence of the Red Cedar and Chippewa rivers.

DEER FLY TRAIL A hiking trail located in the County Forest in Northern Chippewa County. From the north, the trail entrance is located two miles west of junction of County Roads M and E.

DUNCAN CREEK PARKWAY TRAIL

5 miles - This trail winds through the city of Chippewa Falls. Trail begins at the parking lot off 225th Avenue. Ideal for biking, hiking, and inline skating. Connects to Old Abe State Trail.

EVERGREEN SKI TRAIL 2.2 miles of trail loops are open for hikers in the spring, summer, and fall. The westernmost trail follows Coon Fork Creek. $3 fee. Located 5 miles north of Augusta on Cty Rd CF (across the road from Coon Forks County Park). Park at a small dirt lot.

HICKORY RIDGE TRAIL 9 miles - This trail winds through the quiet and scenic oak and aspen forest. It consists of three challenging loops. Located in northern Chippewa County in the County Forest - the trail begins in a parking lot off of 225th Ave.

IRVINE PARK TRAIL Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls • chippewafalls-wi.gov Woods trails above the zoo area double as ski trails. Loop back down and visit the zoo afterwards. Trails also go past Glen Loch Lake. Trails can also be accessed from small parking lot on Cty Rd S or on the parking lot above the zoo off Erma-Tinger Drive.

KEMPER’S WOODS A few trail loops go through a small woods surrounded by farmland. From Business 29, drive south on Chippewa Crossing Blvd and turn left on Stilson (50th Ave) past the dog park, over Hwy 29, and look for a small loop-shaped parking lot on the right side of the road.

LAFAYETTE TOWN HALL TRAIL

A short loop goes through woods. The trail overlooks Paint Creek. From Cty Road X south of Lake Wissota, turn south on 197th Street to the Lafayette Town Hall. Park near the food stand at the ball fields and walk through the brush site area to find the somewhat-hidden trailhead.

LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARK 18127

County Hwy 0, Chippewa Falls Several trail options go through woods, meadows, lowlands, marshes, and Lake Wissota’s shoreline. Many double as ski trails. Bikes are permitted on all but 3 trails. One-mile Beaver Meadow nature trail loop for families with small children. Scenic lake trail is also a highlight. Daily and annual state park vehicle admission passes vary in price. Located on the northeast section of Lake Wissota.

OLD ABE TRAIL Popular bike trail goes from Eau Claire to Chippewa Falls to Cornell. One scenic spot is just north of Jim Falls where the trail follows the Chippewa River on one side and small fields and ponds (some full of turtles) on the other. Head north of Chippewa Falls on Hwy 178 to the Jim Falls exit. In town, there is a trailhead sign with a parking lot. Walk north through town before getting to the scenic spots.

STAGE COACH BICYCLE ROUTE Trailhead located in Augusta just off Hwy 12/27 on Stone St. 21 miles - Approximately 21 miles roundtrip with alternate loops. Mostly easy but a few steep hills. It’s a scenic

OFF THE CHAIN

Get

route that follows along a lightly traveled road and is perfect for a family bicycle outing. Available year round and no pass is required.

Eau Claire County

BEAVER CREEK RESERVE S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • (715) 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org There are several trail loop options. Scenic, winding trails on two separate sections of the reserve, offer views of two creeks and the Eau Claire River. A local favorite $3 for adults, $1 for children (15 and under), free for members of Beaver Creek.

BIG FALLS COUNTY PARK Located in the town of Seymour, the trails at Big Falls cut through mixed coniferous/ hardwood forest on either side of County Highways Q and K.

CITY WELLS TRAIL Three-mile loop trail begins near the city wells and heads into the woods. Directions: From the North Crossing (Hwy 312) head north on Riverview Drive. Park in the dirt lot near the wells buildings off Riverview Drive.

EAU CLAIRE RIVER ROUTE Start at the paved trailhead hidden across from the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library’s underground parking entrance. The trail brings you across to the north side of the river on an old railroad trestle S bridge that offers spectacular views of the quarter-mile

long Banbury Place industrial complex and of course, the valley. The trails in Phoenix Park and Boyd Park now connect and are ready for downtown cyclists.

FAIRFAX PARK 4200 Fairfax St., Eau Claire Small woods trail that doubles as ski trail goes into small prairie area past a few ponds and re-enters woods. Directions: Access Fairfax Park Drive from either Golf Road and park in the Fairfax Pool lot, or go down Fairfax Street and park near the ball fields south of South Middle School.

GEUTTINGER WOODS + WILDLIFE

AREA Semi-groomed trails wander through dense woodland. Head south from Eau Claire on Hwy 37. Look for a sign on the left shortly after passing Cty Rd HH. Short drive up a hill takes you to a small parking lot and trailhead.

OTTER CREEK TRAIL 2333 Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona 3 miles - Located next to the Hillcrest Golf Course.

LOWES CREEK COUNTY PARK

TRAIL Most trails double as mountain bike or ski trails. One short trail is devoted to hiking only. Nice sights of Lowes Creek. Requires $3 daily pass with seasonal passes available. Drive south of Eau Claire and I-94 on Lowes Creek Road. Park entrance will be on the left. Or drive south of Eau Claire and I-94 on 93. Turn right on Lorch Avenue and left on Fairview Drive. Ample parking at both entrances.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY PARK

TRAIL Several loop trail options double as mountain bike and ski trails. Some are narrow and steep. From the North Crossing (Hwy 312) head north on Jeffers and turn right away on E. Prairie Lane to Arrowhead Drive to Van Es Parkway. Drive to the end of the street to the small parking lot.

PINEHURST PARK - TRAILS Wooded trails along the far side of the sledding hill double as mountain bike trails. Trails end at the top of the sledding hill. From Hwy 53, turn right on Eddy Lane to Darryl Lane to Dale Road. From the parking lot, look for the trailhead on the left facing the hill.

PUTNAM TRAIL Dirt road goes through a wooded area that follows Little Niagara Creek. Deer and wild turkeys often seen. Marshy woods with a beautiful canopy of branches and leaves. From campus heading west, the trail follows the Chippewa River.

TOWER RIDGE RECREATION AREA

TRAIL 1230 S 82nd Ave, Eau Claire Wide trails double as ski and horseback riding trails. Some trails are very hilly. Offers spectacular views of the Eau Claire River Valley. $3 daily pass/ seasonal. Drive east from Eau Claire on Cty Rd Q and then south on L. Go past first parking lot (for disc golf players) to the second lot (road to it on left side of L).

TRAIL FROM BOYD PARK TO ARCHERY PARK This small short trail winds along a small bluff bordering Eau Claire’s east side neighborhood. Nice scenic spots where you look straight down to the Eau Claire River. Trail starts in a meadow. It is rocky underfoot in some sections. Directions: From downtown Eau Claire or from Hastings Way, take Main Street and turn north on Summer Street. Park near the pavilion in Boyd Park.

Dunn County

BJORNSEN RECREATION CENTER

TRAIL Trail loop options through woods with creeks and several footbridges as well. From I-94 take the Hwy Q exit and drive north to 700 Avenue. Turn right and head to 160th Street. Look for signs. You might have to park at the gate and walk to the center. Otherwise, there is ample parking at the center.

HOFFMAN HILLS STATE RECREATION AREA 730th Ave., Colfax Several different trail options from easy to moderate to difficult. Very hilly in the woods section of the park, most leading to a 60-foot tower with a wonderful view of the area and worth the climb. The grass-prairie and wetlands section of the park is easy and passes by ponds hidden from view of most of the trail.

LAKE MENOMIN PARK TRAIL Walk through the woods, emerge next to Lake Menomin, and then through meadow before re-entering woods. From I-94 head south on Cty Rd B, turn right at 3M Drive, turn left at Stokke Parkway, turn right at Red Cedar Street/Domain Drive.

MENOMONIE LIONS GAME PARK

TRAILS Very short trail starts near animal exhibits and features a little boardwalk. Fun stroll for families with little kids. From I-94 head south on North Broadway Street, turn left on Pine Avenue E to Game Park Rd. Plenty of parking spaces on paved lot.

RED CEDAR STATE TRAIL 921 Brickyard Road, Menomonie Small bluffs with a waterfall will be on one side and the Red Cedar River on the other side. Bald eagles frequently sighted. Going other direction from Dunnville takes you through the Dunnville State Wildlife Area across a

trestle near the confluence of the Chippewa River and the Red Cedar River. This meets up with the Chippewa River Trail.

Futher Out

400 STATE TRAIL 22 MILES E13660 State Highway 33, Reedsburg • dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/ name/400/ The 400 State Trail is located between Reedsburg and Elroy with 5 communities conveniently spaced along the trail to provide small town hospitality. Part of the 101-mile State Trail System. A mostly level trail. Trail is used for bicycling, walking, and snowmobiling. There is also a 7-mile horse trail parallel to the bike trail between Wonewoc and LaValle.

BUFFALO RIVER STATE PARK TRAIL dnr.wi.gov 36 miles - This is a multi-purpose trail that parallels Hwy 10 passing through the communities of Mondovi, Eleva, Strum, Osseo and Fairchild connecting to Eau Claire County operated ATV trails.

LEVIS MOUND TRAIL Neilsville • levismound.com The Levis Mound and Trow Mound rec trail in Southern Clark County features 25 miles of mountain bike singletrack trails offering riders a variety of terrain, from easy meandering wooded singletrack to technical pitches and outstanding views of the surrounding 133,000 acre county forest.

WILDWOOD TRAIL 200 Main St., Woodville • co.saint-croix.wi.us The Wildwood Trail is a seven-mile off-road hiking, biking and snowmobiling trail on a former railroad right-of-way, which runs from the Village of Woodville south to the St. Croix/Pierce County line, through the Town of Eau Galle.

GARDEN CENTERS

Find a newy leafy friend

BLAINE’S FARM AND FLEET 2583 S Prairie View Rd., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-1806

• farmandfleet.com A hardy selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, vegetables, and hanging baskets, all grown locally with nursery quality so you know they will survive and prosper in your lawn and garden. While you’re there, you can pick up garden maintenance supplies, lawn decor, and more.

BOBOLINK NURSERY LLC N6548 429th

St., Menomonie • (715) 231-3901 • bobolinknursery. com Bobolink’s barn-style garden center and three large growing ranges are packed with perennials, vegetables, annuals, shrubs, and trees. Owners Dan and Amy Dopkins have been in the plant growing business for essentially their entire lives and are very happy to pass their vast stores of knowledge on to you. They also offer services such as landscaping design and installation.

CHIPPEWA VALLEY GROWERS 7825

Prill Road, Eau Claire • (715) 839-8448 • chippewavalleygrowers.com Carries a wide variety of stock, specializing in bedding plants, flowers, and vegetables. Work with gardeners to create custom baskets and containers and check out growing ideas and tips in their spring newsletter.

CHRISTENSEN FLORIST & GREENHOUSES 1210 Mansfield St, Chippewa Falls

• christensenflorist.com Greenhouses full of beautiful hanging baskets & patio pots and full assortments of annuals, vegetables, perennials, & herbs. Daily specials available. All plants grown on site.

CURVUE HIDEAWAY & TREES 6760

Curvue Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 878-4366 • info@ ctreesonc.com • ctreesonc.com Curvue Hideaway & Trees now has a garden center and nursery stock that includes vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowering annuals, perennials, and more. Gift shop featuring the handiwork of local consignors and artisans.

DOWN TO EARTH GARDEN CENTER

6025 Arndt Ln., Eau Claire • (715) 833-1234 • downtoearthgardencenter.com A relaxing and spacious environment in which potential planters can find greeneries of every kind. The garden center sells bulk materials, tools, decor, seasonal and lush plants, and much more. They host classes and events all year long and even have a cafe on-site for if you get a little hungry. They offer landscaping and lawncare services.

GREEN OASIS GARDEN CENTER 1403 122nd St., Lake Hallie • (715) 832-0800 • greenoasis.co This garden center offers lawn art and accessories, plus various trees, ornamental grasses, perennials, mulch, dirt, compost, and patio block. Also offers lawn care, landscaping, irrigation, window cleaning, pest control, christmas lightning, and

GREEN THUMB LANDSCAPING & EXCAVATING + GARDEN CENTER

6700 Hwy 12 East, Eau Claire • (715) 832-4553 • greenthumbwi.com Green Thumb Landscaping and Excavating provides garden care and maintenance. Their garden center has a wide selection of perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, mulch, decorative rock, and more.

HALFEN GARDEN CENTER AND HOSTA HEAVEN 19130 72nd Ave, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-3414 • terrencehalfen@ yahoo.com • halfengardencenter.com Halfen Garden Center is a family run business that offers a wide array of hostas, vines, annuals, vegetables, fruits, trees, and shrubs. They offer garden layouts to help you know the best place to plant around your home.

KLINGER FARM MARKET 12756 132nd St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 288-6348 • klingerfarmmarket@yahoo.com • klingerfarmmarket.com In addition to 18 greenhouses full of flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, shrubs, trees, hanging baskets, water plants, and house plants, Klinger offers a swath of freshly grown produce, home and garden ornaments, bird baths, jams, honeys, and organic gardening products. They are open year round.

LOWES CREEK TREE FARM S9475 Lowes Creek Rd., Eleva • (888) 878-4166 • christmas@ lowescreektreefarm.com • lowescreek-treefarm. com Lowes Creek Tree Farm’s retail nursery market includes a full line of potted shade trees (over 50 varieties), flowering trees, fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials, plus landscape consultation, design services, and delivery and planting services.

THE MARIA’S COUNTRY GARDENS LLC N1956 State Road 85, Caryville • facebook. com/themariascountrygardensllc 12 minutes southwest of Eau Claire and offers a wide variety of unique and colorful annuals, perennials, grasses, herbs and vegetables.

MAY’S FLORAL GARDEN 3424 Jeffers Road, Eau Claire • (715) 836-8220 • maysfloralgarden.comMay’s Floral Garden Center has an ever-changing selection, so be sure to check often to see what they have in stock. They also host garden classes, and a garden club.

BEST OF SUMMER! BEST OF SUMMER!

BEST TRAIL FOR HIKING

1. CHIPPEWA MORAINE ICE AGE TRAIL

2. BEAVER CREEK RESERVE

3. HOFFMAN HILLS STATE RECREATION AREA

The Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Trail (13395 County Hwy. M, New Auburn) features barrens, bogs, dolomite, and more continental glaciation structures that will take you back into the Ice Age. Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Hwy. K, Fall Creek) trails pass through 400 acres worth of wildlife and more. Last but not least, Ho man Hills State Recreation Area (740th St., Menomonie) allows visitors to explore over 700 acres of prairie and wetland ecosystems. Don’t forget to visit the 60-foot observation tower in summer, because it’s closed for winter. –Kelly

Carlson

FIND YOUR BEST BUD!

Down to Earth Garden Center is a great place to find some beautiful plants and flowers that will be the perfect accessory for your home or garden.

PAINT CREEK NURSERY & TREE

FARM 3215 North 140th Ave, Cadott • (715) 723-2072 • info@paintcreeknursery.com • paintcreeknursery.com Paint Creek Nursey’s goal is to grow shrubs and trees that benefit people and the environment. They have a variety of native tree species, including conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs, that can be purchased either as seedlings or transplants. Call to arrange an appointment.

RAINTREE GARDEN CENTER 7470 20th Avenue, Eau Claire • raintreegardencenter. com Locally owned garden center specializing in homegrown hanging baskets, vegetable plants, custom planters, perennials, berry plants, and seeds. Online ordering and pick-up available.

SEASON’S HARVEST GREENHOUSE

E5345 County Rd D, Menomonie • (715) 231-4769 • seasonsharvest@dishup.us Season’s Harvest has an impressive 6 greenhouses full of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs. Also, the potting shed station located outside the greenhouses allows you to mix, match, and plant your flowers right after or while you’re browsing.

TIN ROOF GARDEN 5310 Friedeck Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 834-4232 • tinroofgarden.com A locally owned and operated garden store and greenhouse featuring a large selection of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. They also carry many other gardening necessities, as well as yard art and garden decor.

SPORT SHOPS

Gear up —

BLUE OX RUNNING 417 S. Barstow St, Eau Claire • blueoxrunning.com Downtown Eau Claire’s destination for running enthusiasts. Check out their selection of anything and everything you need to get your feet on the pavement or trails.

DUNHAM’S SPORTING GOODS

1501 Broadway St. N., Menomonie • (715) 2350750 Dunham’s has a number of locations across the midwest, selling a range of outdoor gear like bicycles, fishing, footwear, sports, camping, kayaking, hunting, golf, and more.

EAU CLAIRE BIKE AND SPORT 403 Water St, Eau Claire • facebook.com/bikeandsport/ Local bike shop with supplies for bicycles, snowboards, skateboards, long boards, and roller blades, new and used.

ERIK’S BIKE SHOP 4130 Commonwealth Ave, Eau Claire • (715) 835-6746 • eriksbikeshop. com Erik’s Bikes has locations throughout the midwest. A one-stop shop for new bikes of any type including road, mountain, path, electric, BMX, and specialty types, cycling apparel & accessories, used bikes, repair, and more. They also service skiis, skates, snowboards, and rent adventure trailers.

GANDER MOUNTAIN 6440 Scully Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 834-4594 • gandermountain. com This store’s equipment goes beyond its “hunt, fish, camp” slogan, also offering gear for canoeing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and geocaching.

LOOPY’S 10691 Cty Hwy X (Bus. Hwy 29), Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-5667 • 723loop. com Loopy’s rents canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes all summer long. Their free shuttle will zip you into town so you can float down the Chippewa River and back to the shop. You can also rent a van for the trip. They even offer “driver safe” beverages, food, ice, and cooler tubes. Stop by Loopy’s restaurant and bar when you’re done.

NOT JUST ANYBODY’S BIKES & BOOKS 416 Gray St, Eau Claire • facebook.com/ eauclaire.bike Customized one-on-one bike repair, fitting, coaching, and consulting. Selling used books, bicycles, and bike parts and offers bike repair and bicycle fitting by a licensed cycling coach.

PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS 3561 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 834-0602 • playitagainsports.com The biggest retailer of second-hand recreational equipment in the area, including bikes, skates, skateboards, sports, fitness, skiis, snowboards, running equipment, and more.

RIVERSIDE BIKE & SKATE 937 Water St., Eau Claire • (715) 835-0088 • RiversideBikeSkate.com A full service bike retailer featuring major brands. They offer bike repair and tune-up services. They also service hockey equipment, skates, canoes, kayaks, and more. Riverside also rents canoes and kayaks, shuttles and trailers, so you can plan your own river excursion.

RIVERSIDE JUNCTION 27 S Highway S, Augusta • (715) 456-2434 • riverside@bluebuzz.net • riversidejunction.com Riverside Junction offers canoeing and kayaking on the Eau Claire Rivertrip planning, drop off/pick up, and rentals.

SCHEELS 4710 Golf Road, Eau Claire • (715) 833-1886 • scheels.com A comprehensive place for all your fishing, hiking, canoeing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, kayaking, biking, camping, geocaching, and hunting needs.

SHIFT CYCLERY & COFFEE BAR 615 Graham Avenue, Eau Claire • (715) 514-5060 • eaushift.com Full-service bicycle repair shop, craft coffee bar, and all-around creative lounge in downtown Eau Claire. Find your new ride, bicycle and coffee gear all in one stop. Offering a mobile pickup service so you don’t need to drive your bike to the shop.

SIMPLE SPORTS 326 Main St. E., Menomonie • (715) 233-3493 • facebook.com/SimpleSportsU Serving downtown Menomonie, Simple Sports sells bikes, disc golf equipment, snowboards, skates, snowshoes, and more.

SPRING STREET SPORTS 12 W. Spring St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-6616 • springstreetsports.com Located in downtown historic Chippewa Falls, Spring Street Sports has been serving Chippewa Falls bicycle and snowsports enthusiasts since 1987. They sell trek bikes and specialized bikes, but will service all bikes. They also sell snowsports equipment, and rent hourly or daily use equipment.

STACHE BIKE & ADVENTURE 414 North Farwell Street, Eau Claire • 715.514.5068 • eauclairebike.com Stache Bike & Adventure sells bikes, snowboards, apparel, tools, and more, and offers a wide array of bicycle tune-up and replacement part services.

CAMPGROUNDS & PARKS

Call for associated fees and to learn about amenities. Don’t forget the waterproof matches.

BRUNET ISLAND STATE PARK 23125 255th St., Cornell • (715) 239-6888 • dnr.wi.gov Quiet lagoons and channels, perfect for fishing, canoeing, swimming, or just watching wildlife (the park is well-known for its roaming deer population). Check out the Old Abe State Trail, a 20-mile abandoned railroad grade that connects Brunet Island with Lake Wissota State Park.

CHIPPEWA MORAINE STATE REC.

AREA 13394 Cty Hwy M, New Auburn • (715) 967-2800 • dnr.wi.gov Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the 3180-acre Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area offers unspoiled beauty with kettle lakes and many glacial features. The Chippewa Moraine is one of nine units of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve.

COON FORK LAKE COUNTY PARK

- CAMPGROUND E 25501 County Road CF, Augusta • (715) 839-4738 Located 30 miles from Eau Claire, this serene campsite has a boat landing and rental, picnic shelter, swimming beach, volleyball court, playground, hiking trails, and more. Makes for a quiet weekend getaway.

COUNTRY VILLA MOTEL AND COUNTRY CAMPING 10765 County Hwy Q, Chippewa Falls • (715) 288-6376 • countryvillamotelandcamping.com 34 sites

DUNCAN CREEK CAMPGROUND

12528 102nd Ave., Chippewa Falls • travelwisconsin.com 35 sites. Spacious campsites, electrical hook-ups, playgrounds, fishing in Duncan Creek, canoe access, nestled in the large deciduous & coniferous trees.

HARSTAD COUNTY PARK - CAMPING County Road HHH, Augusta • (715) 8394738 • co.eau-claire.wi.us This 43 acre park has 27 quiet and rustic campsites and no electricity or running water. The campsites overlook the Eau Claire river, and fishing and canoeing are popular past times at the beach. A large open shelter and ball field can be reserved.

IRVINGTON CAMPGROUND E4176

County Rd. D, Menomonie • (715) 235-2267 or (715) 505-5202 • menomoniecamping.com The campground has wooded and open site areas with full hook up, electric & water, rustic & seasonal sites available. Connects to the Red Cedar Bike Trail, and rents canoes and kayaks with a shuttle service to get you to the water.

LAKE CHIPPEWA CAMPGROUND

8380N County CC, Hayward • (715) 462-3672

LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARKCAMPING 18127 County Highway O , Chippewa Falls • (715) 382-4574 • chippewacounty.com/maps/wissota. asp More than 1,000 acres of forest and open prairie on a 6,300-acre man-made lake. Secluded campsites, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, picnic and playground areas and a 285foot swimming beach. Boating, canoeing, kayaking and water skiing are popular summer activities on Lake Wissota.

LOON LAKE CAMPGROUNDS

10279 280th Ave., New Auburn • (715) 967-2148 • loonlake-campground.com 13 sites. If you are looking for a place for you and your family to enjoy the summer, look no further. This campground is tucked away on quiet Loon Lake in New Auburn, Wisconsin. The perfect lake for paddle boats, canoeing, and kayaking.

O’NEIL CREEK CAMPGROUND 14912 105th Ave, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-6581 • office@oneilcreek.com • oneilcreek.com Come to camp, fish, or just relax. They’ve got playgrounds, mini golf, snack bar, swimming beach, arcade, gathering areas, train rides and more activities. Facilities include showers, laundry, water & electric, and other amenities.

OTTER LAKE COUNTY PARK 35309

170th Ave, Stanley • (715) 726-7882 • reservations. co.chippewa.wi.us It has 22 well-spaced campsites, a playground, picnicking, swimming and a boat landing. The shoreline of much of Otter Lake is undeveloped and provides an attractive, wilderness-type setting. Central location for water, electricity available on all sites and pit toilets. No showers or dump station.

PINE HARBOR CAMPGROUND 7181 185th St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-9865 • pineharborcampground.com Offering organized

activities such as Christmas in July, Halloween, Bingo, Pancake Breakfasts, and more. Clean flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities. Two play grounds: one age 5 and under, one for age 5+. Pet friendly (on a leash). Hiking and biking trails. Free wireless internet.

PINE POINT COUNTY PARK 27699

256th Street, Holcombe • reservations.co.chippewa. wi.us Camping, swimming, picnicking, playground equipment, a reservable picnic shelter and a boat launch are available. Central location for water off of the main parking lot, electricity available on all sites, pit toilets and a dump station. No showers. Firewood is available for sale from the park caretaker who occupies site #7.

ROCK LAKE LODGE & CAMP-

GROUND 23015 153rd St., Bloomer • (715) 5684370 • facebook.com Go swimming in the heated, outdoor pool, play in the game room, take a walk and see elk and peacocks, go fishing on Rock Lake, bring your ATV’s/snowmobiles, and ride the trail or just relax around the campfire or at the lodge. The lodge has a full bar with homemade pizzas and sandwiches.

SANDY HILL CAMPGROUND E21100 ND Road, Augusta • (715) 286-2495 • augustawi.com 32 sites. A very clean and peaceful spot for family camping.

STONEY CREEK RV RESORT 50483 Oak Grove Road, Osseo • (715) 597-2102 • stoneycreekrvresort.com Stoney Creek is big rig friendly, offers 18 hole mini golf, laundry facilities, free wi-fi internet, adult pool with basketball, kiddie pool with toys, volleyball and basketball courts, short-order kitchen, covered wagon rides, game room, worship services, and more. Don’t forget laser tag.

TWIN SPRINGS RESORT CAMPGROUND N6572 530th St., Menomonie • (715) 235-9321 • twinspringscampingresort.com Amenities and activities include a swimming pool,

boat rentals, fire wood and ice for sale, bar and game room, nature trails, play areas for children, camping cabins, tiled showers with hot water, fire areas and fire rings, and more. Enjoy the panoramic views and scenic nature trails.

PET BOARDING

Give Fido somewhere to stay

ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTER OF BUFFALO VALLEY 201 Industrial Dr. #1, Mondovi • (715) 926-3836 • awcbv@cvcexpress. net • youranimalwellnesscenter.com A full-service veterinary medical facility with the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for their highly-valued patients. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients.

BIFROST FARMS E2062 930th Ave., Boyceville • (715) 643-2208 • info@bifrostfarms. com • bifrostfarms.com The Bifrost Farms goat dairy also has a kennel and boarding program to take care of your dogs. Includes organic foods, exercise, canine massage, and training services.

CANINE COMFORT INN 2600 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • (715) 235-8669 • caninecomfortinn.com A small business that offers grooming, dog training, and obedience training services.

CHIPPEWA VETERINARY CLINIC

14961 81st Ave., Chippewa Falls • (715) 7233655 • chipvet@chippewavet.com • chippewavet.com Established in 1902, the Chippewa

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

J U N E 4 - 1 1 , 2 0 2 2

It’s time to celebrate all-things bicycling in Wisconsin! Join us for events in Eau Claire and Altoona, including rides, social events and workshops!

S U N D A Y J U N E 5

BIKE RODEO IN ALTOONA • 2pm - 4pm

Altoona Hobbs Ice Center in Cinder City Park Altoona Police Department is having a Bike Rodeo for kids up to age 12! Bike safety check, helmet fitting, ride through skills courses. It is FREE, and all you need to participate is to bring a bike and a helmet.

M O N D A Y J U N E 6

BIKING INTO HISTORY: FINDING

EAU CLAIRE WOMEN • 6pm - 7:30pm

Ride begins at Farmers Market Pavilion, Phoenix Park Explore women’s stories and history connected to various sites in central Eau Claire, all by bicycle. Sponsored by the Chippewa Valley Museum. Please bring your own bike and wear a helmet. Free for Bike Week, but please pre-register at www.cvmuseum.com

T U E S D A Y J U N E 7

BIKE WEEK KICKOFF PARTY

6:30am - 9am

Volume One Parking Lot - 205 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire

Join Volume One and other friends of a bike-friendly Wisconsin who will be on hand for the Bike Week kickoff party with free coffee and waffles from SHIFT. Fruit donated by Kwik Trip. Donuts and pastries donated by Festival Foods. Visit with local bike advocacy groups. Get a basic bike safety check. Come for the height of the party at 7:30am!

T U E S D A Y J U N E 7

HANDS-ON FIX-A-FLAT WORKSHOP & HAPPY HOUR • 6pm - 7:30pm

SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar

Learn the basics of fixing your own flat tire during this pop-in workshop. Bring your own bike or wheel to work on and get help from the experts. Tools and demo wheels will be provided. Tires, tubes, parts and tools available for purchase. Prize giveaways from SHIFT.

W E D N E S D A Y J U N E 8

BIKE TO BASEBALL • 5:30pm

Meet-up Point for Bike to Baseball: Brewing Projekt 1807 N Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, WI

Meet-up and ride to an Eau Claire Express baseball game vs. the Minnesota Mud Puppies at Carson Park. Participating riders receive free general admission to the game, but you must join the ride from the meet-up point, leaving at 6:00pm sharp.

SPONSORED BY: EAU CLAIRE EXPRESS AND B KE CHIPPEWA VALLEY

T H U R S D A Y J U N E 9

RIDE YOUR BIKE TO THE SOUNDS LIKE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES • 6 - 8pm

Phoenix Park

Bike to the second Sounds Like Summer Concert of the season at Phoenix Park, and park for free at the Bike Valet parking service in Phoenix Park. Giveaway to anyone who parks at the valet!

F R I D A Y J U N E 1 0

BIKES, BRIDGES & BREWS • 6:30pm - 8pm

Ride leaves at 6:30pm from Phoenix Park at the trailhead building, so arrive early

Join us for a leisurely ride through the city of Eau Claire covering some of the better bike routes, bike trails and bridges before ending at The Brewing Projekt. The ride will cover approximately 13 miles and will be at a moderate city riding pace (10 mph).

S A T U R D A Y J U N E 1 1

ROAD RIDE • 8am - Noon

Ride leaves from SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar

Participate in a road biking tour led by local bike enthusiasts from SHIFT Adventure Club. Bike about 30 miles at a pace of 14-16 mph through the Chippewa Valley and make a stop for a free snack! Helmets required.

S A T U R D A Y J U N E 1 1

1ST ANNUAL PRIDE RIDE • 11am - 12:30pm

SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar

Celebrate Eau Claire’s Pride with a family-friendly bike parade through downtown. Decorate your bikes from 11:00 AM to Noon at SHIFT, then slow-roll together down Barstow Street to Phoenix Park for Pride in the Park. Some bike decorating supplies will be provided.

S A T U R D A Y J U N E 1 1

TAKE A KID MOUNTAIN BIKING DAY • 10am - 1pm

Eau Claire County Expo Center pavilion

Join CORBA and the 906 Adventure Team for their annual event to get kids on mountain bikes! This event is for kids of all ages, and is free and open to the public. Helmets required. No experience necessary. Food and drink for all participants, but please register.

SPONSORED BY: MARKQUART TOYOTA AND PACKER MINI STORAGE

Chippewa Valley Transit Alliance (CVTA)

· Wisconsin Bike Fed · Friends of the Chippewa River State Trail City of Altoona City of Eau Claire Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Commi ee (BPAC) West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (WCWRPC) SHIFT Cyclery & Coffee Bar CORBA Chippewa Valley Museum • Volume One

Valley Clinic is a full-service mixed animal veterinary clinic dedicated to the health and well being of your animals. Also providing boarding services for cats & dogs.

COZY AT HOME PET SITTING SERVICE Eau Claire • 715-835-1930 Your pet stays cozy at your home. Avoid stress, your pet will be happy when you get home.

EAU CLAIRE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

2504 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 835-5011 • ecah@clearwire.net • eauclaireanimalhospital. com Providing the best possible medical, surgical and dental care for our highly-valued patients and committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for our clients. Voted the best veterinary clinic in the Volume One Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader’s Pool since 2014.

EMBARK 2109 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • (715) 864-3263 • embarkdog.com More like a date night with your dog, classes at emBARK are informative with a dash of craziness to create an upbeat, positive environment. emBARK also offers grooming services.

K-9 COUNTRY CLUB 10055 County Hwy

K, Cadott • (715) 382-4562 • k-9countryclub@ hotmail.com • Find this business on Facebook HERE Jolie Wittrock’s boarding facility is at her home, offering the advantage to be with the pets at all times. Any kind of routine patrons have with your pet can be replicated.

K9 DORMS 1519 Mayer Road, Altoona • facebook.com/k9dorms A family owned and operated business that treats your dog with affection during their stay at a home away from home. Also features grooming services.

LAKE WISSOTA ANIMAL HOSPITAL

16780 County Highway X, Chippewa Falls • (715) 726-8811 • lakewissotaanimalhospital.com Offer a full range of premium veterinarian services to ensure your beloved pet is in full, functioning health. Also offers boarding services.

NORTHERN PAWS PET LODGE 25927

115th Ave., Cadott • (715) 289-4244 • reservations@ northernpaws.com • northernpaws.com Offering rooms and services to make your pet’s “home away from home” a fun and stress-free experience. They specialize in the care of dogs, cats and even critters like birds, ferrets and bunnies.

THE DOGGY parks?

northsidepethosp.com • northsidepethosp.com Providing a variety of veterinarian services, plus grooming, boarding, plus end-of-life animal care.

OAKWOOD HILLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL 4616 Commerce Valley Road, Eau Claire • (715) 835-0112 • info@oakwoodhillsanimalhospital.com • oakwoodhillsanimalhospital.com A full service veterinary hospital and boarding service for the communities of Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Altoona.

PAWS & CLAWS 3820 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire • (715) 831-1885 • info@pawsandclawstotaldog.com • pawsandclawstotaldog. com Featuring spa quality grooming services and superior quality boarding services complete with specialty suites, home-like kennels, and a swimming pool.

PETSMART 4142 Commonwealth Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 831-1532 • petsmart.com Petsmart provides a variety of equipment and supplies for dogs, cats, and small animals. Their services include dog training, pet grooming, and pet adoptions.

RUDE DOG UNIVERSITY 2251 Eastridge Center, Eau Claire • (715) 833-1880 • rudedogu. com Featuring classes for obedience, agility, rally, conformation, show, hunting, and canine good citizen, for multiple levels (beginner to advanced). Private training available.

RUFF LIFE PET HOTEL 11613 22nd Avenue, Chippewa Falls • rufflifepethotel.com Ruff Life Pet Hotel is a pet kennel and boarding facility promising to love each one of your pets like they were their own.

TRI-PAW’D PET CARE 715-559-6335 • tripawdpetcare@gmail.com • facebook.com/ tripawdpetcare A pet care business with offering daily visits, overnight stays, dog walks, puppy visits, dog park visits, nail trims/grinding, pet transport/taxi, and some boarding services. Tri-Paw’d is a mobile service so they’ll come to you so your pets can stay in their comfort zone. All pet types, including exotics and farm animals, are accepted. Tri-Paw’d also offers discounted or free services to local veterans and active duty military.

WAGGIN’ TAILS TRAINING CO. & DOGGIE DAYCARE N4668 471st St., Menomonie • (715) 235-3188 • waggintails@ wwt.net • waggintailswi.com Featuring training classes ranging from puppy and adult training, tricks, walking, agility and behavior, plus daycare (no overnight care), nail trims, washes and spa treatments, plus a retail area with leaders, collars, leashes, treats, toys and more.

1

HAPPY TAILS DOG PARK

841 Chippewa Crossing Boulevard • Chippewa Falls • happytailsdogpark.org

Open year-round, this park has 53+ fenced acres, a walking trail around the perimeter, and a small dog area. Dog waste bags provided but no water as of yet, so please bring your own. $3 daily, $25 annual fee.

2

MENOMONIE DOG PARK

Brickyard Road • Menomonie doghouse@wwt.net

11.5 acre area available for dogs and their owners, founded and supported by “Friends of the Menomonie Dog Park.” Dog park permits are available at City Hall and the park.

3

EAU CLAIRE DOG PARKS

Otter Creek: 4503 House Road

Sundet: 4703 Robin Road Eau Claire eauclairewi.gov/recreation/dog-parks

O pen daily till dusk. Nine fenced-in acres, water for dogs, small dog area, walking trails. $25 annual/dog, or $5 daily/dog.

HICKORY RIDGE PLANS NEW AMENITIES

Chippewa County recreation area raising funds for upgrades

words: carlee shimek

NORTH OF BLOOMER IS nestled a beautiful trail route called Hickory Ridge. Across all four seasons this trail is home to hikers, mountain bikers, and cross country skiers. Now the hard-working volunteers who maintain this trail, the Friends of Hickory Ridge, are working to upgrade the amenities for this nature hotspot.

Friends of Hickory Ridge, a nonproft group, have been groundskeepers of Hickory Ridge since 2002. The group has worked closely with Eau Claire’s nonproft CORBA organization to make their trails the best they can be. Now they want to update their amenities for a more enjoyable experience.

The plans include expanding the parking lot, building a warming house for a cozy spot in the wintertime, creating an oversized shed to store equipment, and developing a mountain biking skills area, where youth and newcomers can practice mountain biking before heading out on the trails. The warming

house will be a 24-by-24-foot building with electricity and the roofine will continue for another 24-by-24foot area to be used as a picnic area.

The new storage shed will be 30 by 48 feet and will also have electricity. This way, the volunteer workers’ equipment, like snowmobiles, that they use to pack down the snow for cross country skiing will be safe in the freezing wintertime.

Bill Zimmerman, a member of Friends of Hickory Ridge, said their goal is to raise $500,000 for the expansion plans. They’ve already raised $88,000, but need all the help they can get, so if you use Hickory Ridge and wish to see it become even better, don’t hesitate to donate. A timeline for when these projects could be completed is tentative, but they will happen.

To learn more about Friends of Hickory Ridge and how to donate, visit their Facebook page at facebook. com/skihickoryridge.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

START SWINGING START SWINGING

listings by James Johonnott

Take me out to a ball game… or a basketball game… or the U.S. National Kubb Championship. Really, you could take us anywhere! Now that summer is within sight, we’re tickled, elated, jubilant, delighted to get out and play! And there’s no shortage of catchy ways to toss a ball around, knock it out of the park, glide around town, and – most importantly – get your body moving and grooving to a new beat: the beat of summer. Check out the following pages for a guide to the Chippewa Valley’s courts, courses, and felds.

BASKETBALL COURTS

Some courts are not full. Most courts require you to “bring it.”

Eau Claire

IF THE HORSESHOE FITS...

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL DIAMONDS

SWING, BATTER, BATTER, BATTER!

Eau

Ave., Menomonie

FOWLER COURT PARK 4th Ave.

WAKANDA PARK on Pine Ave.

—

Augusta

LAKE EAU CLAIRE COUNTY PARK S. Shore Dr.

HORSESHOE PITCHES

Most spots require ample amounts of easy-going-ness.

—

Eau Claire

CARSON PARK 101 Carson Park Dr.

— Altoona

LAKE ALTOONA COUNTY PARK 604 Beach Rd.

Chippewa Falls

FLAG HILL IN IRVINE PARK on Bridgewater Ave.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

Menomonie

LEISURE

—

TENNIS COURTS

What’s with all the racquet?

Eau Claire

LAKE EAU CLAIRE COUNTY PARK South Shore Dr., off Hwy 27.

SOCCER FIELDS

Can you bend it like Beckham?

—

Eau Claire

BOYD PARK 1202 Fairway St.

BOLLINGER FIELDS on Stein Blvd.

EAU CLAIRE SOCCER PARK Hamilton Ave.

GROVER HEIGHTS PARK 1022 Violet Ave.

Chippewa Falls

CASPER PARK W Canal St.

—

Menomonie

PHELAN PARK at 21st Ave. E.

SKATE PARKS

GNARLY PLACES TO CHECK OUT.

EAU CLAIRE SKATEBOARD PLAZA

Menomonie

VOLLEYBALL COURTS

Bump, set, and serve up some fun.

Eau Claire CARSON PARK 101 Carson Park Dr. • Mount Simon Park on Addison St. • Riverview Park at 2711 Riverview Dr. • Rod & Gun Park 801 Schoettl Ave.

Altoona

Chippewa Falls IRVINE PARK on Bridgewater Ave.

Along the bike trail near Lakeshore Shelter, 900 Broadway St., Eau Claire • 839-5039 • eauclairewi. gov The Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department installed a 3,000 square foot facility in August of 2013. Intended for skateboards, inline skates, and BMX bikes only, this park is free and is open to the public.

MARSHALL PARK Bridgewater Ave, Chippewa Falls • Fun activities at this park includ community gardens, Marhall Park Duncan Creek Trail, three tennis courts, rose/lily garden, softball/baseball field, skateboard park, two basketball courts and pool.

PHELAN PARK 9th St. East and 21st Ave. East, Menomonie • Huge, with plenty of features for a number of different skill levels. All concrete with some great lines and a generally good flow. Includes a 6’vert, quarter, two 6’ regular transitioned quarters, a small 4’ bowled corner, pyramids, and more. No pad requirements - FREE.

DISC GOLF COURSES

Two great sports that taste great together.

BRICKYARD DISC GOLF COURSE 302 Brickyard Road, Menomonie • 9 holes, 1,797 feet (alt. course 3,006 feet), natural tees - A very technical

course, it traverses hills, valleys and plateaus. Dual tees. 2 permanent pins per hole: yellow A pins and orange B pins. 2 practice baskets on Putting Plateau marked for putting games.

THE CAMPUS “9” Upper Campus, UWEC, Eau Claire • 836-5601 • uwec.edu 9 holes, mixed tees - Course is interspersed around campus dorms, mostly flat areas.

CHIPPEWA FALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL

750 Tropicana Blvd., Chippewa Falls • 726-2400

18 holes, 5,107 feet, par 62, mixed tees - Wonderfully creative, wrapped around the school and surrounding woods. Varied elevations. Mix of open and wooded.

DELONG MIDDLE SCHOOL 2000

Vine St., Eau Claire • 852-4900 • ecasd.us/District/ Home 18 holes, 1,942 feet, par 54, natural tees - The front 9 works its way around a track. It works well for putting practice and is also wheelchair friendly. The back 9 resembles your typical course, however, it is quite short and mostly wide open.

LAMB CREEK 5699 County Road D, Menom-

onie • 235-9927 • pioneergrill.com 9 holes, 2,088 feet, par 29, concrete tees - This course is owned and operated by Pioneer Grill and Saloon and winds through tight woods and over Lambs Creek with rolling elevation along the basin.

MENOMONIE MIDDLE SCHOOL

920 21st St SE, Menomonie • 232-1673 • 12 holes, 2,438 feet, par 39, grass tees - Beautiful countryside with elevation on half the course. Referred to as the “sunset course,” play 1-2 hours before sunset and enjoy the expansive panoramic view and colors from hole 6 basket and 7 tee.

MT. SIMON PARK 100 Addison Ave., Eau Claire • 49-acre park located on Dell’s Pond with access off either Madison Street or Birch Street. This park offers a boat landing and dock, 2 picnic pavilions, 2 lighted sand volleyball courts, and an 9-hole disc golf course. Mt. Simon Park is also home to Eau Claire’s Babe Ruth Baseball program.

NORTHSTAR MIDDLE SCHOOL 2711 Abbe Hill Drive, Eau Claire • 852-3000 • 9 holes, par 27, gravel tees - Some difficult holes, as well as some very solid chances for birdies. First 3 are open,

in a valley behind the school, then a few holes in the woods. Not open to public during school hours.

TOWER RIDGE PARK Off County Rd. L, Eau Claire • 839-4783 • 18 holes, 3,730 feet (alt. course 5,775 feet), par 78, natural tees - This is a very challenging course that is heavily wooded with many elevation changes. Long, narrow fairways, dual tees. $5/day parking fee.

WAKANDA PARK - DISC GOLF Wakanda

Park Rd. and Pine Ave. E, Menomonie • 232-1664 • menomonie-wi.gov 18 holes, 5,545 feet, par 65. Wakanda Park is a challenging course with a good variety of open and wooded shots, as well as water hazards. There is also a good m––ix of short and long holes. The park also has baseball diamonds and basketball courts.

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Batter up!

EAU CLAIRE EXPRESS Check the schedule online • Eau Claire Express Stadium - Carson Park, 702 Carson Park Drive, Eau Claire • $9-14 for general admission, $28+ for Fan Deck seating • northwoodsleague.com The Eau Claire Express is back with its 2021 season. Grab your single game or season tickets now and get back into the stands.

RACES AT RED CEDAR SPEEDWAY

Fridays with select other days, 7pm • Red Cedar Speedway, 1700 block of Stout Rd., Dunn County Recreation Park, Menomonie • $10-30; FREE for kids 12 and under • 235-6318 • redcedarspeedway.com The Red Cedar Speedway is a WISSOTA sanctioned track with weekly stock car races. The events are cash-only.

EAU CLAIRE BEARS BASEBALL Check their schedule online • Generally plays at Cinder City Park, Altoona • All ages • eauclairecavaliers.org See a hometown baseball game with the Eau Claire Bears baseball team.

EAU CLAIRE CAVALIERS BASEBALL

Check their schedule online • Carson Park, 100 Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • $5 adults; $1 students 18 & under; children 5 & under FREE; season ticket options available • All ages • 838-9222 • eauclairecavaliers.org See a hometown baseball game with the Eau Claire Cavaliers baseball team.

GOLF COURSES

Fooooooooooooooooore!

EAU CLAIRE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 828 Clubview Lane, Altoona • 836-8420 • ecgcc. com A 18-hole, par 71 Championship course, spread out over 250 acres of mature, wooded terrain, including sweeping hillsides and towering white pines.

HICKORY HILLS GOLF COURSE E4080

Hickory Rd., Eau Claire • 878-4543 • golfhickoryhills. com Located on 100 stunning acres just 3 miles south of Eau Claire on Highway 93, Hickory Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole, executive length course geared towards the recreational golfer.

LAKE HALLIE GOLF COURSE 2196 110th St, Chippewa Falls • 861-5442 • lakehalliegolf. com 18 holes, 5,885 yards, par 70, with a course rating of 68.3 and slope rating of 124.

LAKE WISSOTA GOLF AND EVENTS

16108 97th Avenue, Chippewa Falls • 1-888-382-4780 • wissota.golf 18 holes, 6,015 yards, par 71, public course. This course requires many straightaway tee and approach shots to the green.

MENOMONIE GOLF & COUNTRY

CLUB 802 Heller Rd., Menomonie • 235-3595 • menomoniegolf.com 9 holes, 1,911 yards, par 30, public course.

MILL RUN GOLF COURSE 3905 Kane Rd., Eau Claire • 858-7960 • wildridgegolf.com 18 holes, 6,078 yards - public - Mill Run Golf Course has been a local favorite for Eau Claire area golfers since it’s inception in 1981. It makes up for the lack of overall distance with strategically placed hazards, bunkers, and subtly breaking greens.

OJIBWA GOLF & BOWL 8140 136th Street, Chippewa Falls • 723-8823 • OjibwaGC.com 9 holes, 2,882 yards, par 35, public course. This gorgeous course is surrounded by mature pine trees. Water hazards come into play on several holes. The terrain is hilly and the small greens are in excellent condition.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB 4324 Fairfax Park Dr., Eau Claire • 832-6011 • pinemeadowgolfclubinc.com 9 holes, 1,143 yards, par 27 - public - This course has small, undulating greens. The terrain is relatively flat and several trees line the fairways.

PINEWOOD GOLF COURSE N4545 440th St., Menomonie • 235-2900 • pinewoodgcr.com 9 holes, 1,558 yards, par 29, public. An excellent course for beginners, youth, and seniors, these greens are fairly level and virtually hazard-free, except for a few sand traps.

PRINCETON VALLEY GOLF COURSE

2300 W. Princeton Ave., Eau Claire • 834-3334 • princetonvalley.com 9 holes, 3,325 yards, par 36public - This scenic course is located in the base of a valley. The course is tight and features a beautiful rolling layout with tree framed fairyways and lateral water hazards on holes 3, 5, 6, and 9.

THE VALLEY GOLF COURSE S80 Golf Rd Mondovi, Mondovi • thevalleygc.com Originally a 9-hole course nestled in the rolling hills of Buffalo County, The Valley Golf Course has been reborn as an 18-hole course for all skill levels. Great views, checkerboard fields, picturesque farms, and a full-service supper club style restaurant.

WHISPERING PINES GOLF COURSE County Rd. X, Cadott • whisperingpinesgc.net An 18 hole course located approximately 12 miles east of Eau Claire. Indoor simulation, leagues, and serves food.

WHITETAIL GOLF COURSE E8414 760th Ave., Colfax, WI 54730 • 962-3888 • whitetailgolf. com The Whitetail Golf Course features 18½ holes carved into the countryside. The front nine tempts golfers to “swing away” with ample space and demanding distance, while the narrow carved-out holes on the back nine require precision play.

WILD RIDGE GOLF COURSE 3647 Kane Rd., Eau Claire • 834-1766 • wildridgegolf.com 18 holes, 7,000 yards -public- This is a championship golf course. Enjoy the view from the breathtaking elevated first tee which has been cut of the woods to the wind blown links style of the par three 17th hole.

BATTER UP! Eau Claire Express games at Carson Park will make the stands go wild.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

KINGS OF KUBB: U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP SLATED FOR JULY

MORE THAN 100 teams already registered for annual kubb competition words: sawyer hoff photo: andrea paulseth

CONSIDERING THAT EAU CLAIRE IS THE KUBB CAPITAL OF NORTH AMERICAN, it’s clear we take kubb pretty seriously here. This year, the U.S. National Kubb Championship will be held July 8-10 at the Eau Claire Soccer Park.

There will be a Pre-Championship Tournament on June 25 with a team draw at The Brewing Projekt right after. Friday, July 8, will be a day of preparation and the Kid Kubb Championship.

The round-robin Group Play matches start at 9am on Saturday, July 9, with the playoffs beginning at 1pm.

You can sign up until June 18 and check out the other kubb teams competing at usakubb.org, but beware, the two Volume One teams competing this year are coming to dominate (but mostly have fun).

For more information about the championship –and to register – visit usakubb.org/championship-info.

Tour discover &

PHOTO CREDIT: ANDREA PAULSETH

TOWNIE PRIDE TOWNIE PRIDE

listings by James Johonnott

Isn’t it hard to fnd good ol’ fashioned family fun? Heck, even when you fnd a perfectly good museum, there’s usually one person in the family (we’re not naming names) who pooh-poohs the place because they’d rather sit at home and watch old rerun movies. No worries. In the following pages, you’ll fnd plenty of hot spots fot go-kart action, miniature train riding, fairs, festivals, museums, state parks, and even – if you’re super adventurous – opportunities to see the Chippewa Valley from the sky. That’s right. That means getting in a plane. Really, there’s something for everyone.

ATTRACTIONS

Ge up, get out there, and have fun!

ACTION CITY & CHAOS WATER PARK

2402 Lorch Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 838-9663 •

ActionCityFun.com Action City, attached to the Metropolis Resort, is a 55,000 square foot family fun center featuring popular arcade games and fun attractions. Action City has the largest indoor go-kart track in the Midwest, laser tag, a climbing wall, batting cages, bumper cars, laser maze, mini bowling, an outdoor maze, outdoor go-kart track, and a mini golf course. Chaos Indoor Waterpark has been reviewed as one of the best indoor water parks in Wisconsin. Chaos features multiple slides, an activity pool, a lazy river, double hot tub, lily pads and a Kid’s Aquatic Playground

CARSON PARK TRAIN RIDES Carson Park, Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 831-0900

• ChippewaValleyRailroad.comEnjoy a scenic half mile minature steam- and gasoline-powered train ride located in Eau Claire’s Carson Park, presented by the Chippewa Valley Railroad Association. Opens May 30th, and runs on Sundays throughout the summer from noon until 5pm.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF EAU CLAIRE PLAY SPACE Haymarket Building, Eau Claire • (715) 832-5437 • ChildrensMuseumEC. com The Children’s Museum of Eau Claire has a pop-up play space in the Haymarket Building downtown. They are taking reservation only, 20 person maximum limited sessions for safety protocols.

EAU CLAIRE GAMES & ARCADE

2928 London Road, Eau Claire • (715) 864-4320 • facebook.com Eau Claire Games & Arcade is a social gaming, family fun center, and cafe. Activities include console gaming, tabletop gaming, arcades, video game store, arcade, refreshments and more.

JEREMIAH’S BULLFROG FISH FARM

N1321 Bullfrog Rd., Menomonie • (715) 664-8775 • eatmyfsh.com Bullfrog Fish Farm’s summer hours are Friday-Sunday noon to 6pm. Visit the fish farm and catch your own fish (no license required) and watch as it is netted, cleaned, and iced. If fishing isn’t your style, you can also pick up some fresh or smoked fish from the retail store, or order a shore lunch and relax by the water.

LEINENKUGEL’S BREWERY TOUR

Tours Every Half Hour - Monday-Thursday & Sat; 9:30am-4pm, Friday; 9:30-6:30, Sunday; 11:30-3

• 124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls • (888) 534-6437

• leinielodge@leinenkugels.com • leinie.com Tours and beer tastings cost $5 for those 21 and older and includes a souvenir glass. A portion of our sales will be donated to water conservation efforts for Little Lake Wissota, our hometown lake.

MICON CINEMAS 475 Chippewa Mall Dr., Chippewa Falls, WI // 3109 Mall Dr., Eau Claire, WI // 315 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire, WI; miconcinemas. com Micon Cinemas have three, newly refurbished Chippewa Valley Locations. Their locations all have a full-service restaurant and bar, which serve up classics like pizzas, hot dogs, mac & cheese, chicken strips, and root beer floats. They regularly host events like quarter kids movie days, film festivals, and

more. Their downtown Eau Claire location offers second-run films at discount prices.

SCULPTURE TOUR EAU CLAIRE Along Water St., North Barstow St., Phoenix Park, and the Mayo Clinic Health Systems campus in downtown, Eau Claire • (715) 829-8188, (715) 552-3801 • sculpturetour.org Enjoy this outdoor, interactive, free exhibit of sculptures displayed nearly year-round, twenty-four hours a day. The sculptures are owned by the artists who created them and are loaned to Eau Claire’s exhibit for 48-50 weeks. Each May a new set of sculptures arrives.

TACTICAL ESCAPE 101 Oakwood Mall (4800 Golf Rd), Eau Claire • (715) 418-0012 • tacticalescape101.com/about.php/ Kick your puzzle solving brain into gear, grab your friends, and put your skills to the test. Tactical Escape 101 is a locally owned and operated escape room brand.

MUSEUMS & LOCAL HISTORY

Learn about the region’s history from an array of local museums

AMISH TOURS BY THE WOODSHED

By appointment only; May-Oct. • 105 West Lincoln Street, Augusta • 286-5404 • woodshedheirlooms. com Augusta is home to one of the largest Amish settlements in Wisconsin, with more than 150 families. This “motor buggy” takes 1.5 to 2 hours, with stops at an Amish bakery and candy shop, woodshop, home, and farm.

AGER HOUSE 514 W. Madison St., Eau Claire

• (715) 835-8718 • agerhouse.org Presented by the Waldemar Ager Association, the Ager House is the historic home to Norwegian-American writer Waldemar Ager, restored to its early-1900’s likeness. Part of the National Register of Histo≠ric Places a Literary Landmark by the National Association of Friends of Public Libraries, the public may tour by appointment, hold events at the house, visit its unique resource library, and much more.

CADDIE WOODLAWN HISTORICAL

PARK Daylight hours; spring - fall • 9 miles S. of Menomonie on Hwy 25, Menomonie • (715) 232-8685 • dunnhistory.org/sitecw.html The house in which Caroline Woodhouse lived has been moved to the park from a nearby farm. Her granddaughter, Carol Ryrie Brink, based the 1935 Newbery Award-winning children’s book Caddie Woodlawn on her life.

CHIPPEWA AREA HISTORY CENTER

123 Allen St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-4399 • facebook.com/ChippewaCountyHistoryCenter The Chippewa County Area History Center and Museum building was formerly the Notre Dame Convent, built in 1883. Your tour will take you through the history of the Chippewa Valley and includes exhibits on furniture, photos, lumber-period toys, a seashell collection, lumberjack tools, Native American artifacts, military artifacts, railroad artifacts and much more.

BEST TOUR/TOURIST ATTRACTION

1. LEINENKUGEL BREWING CO. TOUR / LEINIE LODGE

2. IRVINE PARK AND ZOO

3. SCULPTURE TOUR EAU CLAIRE

Leinenkugel Brewing Co. (124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls) takes the prize this year as the best tour/tourist attraction. The business has some of the richest history in the area, brewing beer for the past 150 years. Also in Chippewa Falls is the 300-acre Irvine Park and Zoo (125 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls). Take a tour of the Sunny Valley Schoolhouse or Pioneer Norwegian Log Home or simply enjoy the park’s scenic beauty, wildlife, and history. Finally, journey through downtown Eau Claire to see all the wonderful art on display to the public as part of the ongoing outdoor attrac tion, Sculpture Tour Eau Claire.

PHOTO BY NEAL BENNETT

CHIPPEWA COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY 123 Allen St., Chippewa Falls

• (715) 723-4399 • ccgswi.wixsite.com/ccgswi The mission of the Chippewa County Genealogical Society is to provide education and assistance to those who are tracing their family roots; to collect and maintain genealogical and historical materials; and to provide access to all materials and educational programs for members and the general public.

CHIPPEWA FALLS MUSEUM OF INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY

Appointment Only • 21 E. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-9206 • cfmit.org The museum was an idea that sprang from local citizens who wanted to record and preserve the history of important, unique and ground breaking innovations in industry and technology that were developed right here in the Chippewa Valley. It opened in May 1998 and now has a variety of exhibits that include the Seymour Cray Supercomputer Collection, Leinenkugel’s, Mason Companies Inc., and other area historic exhibits.

CHIPPEWA VALLEY MUSEUM 1204

E. Half Moon Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 834-7871 • cvmuseum.com Have an adventure in history for all ages throughout exhibits showcasing American Indian history, European settlement, industry, farm life, and health and recreation. Grab a treat at the vintage ice cream parlor year round, or visit the schoolhouse and the log house during warmer months.

COLFAX RAILROAD MUSEUM 500 E. Railroad Ave., Colfax • (715) 962-2076 • colfaxrrmuseum.org The depot houses the large collection of lanterns, railroad china, and the nation’s largest railroad paper-weight collection. The primary purpose of these artifacts is to show what people encountered

on day-to-day activities with the railroads and how the technology changed throughout time.

COOK-RUTLEDGE MANSION One tour at 2pm Thursday-Sunday, June-Au- gust; group tours available throughout the year: call for details • 505 W. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-7181 • CookRutledgeMansion.

com One of the finest examples of High Victorian-Italianate architecture in the Midwest. Extraordinary hand-painted ceilings and walls, ornately carved woodwork, parquet floors, handcrafted silver doorknobs and hinge plates, and crystal chandeliers enhance the beauty of the interior. Adults $5, 18 and under $1.

FALL CREEK HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

E111940 County Road J, Fall Creek • (715) 877-2850 • fcHistoricalSociety.

com See items from Fall Creek’s history including a doctor’s office, a drugstore, dresses, and military uniforms. Also on the grounds are a washhouse, kitchen, and jail. Open weekends from Memorial to Labor Day, or by appointment (call ahead).

HISTORICAL MABEL TAINTER

CENTER FOR THE ARTS 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • (715) 235-0001 • MabelTainter. com The Mabel Tainter building inclu––des a lavish 313-seat “crown jewel” Victorian theatre and a historic reading room. It is a premier example of a restored vintage American Theater. Take a selfguided tour to inspect the intricate hand-stenciling,

hand-carved white pine archways, rich walnut, mahogany, and oak woodwork, gleaming brass fixtures, leaded glass windows, and a rare working Steere and turner tracker pipe organ with 1597 pipes.

JAMES SHEELEY HOUSE 236 West River St., Chippewa Falls • sheeleyhousesaloon.com The James Sheeley House is a local hot-spot for supernatural explorers and ghost hunters. Built in the 1860s, is allegedly haunted by the spirits of its original owners. Currently operates as restaurant serving up-scale dining in a historical setting.

OLD COURTHOUSE

MUSEUM AND JAIL 315 W. Madison St., Durand • (715) 672-5423

• OldPepinCountyCourthouse.org Wisconsin’s last remaining woodframe courthouse features an iron-latticed cellblock in the jail, upstairs courtroom in near-original condition, railroad room, bridges of Durand, century-old paintings, doctor and dentist office equipment, and antique appliances & tools.

WISCONSIN LOGGING MUSEUM

1110 Carson Park Drive, Eau Claire • (715) 835-6200 • paulbunyancamp.org Take a step back into time when you visit the Wisconsin Logging Museum (formerly the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum). Begin your tour with an introductory movie on logging in the 1890s and then visit their barn, blacksmith shop, cook shanty, bunkhouse, and heavy equipment shed to experience a day in the life of a logger.

RUSSELL J. RASSBACH HERITAGE

MUSEUM 1820 Wakanda Street, Menomonie • (715) 232-8685 • dunnhistory.org/sitehm.

html The Dunn County Historical Society seeks to discover, preserve, interpret and disseminate knowledge about the history of Dunn County and its role in Wisconsin.

STANLEY AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM 228 Helgerson Street, Stanley • (615) 6445880 • stanleyareahistoricalsociety.org Dedicated to preserving the history of the area by the collecting of historical artifacts and written materials and by educating the public through displays and programs. Recognizes the contribution lumberjacks, farm families, and carpenters made to Stanley’s settlement and growth. Huge antique bottle cap collection, 1906 Cadillac, 4 buildings with over 12,000 square feet of exhibits, and memorabilia from the NW Lumber Company.

WILSON PLACE MANSION 101 Wilson Circle, Menomonie • (715) 235-2283 • facebook. com/wilsonplacemansion Wilson Place was built in 1859 by Capt. William Wilson, a principal in Knapp, Stout, & Co. lumber company, founder and first mayor of Menomonie, and the area’s first state senator. Three generations of Wilsons remade it from a colonial house to a Queen Anne-style mansion to a Mediterranean villa. Call for admission rates and tour times.

WISCONSIN CANOE HERITAGE

MUSEUM 312 N. Front St., Spooner • (715) 635-5002 • info@wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.org • wisconsincanoeheritagemuseum.

org Featuring displays comprised of canoes and canoe related ephemera, plus a 2500 square foot canoe shop. This eclectic assemblage of boats is exciting in its diversity, and includes significant craft from the golden age of North

9-12 JUN 16-19 JUN 12-17 JUl 27-31 JUl

fairs & festivals

CINDER CITY DAYS

Cinder City Park • altoona • cindercitydays.com

Featuring your favorite carnival rides, parade, car show, charcoal chicken,, and headliner concert featuring the music of REO Speedwagon with Richrath Project 3:13.

COLFAX FREE FAIR

colfax • colfaxaged.com/colfax-free-fair

Carnival rides, fair food, and livestock barns. Outlaw Farms zoo animals on Saturday. Nightly entertainment.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN STATE FAIR

Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds chippewa falls • nwsfa.com

Carnival rides, food vendors, and headliner entertainment featuring Rick Springfield, Hairball, Chris Janson, Charlie Berens, Neal McCoy, Kids From Wisconsin, and more.

DUNN COUNTY FAIR

Fanetti Community Center • menomonie • dunncountyfair.org

Carnival rides, entertainment, vendors, animal exhibitions, and more.

EAU CLAIRE COUNTY FAIR

Eau Claire County Expo Center • Eau Claire eauclairecountyfair.com

Animal exhibitions including dogs, beef, dairy, goat, poultry, swine, exotic, and more.

PHOTO BY REBECCA MENNECKE

BEST OF SUMMER! BEST OF SUMMER!

car shows

CINDER CITY DAYS CAR SHOW

10th Street Park • altoona • More on Facebook

11 jUN

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR KIDS

1. BEAVER CREEK RESERVE

2. IRVINE PARK AND ZOO

3. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF EAU CLAIRE

The remedy for your kids’ “I’m Bored” Syndrome is a bit of fun mixed with an educational experience. Readers say the best place to do this is Beaver Creek Reserve (S1 County Hwy. K, Fall Creek), a 400-acre playground flled with diverse habitats. From exploring nature to tracking animals to making ice cream or snowshoeing for the frst time, the opportunities are endless

Continue exploring nature and its inhabitants at the Irvine Park and Zoo (125 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls). And fnally, if you are looking for more of an indoor space to play, visit the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire (now at 40 S. Barstow St., and soon in a new building on North Barstow) and its interactive environment for kids that inspires imagination, creativity, discovery, and the love of learning.

Ekblad

12 jun

Registration at 9am. Car Show at 10am. Voting at 1pm. Awards at 2:30pm. Contest features 1900-1980 Factory or Restored, Sports, Convertibles, Hot Rods & More. Vendors Welcome, 50s & 60s On-Site Concessions including Chicken in the Park from 11am to 3pm.

CRUISE-IN CAR SHOWS

Downtown • chippewa falls • chippewafallsmainst.org

Stop in Downtown Chippewa Falls and check out vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles while enjoying music and shopping local antiques dealers.

VFW CAR SHOW

VFW Post 7232 • Eau Claire

Welcoming all kinds of vehicles to show off (with a $5 donation). Live music throughout, and judging begins at 3pm. Breakfast served (7-11:45am) and a grilled chicken lunch.

American canoeing as well as work by important contemporary builders.

NATURE & SCIENCE

Find a newy leafy friend

CRYSTAL CAVE W965 State Road 29, Spring Valley • (715) 778-4414 • acoolcave.com Knowledgeable guides will lead you on a one-hour tour through a maze of well-lighted passages where glistening cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and rippling flowstone can be seen hanging from the ceiling or covering the ledges. The cave is accessed by a series of steps and ramps that allow you to descend 70 feet underground where your journey follows well-lit, graveled trails. The cave temperature hovers near 50 degrees, so a sweatshirt is recommended.

BEAVER CREEK RESERVE S1 County Highway K, Fall Creek • (715) 877-2212 • beavercreekreserve.org Enjoy a multitude of flora and fauna on more than 400 acres of diverse

habitat. Beaver Creek Reserve offers a butterfly house, citizen science center, obstacle course, field research station, and much more.

CHIPPEWA MORAINE INTERPRE-

TIVE CENTER Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. • 13394 County Hwy M, New Auburn • (715) 967-2800 • dnr.wi.gov Exhibits and videos explain the glacial history of the region. Live and stuffed native animals are also on display. Visitors can also hold a snake, pet a turtle, dig for fossils, or snowshoe. Part of the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - FREE (but donations welcomed).

EAU CLAIRE PLANET WALK Starts at the Phoenix Park Farmers Market Pavilion and ends at the UWEC Haas Fine Arts Center, Eau Claire • The Eau Claire Planet Walk is a one-mile scale model of the Solar System stretching from the Phoenix Park Farmers Market Pavilion (the Sun) to the Haas Fine Arts Center at UWEC (Pluto).

HOBBS OBSERVATORY S1 County Road

K, Fall Creek • (715) 877-2212 • cvastro.org/ hobbs-observatory Hobbs Observatory consists of two domes with computer-operated telescopes, a large lecture room and a resource room. It features a digital camera that allows images from the telescopes to be stored on computer disks or

24 jun multiple dates

07 aug

THE GREAT RACE - VINTAGE CAR EVENT

Downtown Chippewa Falls

120 vintage cars roll into town on their cross country journey. Some cars are over 100+ years old.

CULVER’S CAR SHOW

Culver’s West of Eau Claire • Jun 14, Jun 28, Jul 12, Jul 26, Aug 9

Enjoy cars, custard, games, giveaways, music, and more.

INDIANHEAD CAR SHOW & SWAP MEET

N. WI State Fairground • chippewa falls

Featuring over 700 show cars from clubs and private collectors. Expect to see Packard, Nash, Stanley Steamer, Hudson, among all other types as well. On-site camping and refreshments available.

PHOTO BY ANDREA PAULSETH

PHOTO BY SAM BOOS

transmitted to a video projector in the classroom. Available for private groups such as educational (k-12), college, scouts, church, family, etc.

IRVINE PARK ZOO AND NATURE AREA Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-0051 • irvineparkzoo.org With over 300 acres of natural and scenic beauty, this FREE park offers a zoo with cougars, bear, bison, tigers and many other wildlife and a petting zoo, scenic dam, museum, picnic shelters, restrooms and historical displays. Take a tour of the Sunny Valley Schoolhouse or Pioneer Norwegian Log Home on the weekends from Memoral Day to Labor Day. Also take in a natural historical marker, the Irvine Park Cave, which is about 20 feet long with natural springs running through it.

LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARK 18127 Cty. Hwy. O, Chippewa Falls • (715) 382-4574 • dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/lakewissota/ This 1,062 acre park combines pine and hardwood forests, lake, prairie, and marshland. Visitors to the park will enjoy the scenery, and if you’re a bird watcher, you can find up to 200 different avian species throughout the year.

ROSE & LILY GARDENS 1 Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls

over 500 roses, teas, foribunda, grandiforas, miniatures and climbers.

JAMES NEWMAN CLARK BIRD

MUSEUM Phillips Hall UW-Eau Claire, 101 Roosevelt Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 836-3523 • uwec.edu The bird museum, circular in shape, contains four dioramas and surrounds the planetarium in Phillips Hall room 002. The 530 species hous ed in the museum were collected by James Newman Clark from the 1870s through the 1920s. Two popular exhibits are the bald eagle and golden eagle, which require the university to hold a license to have them.

Summer Festivals & Events

SOME OF THIS SEASON’S MOST NOTEWORTHY HAPPENINGS

Fresh cut grass, the smell of spray-on sunscreen, and the fop on sandals on pavement – these are some of the ways you know summer is upon us. Another is the return of the plethora of summer events that the Chippewa Valley has to offer. Whether it’s listening to live music, eating some great food, or basking in the sunlight (or all of the above), summertime in the Valley is anything but boring. Here are just a few of the great events that are popping up within the next few months.

menomonie, wi | music • nightlife • outdoors

MUSIC OVER MENOMIN CONCERT SERIES

MENOMONIE PUBLIC LIBRARY | 7PM

Music Over Menomin is back for its 12th season of live music by local artists. The stage is set on the lawn of Menomonie Public Library at 600 Wolske Bay Road, by the shores of scenic Lake Menomin, featuring local talent from the Chippewa Valley. Join us every Thursday at 7pm from June 9-August 11. FREE and open to all! Visit www.menomonielibrary.org/music-over-menomin/ for more information.

eau claire, wi | family • sports + outdoors

U.S. KUBB NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

EAU CLAIRE SOCCER PARK | ALL DAY

Kubb is a game for everyone. All skill levels, experience, and ages are welcome. The U.S. Championship is the oldest and largest kubb tournament in the U.S. Every year, well over 100 teams come from coast to coast to participate. Kid Kubb is held the day before the U.S. Championship and is open to participants going into 8th grade and younger. www.usakubb.org

jun 0912

altoona, wi | family-friendly

CINDER CITY DAYS

CINDER CITY PARK | TIMES VARY

Cinder City Days is a full weekend of fun put on by volunteers of the Altoona Lions club. Live music, a car show, a parade, and a grilling competition are just a taste of everything going on at Cinder City Days this year. Plus, all proceeds go back to charity. Visit cindercitydays. com to learn more!

25

menomonie, wi | sports + outdoors

MENOMONIE VINTAGE BASE BALL FESTIVAL PHELAN

PARK | ALL DAY

1860 Vintage Base Ball will be played on June 25 & 26th at Phelan Park in Menomonie. The Menomonie Blue Caps will welcome teams from across the country to play America’s pastime with rules from 140 years ago, when gloves were not invented yet. Admission is only 2-bits (.25 cents).

eau claire, wi | family-friendly

READING & SIGNING: HERE ON LAKE HALLIE BY PATTI SEE THE LOCAL STORE | 6:30PM

Patti See never imagined she’d stay in Chippewa Falls as an adult. Now she has a new appreciation for all that comes with country living, from ice fshing and supper clubs to pontoon rides and tavern dice. The brief essays in Here on Lake Hallie: In Praise of Barfies, Fix-it-Guys, and Other Folks in Our Hometown establish that, above all else, it’s friends, family, and neighbors who provide us with a sense of belonging.

jul 23

eau claire, wi | arts • fun • family

CHALKFEST

UW-EAU CLAIRE CAMPUS | ALL DAY

Marvel at incredible sidewalk chalk art from hundreds of local artists as Chalkfest returns live and in-person for the frst time since 2019! Throughout the day, watch as the beautiful campus mall transforms through an explosion of creativity into a temporary art festival right at your feet. Sponsored in part by Markquart Toyota, and brought to you by UW-Eau Claire and Volume One.

jul 2931

chippewa falls, wi | arts +

ONEFEST

entertainment

NORTHERN WISCONSIN STATE FAIRGROUNDS | ALL DAY

This family friendly music festival brings some of Christian music’s biggest names to Chippewa Falls for three days of praiseworthy fun and entertainment. Headlined this year by Crowder, Matthew West, Mac Powell and More. Two stages including: contemporary Christian, rock, country, hip-hop and more. OneFest will feature kids and youth activities and ministry showcases. For tickets and more info, visit one-fest.com

eau claire, wi | music • food • family

jul 3031

glenwood city, wi | arts + entertainment

REN IN THE GLEN

REN IN THE GLEN GROUNDS | ALL DAY

Ren in Glen returns for its 10th season with a magical and wondrous Medieval Fantasy Faire. Small in size, huge in fun, it’s a family-friendly event that transports you to an enchanted glen where mystical times come to life. Music, dance, merchants, food, drink, and adventure await! Don your costume and join us for an unforgettable day. Full details and ticket information at renintheglen.com.

30

VOLUME ONE 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

BREWING PROJEKT | 5PM - 11PM

Yes, it really has been 20 years! Come hang out with us for this multi-level, riverside summer celebration for all ages, taking over the entire Brewing Projekt complex inside and out! Enjoy an outdoor courtyard concert, a limited-edition beer release, local food trucks, rooftop bar and patio, and plenty more to be announced for both young families and night owls. Tickets and info out soon!

aug

jul 27

chippewa falls, wi | music + nightlife

SCHUETZY’S MUSIC JUBILEE

SCHUETZY’S TAVERN | 1PM

Celebrating the Music of Prince Live! with Chase & Ovation, the world’s premier Prince tribute show, makes Schuetzy’s Music Jubilee a must-see event this summer. With more performances by Adam Pearce and the Gators, a night of glorious tributes and local live music is in store at Schuetzy’s Tavern. Tickets start at $25. For more info, visit schuetzys.com.