Journey Ahead 2021

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We all get old. In fact, some of us, right at this very moment, are old. But “old” doesn’t mean what it used to mean.

Some people use the phrase “longevity revolution,” but that’s just a fancy way of saying what we’ve always heard: Getting older doesn’t mean your life is over.

It’s a cliché, but come on – we know it’s true. And we don’t want anyone in this community to ever feel like life ends at a certain age. This is why we’ve created this special section devoted to the challenges and opportunities of growing older in the Chippewa Valley. Our goal is to create a community whose cultural benefits are easily available to everyone – regardless of age.

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aging well in the chippewa valley PHOTO BY SHANE NEWMAN

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building bodies and brains revamped L.E. Phillips Senior Center helps seniors move, meet, and fight isolation WORDS: TOM GIFFEY / PHOTOS: ANDREA PAULSETH

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ike the senior population itself, the L.E. Phillips Senior Center in Eau Claire is always evolving – both in its programs and its physical space. The most recent evolution, finalized earlier this year, came in the form of a 4,000-square-foot addition to the senior center, 1616 Bellinger St. “One of the things that you find when you work with this population, is they’re going to tell you what they need,” said Mary Pica Anderson, the center’s executive director. And what Eau Claire’s seniors needed was more space to move, meet, and socialize.

Ground was broken for the $3 million project last September, and the work was completed in the spring.

Among the most noticeable additions to the facility are the Leatrice & Don Mathison Fitness Center and the Presto Family Foundation Group Fitness Room. On a recent weekday morning, the fitness center bustled and hummed with seniors exercising and socializing. Next door, in the group fitness room, a class practiced tai chi.

One of the things that you find when you work with this population, is they’re going to tell you what they need.

Mary Pica Anderson

L.E. PHILLIPS SENIOR CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The fitness center is an expansive, bright room outfitted with the same kind of equipment you’d see in a typical health club, including treadmills, ellipticals, and other cardio gear. While much of this equipment was already at the senior center, in the lower level, there have been some additions, including weight benches and free weights.

“Those are incredibly valuable for increasing strength for better balance,” Pica Anderson said.

Today’s seniors, she said, “have found out if they w

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Poor balance, for example, can lead to falls, which can lead to injuries, lack of mobility, and – ultimately – isolation.

Physical fitness isn’t the only way that the senior center helps fight such isolation among seniors. A full calendar of activities at the center keeps seniors socially connected, whether it’s over a card game, a cup of coffee, in an educational session, or through a club like the Happy Hookers (a group whose name demonstrates that knitters have a sense of humor).

Meanwhile, the building’s lower level, which used to house the fitness area, has been remodeled into space for larger group gatherings as well as a peaceful lounge ideal for reading or other quiet pursuits. Down a hallway lies the largely unfinished area under the new first-floor fitness addition. Pica Anderson is pleased to have the additional space, which in the near future will be used (temporarily at least) as an indoor walking course during the winter months.

And while the facility’s evolution has meant some growth, it’s also meant other things have shrunk – including the lower-level computer lab.

Now that so many seniors have their own laptops, tablets, or other digital devices, Pica Anderson said, there isn’t as much need for classroom filled with desktop computers (though they still have some of those). Now, the emphasis is on teaching seniors how to make the best use of those cellphones and iPads, with lessons taught with

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the help of UW-Eau Claire students fulfilling their service-learning hours. “(Seniors) love that opportunity to work with the college kids, and the college kids are fabulous,” she said.

In one way or another, all of the senior center’s programs have fighting social isolation as one of their goals. During the months of pandemic-induced societal lockdown in 2020, Pica Anderson said, people of all ages and walks of life got a taste of what social isolation can be like for seniors who may not have the ability or motivation to leave the home even when there isn’t a pandemic.

When Pica Anderson first came to the senior center 16 years ago from the YMCA, she noticed some seniors came to the center mainly to play cards, and she wondered how she could get them more active. Now, she recognizes that pastimes like card playing aren’t just idle activities but instead are great ways to exercise the brain – and the senior center, she said, is all about building stronger bodies, bones, and brains.

So whether it’s a physical or social activity that brings seniors in the door, “They just go home feeling much better about their day, much better about themselves,” Pica Anderson said.

L.E. Phillips Senior Center • (715) 839-4909 • 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • lephillipsseniorcenter.com • Find it on Facebook

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staying safe from senior scams E.C. sheriff’s deputy outlines frequent frauds and how to avoid them COMPILED BY TOM GIFFEY

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very year, millions of seniors across the U.S. fall victims to financial scams – from telemarketing frauds to fake sweepstakes to home repair swindles. Criminals may gain seniors’ trust over the telephone, the Internet, via the mail, through TV or radio, and sometimes even in person. Scammers frequently prey on their victims’ fears and emotions, taking advantage of romance seekers or even impersonating seniors’ grandchildren. And some victims are too embarrassed to speak about when they realized they’ve been cheated.

On a recent episode of The Journey Ahead Podcast, host Lisa Wells of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County talked with Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Deputy Melissa Sommers about the variety of scams that target seniors and how older folks and their families can avoid being financial exploited. Here’s a condensed Q&A from the podcast, which can be found at VolumeOne.org/podcasts or through most podcast apps.

LISA WELLS: Why are older adults targeted so often?

Deputy Melissa Sommers: I think that scammers look at the elder community as “easy targets” for a couple of reasons. (Seniors) lack understanding of technology. They don’t realize there is so much of their information out on the Web, that it’s so easy to look up their names and addresses, basically everything about them.

I think another reason that they might be considered easy victims is that adults tend to be very trustworthy. They believe in people, and they easily fall target to people preying on that type of personality. Scammers know that seniors are financially secure in older age. They’ve got savings. Their houses are usually paid off. They don’t have debt.

They have more money than, say, somebody in their early 20s who is just starting off.

What are some of the tactics that people use to take advantage of older adults?

These scammers are really good at using technology. They use fake emails and websites that appear to be legitimate. Anybody can create a fake email, a website, Facebook, other social media accounts.

There are also spoofing apps out there where they can add a fake phone number that looks like it’s a local phone number, so you think it’s coming from Eau Claire, and people are more apt to answer it seeing that it’s a local call.

What are some other ways that you’ve seen here in the Chippewa Valley of folks getting scammed?

The grandparents’ scam is basically when a scammer poses as a relative, usually a child or a grandchild, and claims to be in an immediate financial need.

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Unfortunately, these scammers are good and they prey on the emotions of the elderly. It’s so easy to take advantage of somebody if they can get that personal information.

Melissa Sommers

DEPUTY, E.C. COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

We have romance scams, where they pose as an interested romantic party on social media or on a dating website to capitalize on the desire to find companionship.

Tech support scams, where they pose as technical support representatives, and they offer to fix nonexistent computer issues.

Governmental impersonation scams, where they’re posing as a governmental entity, like Social Security or the sheriff’s office, and they threaten to arrest you or prosecute victims unless they agree to pay some sign of bond or payment.

There are still sweepstakes and charity or lottery scams. They say that you’ve won money, but then you have to pay money. If they’re saying you just won $5,000, but in order to get this money you owe me $50, it’s a total scam.

Home repair scams: We get a lot of those. They say, “I can come and fix your roof or patch your driveway,” and people end up paying for it, and then they don’t do the work. Or they do the work, but they quoted you $400 to seal your driveway, but then when it’s said and done, they say, “No, it’s $6,000 now.”

Regular TV and radio scams: reverse mortgages or credit repairs, saying, “We can help you out with your credit report if you have bad credit.”

Financial and caregiver scams. Unfortunately, relatives prey upon other relatives, take advantage of them to get their money.

On Facebook and social media, we have scams running where people are looking for pets, and so they buy pets online, and are told “In order to ship this pet, I need this amount of money.” And then they pay that money, and they’re told, “Oh, it’s going to take a little bit longer, and we need more money.”

I’ve come across that where people end up paying lots of money for animals that don’t even exist.

How could older adults and families protect themselves?

First off, if you receive any of these possible scams, don’t be so quick to send them your money, your information. Stop and think and say, “Let me do some research here.” It’s OK if you hang up on them. For example, if a bank is calling you and saying you owe them money, call your financial institution and verify that. … Financial institutions have all that information, so they shouldn’t be asking for it. Ask, “Did you call me on this?” They should be able to verify if it was them or not. If you’re on social media, make sure you limit your personal information that you put out there so it’s not so readily accessible.

How about for adult children? Are there things they can do to protect Mom and Dad? Ask questions with your older parents. Be in their world. Ask them questions about how things are going financially. Maybe ask, “Can I look at your bank account?” Just have that flat-out conversation: “Have you been contacted by any people asking you for money?” They might be leery or not really want to tell you if they’ve been involved in anything because they might be ashamed. But if you don’t have those awkward conversations, you’re not going to know.

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the light keeps shining Stand in the Light Memory Choir persists, flourishes amid pandemic WORDS: REONNA HUETTNER

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he Stand in the Light Memory Choir – a choral program for those with dementia and other health conditions – has worked hard over the past year and a half to keep running during the pandemic.

Director Cathy Reitz, along with the choir’s board, had to decide whether the program, which began in 2016, would continue or wait until the pandemic was over. Despite not having the experience working with technology, Reitz stayed dedicated to the program.

“This choir does something to you. It makes you realize that this is more than just the music,” Reitz said as she began to tear up.

As the choir shifted its program online, it became something of a reunion: Some participants had been unable to see their loved ones since March 2020 because of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Family members from across the world joined choir practices virtually to see their loved ones.

“It was amazing,” Reitz said. “As families would join the Zoom calls, we would even put them into their own breakout rooms to give them the opportunity to spend time with just their families.”

The purpose of Stand in the Light Choir is to

“This choir does something to you.

It makes you realize that this is more than just the music.

Cathy Reitz

DIRECTOR, STAND IN THE LIGHT MEMORY CHOIR

A PICTURE’S WORTH A THOUSAND SONGS. The choir is shown in a virtual performance recorded last fall. “use the power of singing to move people with memory loss, and their singing partners, to rediscover themselves, make new friends, laugh together, learn together, and contribute to their community.”

And they’re doing just that as more and more people continue to join. With time, the program hopes to include more people with aphasia and multiple sclerosis, and they are looking to help people who were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

However, Reitz wanted people to realize that

this is not a choir defined by those who have illnesses. “(What) I have is a community choir, and we all just bring our baggage,” Reitz said. “We all bring something.”

The program has a goal of removing the stigma that if a person has memory loss they are unable to do anything anymore and that there is nothing that can be done. They believe that even as some memories are lost to dementia, music can help form new ones.

“This choir, the experience, is humbling, truly humbling,” Reitz said.

Interested in the Choir?

The Stand in the Light Memory Choir is open for all. There is a $25 a semester fee, but scholarship programs are available. The choir meets 10-11am Thursdays at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (1120 Cedar St., Eau Claire) under the pavilion at the end of the parking lot or via Zoom (email standinthelightchior@gmail.com for a link). Those who attend in-person must maintain social distance and need proof of vaccination.

How to Tune In

Stand in the Light Memory Choir will livestream its fall performance at 6:30pm Thursday, Nov. 18. They will also host Christmas sing-a-longs 10-11am on Dec. 2 and 9 for anyone interested.

Learn More

For more information about this program, the choir can be found on Facebook or at standinthelightmemorychoir.org.

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need a boost?

Many people are eligible for a COVID-19 booster, including everyone over 65

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ou’ve may have seen headlines about COVID-19 vaccine booster shots in the news recently. Like a lot of things about the coronavirus, some of what you’ve seen may have been confusing at best and downright misleading at worst.

So who should be ready to roll up their sleeves for another jab? In late September, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced that it was recommending a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups who had completed their original two-shot course of that vaccine at least six months ago.

The recommendations – which were also supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services – include the following:

• People aged 65 and older and 50-64 year old people with certain medical conditions should get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. According to the CDC, “The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, and can also increase for adults of any age with underlying medical conditions.” (See the list below.)

• Adults 18 and older in long-term care settings should get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

“Because residents in long-term care settings live closely together in group settings and are often older adults with underlying medical conditions, they are at increased risk of infection and severe illness from COVID-19,” the CDC says.

• Adults aged 18-49 years who have certain underlying medical conditions may get a booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. These adults at increased risk for severe illness if they contract COVID-19, the CDC says, but their risk isn’t as high as those over 50 with underlying conditions.

• Adults aged 18-64 years at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their occupational or institutional setting may get a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. These include first responders, educational staff food and agricultural workers, manufacturing workers, corrections workers, Postal Service workers, public transit workers, and grocery store workers.

Currently, the CDC recommendations don’t apply to any other groups, nor to they apply to people who received their initial doses of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen vaccines.

And the CDC reminds the public that recommending booster shots doesn’t mean that vaccines aren’t work. “COVID-19 vaccines are working well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant,” the agency says. “However, public health experts are starting to see reduced protection, especially among certain populations, against mild and moderate disease.”

Learn more about booster shots and other COVID-related topics at www. cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Underlying Conditions • Cancer • Chronic kidney disease • Chronic lung diseases, including COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma (moderate-tosevere), interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension • Dementia or other neurological conditions • Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) • Down syndrome • HIV infection • Liver disease

• Heart conditions (such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies or hypertension) • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) • Overweight and obesity • Pregnancy • Sickle cell disease or thalassemia • Smoking, current or former • Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant • Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain • Substance use disorders

Source: Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

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live right, age well Listings + resources for the journey ahead LISTINGS: JAMES JOHONNOTT

senior centers

and assistance on issues affecting older people, and people with disabilities regardless of their income. Welcoming and convenient places for you and your family to get information, advice, and access to a wide variety of wellness services.

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Chippewa Falls Area Senior Center

(715) 286-2953 • Find it on Facebook The Augusta Senior & Community stands at the former site of the original Augusta High School. This multi-purpose community centers offers arts & crafts classes, gatherings, senior lunches, and more.

1000 E. Grand Avenue, Chippewa Falls • (715) 720-1666 • chippewafallsseniorcenter.com Provides a central location where senior citizens can enhance their independence through services and programs that promote physical, mental, and social well-being. Hosts senior dining meals, day trips, activities like arts & crafts, games, and wellness classes, and has an on-site thrift store.

Chippewa County Aging and Disability Resource Center 711 N. Bridge St., Rm.

Dunn County Aging & Disability Resource Center 3001 US Highway 12

Augusta Senior and Community Center 616 West Washington St., Augusta •

118, Chippewa Falls • (715) 726-7777 • ADRC@co.chippewa.wi.us • co.chippewa. wi.us This resource center offers the public a single entry point for information

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East Suite 160, Menomonie • (715) 2324006 • adrc@co.dunn.wi.us • co.dunn. wi.us/ADRC The ADRC of Dunn County is the access point for seniors, adults with

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disabilities, their families and caregivers to receive assistance, education, and support while at all times respecting the rights, dignity and preference of the individual. It provides transportation, nutrition, and caregiving services as well as long-term care.

Eau Claire County Aging and Disability Resource Center 721 Oxford

Ave #1130, Eau Claire • (715) 839-4735 • adrc@co.eau-claire.wi.us • co.eauclaire.wi.us The ADRC helps people age 60+ and adults with disabilities secure needed services or benefits, live with dignity and security and achieve maximum independence and quality of life. They promote healthy living and preventative health care and offer support services and events for seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.

L.E. Phillips Senior Center 1616

Bellinger St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-4909 • lephillipsseniorcenter.com The L.E.

Phillips Senior Center provides a place for Senior Citizens, 55 and better who reside in the City or County of Eau Claire to maintain independence, receive services and develop skills which enhance the emotional, physical and social quality of their lives. Regularly hosts day trips, weekend escapes, exercise classes, community meals, electronics and Internet lessons, knitting classes, and more.

Shirley Doane Senior Center 1412

6th St. E, Menomonie • (715) 235-0954 • menomonieseniorcenter.org The mission of the Shirley Doane Senior Center is to help Menomonie area seniors engage in meaningful community activities. To help promote continued growth and development, self-respect, self-confidence, and usefulness; by encouraging your participation in contemporary life; and by stimulating a dynamic public interest in the aging population and recognition of its potential.

senior support

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Banfield Charitable Trust - Senior Pet Support • (715) 232-4006 • If you are 60+

and need help with expenses for your pet, you may be eligible for financial support.

Can cover pet food, pet supplies, vet care, grooming, temporary boarding expenses, and more.

Meals on Wheels • Eau Claire Coun-

ty: (715) 839-4886 // Dunn County: (715) 232-4006 // Chippewa County: (715) 7382590 Meals on Wheels provides delivered meals to homebound seniors or eligible adults living with a disability. More than just a meal, this services also provides a daily check-in on seniors to ensure safety and health. Each county ADRC branch manages this services, and you can call, go online, or e-mail for more information about eligibility.

Open Fitness Center 1616 Bellinger St.,

Eau Claire • (715) 839-4909 • lephillipsseniorcenter.com The Open Fitness Center includes a circuit of stations that provide opportunities for a full body workout to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular endurance. Several types of fitness equipment that are easy to use for all ages.

Senior Dining Congregate Meals •

Check out the full schedule and locations at co.eau-claire.wi.us/our-government/departments-and-facilities/department-directory/aging-disability-resource-center Food, fun and fellowship are what Senior Dining is all about. Enjoy a nutritious meal at a warm, friendly Senior Dining Site in the company of friends. Volunteer, meet people and partake in activities and educational opportunities. The actual cost of each meal costs $8-9, but the suggested donation is $4. SNAP/Quest cards accepted.

Senior Fitness Classes 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-4909 • lephillipsseniorcenter.com Get involved with a wide array of fitness class options every month at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center. Offers circuit classes, strength classes, morning blasts, step classes, yoga, chair yoga, core, pilates, zumba, and much more multiple days a week. Classes require a punch card that can be purchased at the center.

Western Dairyland’s RSVP Volunteer Program Eau Claire • (715) 985-2391 ext.

1205 or ext. ext. 1232 • cheryl.padula@ wdeoc.org, kristin.sosalla@wdeoc.org • westerndairyland.org/rsvp.phtml The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) connects individuals age 55 or older with meaningful volunteer opportunities in their communities. Volunteers are matched with volunteer opportunities that best reflect their interests, available time, and preferences. Volunteer sites are varied and may include tutoring or mentoring children.

physical therapy

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Chippewa Manor 222 Chapman Rd.,

Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-4437 • chippewamanor.com Offers residential and outpatient living services, skilled nursing, rehabilitation therapy, and more.

ChiroElite Chiropractic + Rehab 1219

10th St. W, Altoona • (715) 832-9725 • chiro-elite.com An affordable membership style chiropractic clinic located in Altoona specializing in hands-on spinal adjustments, activator and muscle rehabilitation.

Cornerstone Physical Therapy 224

North Bridge St., Suite B, Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-4451 • cornerstonephysicaltherapy.net Physical therapy and massage services, as well as women’s health, aquatic therapy, sports massage, myofascial release, weight management, and orthopedic injury recovery.

Dove Healthcare • dovehealthcare.

com Receive innovative physical, occupational, speech, and aquatic therapy after surgery, illness, or injury. Your therapy program is personalized, so you can recover as quickly as possible and return home.

Choose from several convenient locations.

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Earth and Sky Bodyworks • (608) 630-

0664 • chris@earthandskybodyworks.com • earthandskybodyworks.com A holistic health business that is also dedicated to environmental issues, because environmental health is holistic health. Certified Advanced Rolfer, Licensed Asian bodywork therapist, and tai chi instructor, specializing in depth work for long-term change.

ETI Wound Healing Center 1101 W

Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire • (715) 4710954 • support@etiwoundhealingcenter. com • etiwoundhealingcenter.com ETI Wound Healing Center is a comprehensive outpatient wound management clinic specializing in avoidance of amputations and skin grafts. They treat all wounds, particularly those that are difficult to heal.

McMahon Chiropractic and Physical Therapy 3004 Golf Rd # 100, Eau Claire • (715) 834-4516 • mcmahonchiroandpt.

com Specializing in chiropractic and physical therapy work.

Northwoods Therapy 1200 N. 10th St.

W, Altoona • 715-8398-9266 // 757 Lakeland Dr., Chippewa Falls • 715-723-5060 • pwnorthwoods@yahoo.com • northwoodstherapy.com In business or over 30 years, Northwoods Therapy is owned and operated by local physical therapists specializing in sports and orthopedic rehabilitation.

Optima Health & Vitality Center 3321

Gold Road, Ste. A, Eau Claire • (715) 8321953 • optimahvc.com A chiropractic practice that also offers nutritional counseling, acupuncture, massage, and naturopathic treatment.

Optimum Therapies, LLC - Eau Claire

517 E. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 855-0408 // 1309 Stout Rd., Menomonie • (715) 233-6320 • optimumtherapies.com Offering deep tissue, trigger point release,

myofascial release, neuromuscular, sports, Swedish, and hot stone massage and physical therapy.

hiking & biking 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.

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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 711 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls Popular bike trail goes from

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

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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

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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

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of Eau Claire and I-94 on 93. Turn right on Lorch Avenue and left on Fairview Drive. Ample parking at both entrances.

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.

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