Outdoor Adventures 2022

OUTDOOR

ADVENTURES

PURE FUN ON THE WATER

Pure Water Paddlers spring ahead with summer plans

words by Sawyer Hoff | photos courtesy of Pure Water Paddlers

THE PURE WATER PADDLERS GROUP STARTED IN 2004

as a place for kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts to get together and pad dle around beautiful rivers and lakes in the Chippewa Valley and beyond.

The group is not only a fun place to paddle but also a very informa tional and safety focused way to get started if you’re new to the canoe (or kayak). On May 15, they will be hosting a Basics Session for anyone just starting out. There will be a discussion of what to wear and what kayaks and canoes to get as well as safety demonstrations. For exam ple, there will be in-water demonstrations of rescues in Lake Superior at the end of July as part of the Rookie Rendezvous. Locally, they will offering instruction on how to navigate the Eau Claire River on May 21.

On April 23, the Pure Water Paddlers will be hopping into their boats with grabbers to clean up the Eau Claire River as a part of the Amazing EC Cleanup.

Starting May 4, the club will host 25 social paddles every Wednes day evening for those who want to get together and socialize while exploring different local bodies of water. The first will take place on Little Elk Creek Lake.

The Pure Water Paddlers also have events in the winter such as snowshoeing because, as Club President Mary Lynn Skutley says, it is a social club before anything else. Any person of any age and any experience level is welcome to join.

To see the full summer schedule and to become a member, you can go to pwp.clubexpress.com.

Boat Buddies. The Pure Water Paddlers have a boatload of fun events slated for this summer.

HIKING? BIKING?

CAMPING?

We asked about the best places to be active in the Chippewa Valley. Here’s what you said.

words by V1 Staff

BEST CAMPGROUND

1st Place: Stoney Creek

2nd Place: O’Neil Creek Campground

3rd Place: Coon Fork County Park

Stoney Creek RV Resort (50483 Oak Grove Road, Osseo) is terrific family-run campground with more than 160 overnight sites. For a full range of fun activities as you camp, check out O’Neil Creek Campground (14912 105th Ave., Chippewa Falls). And summertime and off-season camping are available to camping die-hards at Coon Fork County Park (E25501 County Hwy. CF, Augusta). –Sawyer Hoff

BEST TRAIL FOR HIKING

1st Place: Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Trail

2nd Place: Beaver Creek Reserve

3rd Place: 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, Hoffman 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.

Carlson

BEST TRAIL FOR BIKING

1st Place: Chippewa River State Trail

2nd Place: Old Abe State Trail

3rd Place: Red Cedar State Trail Readers voted the Chippewa River State Trail to the top, which is no surprise with its beautiful views of the Confluence, peaceful prairies, and sandstone bluffs. The Old Abe State Trail, running from downtown Eau Claire all the way to Cornell, offers riders the chance to view a truly freeing experience. Running 14.5 miles, the Red Cedar State Trail begins in Menomonie and passes through marshland bottoms, forests, and farmlands before con necting with the Chippewa River State Trail. –Parker Reed

BEST BEACH

1st Place: Big Falls County Park

2nd Place: Ray’s Beach on Lake Wissota

3rd Place: Lake Wazee

Is there sand in my eyes or am I seeing this right?! Big Falls County Park (600 Big Falls Forest Road, Fall Creek) claimed first 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 sec ond 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 finally, 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. –Reonna Huettner

BEST BODY OF WATER For Recreation

1st Place: Lake Wissota

2nd Place: Chippewa River

3rd Place: 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 Ti tanic 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 Chippe wa River is the perfect place to relax and enjoy scenic beauty. But if fishing is what you desire, you must check out the waters of the gorgeous Lake Holcombe filled with all the greats: wall eye, musky, panfish, bass, and more.

–Jen Ekblad

WHAT A CATCH

Eau Claire man’s hobby spawns custom rod and tackle business

words by Parker Reed | photo by Andrea Paulseth

MIKE KONZEN AND HIS FAMILY WERE ON A FISHING TRIP in Belize a few years back, and everything seemed fairly normal. Beau tiful weather on the water, wholesome family vibes all around, and fish were biting at increasing reg ularity when suddenly a 70-pound greater amber jack bit down on his youngest daughter’s fishing rod – and a battle began. After wrestling with the mighty fish, a neighboring tiger shark got hold of it first, leaving the Konezen family with nothing but the fish’s head to tell the tale. Little did Mike know however that the encounter would leave a lasting impression.

By day Mike owns and operates Employers Benefit Group, LLC, an insurance agency to which he has devoted his professional career. But by night (and whenever else he has free time), Konzen is fishing, thinking about fishing, or building fishing-related things. That is where his side business Fishhead Custom Rods & Tackle comes in: His hobby of building custom fishing rods blossomed into mak ing fishing equipment for other lovers of the sport.

“I love my work, but it isn’t always conducive to being out and about,” Konzen said. “Rather than sitting on a couch in my spare time, I found it was more productive to do something with my hands that someone else was going to appreciate for a

long time to come. It’s import ant to me to be able to create something that someone might even pass on to a loved one. It’s a much better use of time for me than watching television.”

Fishhead Custom Rods & Tackle cast itself into the Chippewa Valley fishing scene in 2018, and since then has supplied 50-60 rods to local fishermen every year. Konzen specializes in handcrafting fly fishing rods, ice fishing rods for various species, musky rods, sportfishing rods, and even a few bits of tackle when someone inquires for one.

When he thinks back to his early years of sitting on the end of a dock with a pail for caught perch in northern Ontario, Canada, with his grandfather, his love for the craft has only grown since then and will for the rest of his life.

For more information on Fishhead Custom Rods & Tackle’s products, visit their Facebook page face book.com/fishhead-custom-rods-tackle.

Reeling Them In. Mike

Konzen owns an insurance agency, but his free time is devoted to his growing family and his lifelong love of fishing and everything that comes with it.

You’re Ready For The Trail, BUT IS THE TRAIL READY FOR YOU?

State website allows users to check conditions of hiking, biking trails

words by V1 Staff | photo by Andrea Paulseth

JUST AS THE PENT-UP ENERGY OF SPRINGTIME BURSTS forth on the Wisconsin landscape with green leaves and bright wildflowers, so do walkers, hikers, and bikers spring onto the state’s hundreds of miles of trails for some long-awaited recreation.

But how can they know if those trails are ready to be traversed, short of lacing up and slogging through the mud themselves? Fortunately, Travel Wisconsin and the state’s Office of Outdoor Recreation have collabo rated to create the online Wisconsin Trail Report. The website, which made its debut last spring, lists cur rent conditions on hiking and biking trails across all parts on the state via an interactive map. The report includes trail networks that traverse state, county, and city lands as well as private and nonprofit-owned properties, such as nature centers.

“The reports also include brief descriptions of the trail networks to

inform users about the total mileage, type of terrain and landscape, facil ities (like restrooms) available, or if fees are required,” Travel Wisconsin said in a media release about the project. “Biking trails are catego rized as recreational or mountain bike trails and list the surface type. Dozens of local reporters keep the 140 hiking and biking reports updat ed weekly or after major weather events or ongoing construction.

Reporters are a mix of hiking and biking enthusiasts, members of clubs or friends groups, land managers, and destination marketing organiza tions.”

As of this writing, most trails in west-central Wisconsin were listed as open and in good or fair condi tion. However, weather conditions – surprise late-season snowfall, any one? – can change quickly, so before you hit the trail, check the Wisconsin Trail Report at www.travelwisconsin. com/biking-report.

ADVENTURES REELING IN A RIVER OF MEMORIES

at just 15, Eau Claire’s Caspian Hebert is already an expert angler

words by Ron Davis

WISCONSINITES GO FISHING FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS – as a pastime, for recreation, or for a chance to enjoy nature – but for 15-year-old Eau Claire resident Caspian He bert, fishing is a passion.

I first met Caspian early on a snowy March morn ing at the confluence of the Chippe wa and Eau Claire rivers, just across from the Pablo Center. After bicy cling down to the water’s edge laden with a five-gallon bucket of chubs caught in the Little Niagara Creek, three stout poles, and a backpack of fishing gear, Caspian had been watching his rod tips for the gentle twitch of a bite since 7:30.

memory today,” he said. “Whether it’s subzero or 100 degrees, it doesn’t matter, I’m always out.”

I think what keeps drawing me back is the passion, the feeling that, hey, I might catch somethin’ big today, I might make a memory today.

–Caspian Hebert

Hooked into fishing by his father and grandfather at the age of three, Caspian has become something of an expert on angling in the Chippewa Valley. “I started fishing by myself at about the age of 12 and spent a lot of time exploring Half Moon Lake; I figured out all the holes, weed lines, and all the places the fish like to sit there, usually fishing from shore.” Since then, his range has expanded to Lake Eau Claire, Dells Pond, Lake Altoona, Coon Forks, and just about any stream, mill pond, or lake in the area.

I had to wonder what would draw a young man like Caspian out on this runny-nose morning during spring break when many of his classmates were probably sleeping in. “I think what keeps draw ing me back is the passion, the feeling that, hey, I might catch somethin’ big today, I might make a

Speaking of making memories, Cas pian showed me a photo of a 56-inch sturgeon he had caught just a few days earlier, then another of a 55¾inch sturgeon he had landed a day later. Both fish were around 30 pounds. When he’s fishing at the confluence, Caspi an says he uses heavy gear, with 30-50 pound test line and circle hooks baited with chubs and night crawlers. Caspian estimated the swirling eddy at the confluence is probably around 35 feet deep and said, “You never know what you might catch here: sturgeon, walleyes, crappies, drum, carp, catfish, bass.”

Caspian doesn’t generally keep the fish he catches. “I’m big into catch and release, especially with sturgeon, since they’ll probably live longer than I ever will,” he said. (Sturgeon can only be taken in a fall season with a special tag and can live as long as 150 years.) He will take legal-size walleyes and pan fish from the river in season.

To anyone considering getting into fishing, Caspian offered this advice: “Start with quality gear, not a Snoopy or Barbie Deluxe pole. Just have fun: Fish ing isn’t all about just watching a bobber go down, it’s about making memories with your friends and loved ones. Also, pick up your garbage, PLEASE!” He said he gets infuriated to see trash left behind, around Half Moon Lake in particular.

A Bright Future. At 15,

Eau Claire’s Caspian Hebert’s skill and passion for fishing have already drawn sponsorships from several tackle companies.

Caspian says his future goals include organizing a fishing team at Memorial High School, though he’s had no luck yet finding an advisor. Already sponsored by two or three tackle companies, after high school he’d like to compete as a pro on the Major League Fishing tour, to work some way in the fishing industry, or go to school to work for the Department of Natural Resources. For now, he gets in as much time fishing as school and sports will allow.

ADVENTURES

GO ON AN ADVENTURE!

listings by James Johonnott

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.

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 Wis sota’s shoreline. Many double as ski trails. Bikes are permitted on all but 3 trails. One-mile Beaver Mead

ow 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, Chippe wa 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. Avail able 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, wind ing 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 trail head 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 spectac ular 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 Semigroomed 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.

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. Of fers 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 down town 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 lit tle 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

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 snowmo biling. 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.

GEAR SHOPS & RENTALS

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) 235-0750 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, skate boards, 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.

meets up with the Chippewa River Trail.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

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 recreation al 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 • river sidejunction.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.

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/SimpleSport sU Serving downtown Menomonie, Simple Sports sells bikes, disc golf equipment, snowboards, skates, snowshoes, and more.

Spring Street Sports 12 W. Spring St., Chip pewa 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

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 Recre ation 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 - Camp ground 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) 2886376 • 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 the cool of large deciduous & coniferous trees.

Harstad County Park - Camping County Road HHH, Augusta • (715) 839-4738 • co.eauclaire.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 Park - Camping 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 285-foot 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-camp ground.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@oneil creek.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.chip pewa.wi.us It has 22 well-spaced campsites, a play ground, 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 • pineharbor campground.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 Camp ing, swimming, picnicking, playground equipment, a reservable picnic shelter and a boat launch are avail able. Central location for water off of the main park ing 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 & Campground 23015 153rd St., Bloomer • (715) 568-4370 • facebook. com Go swimming in the heated, outdoor pool, play in the game room, take a walk and see elk and pea cocks, 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 • stoneycreekrvre sort.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 • twin springscampingresort.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.