As the snow flurries fly in the sky and Eau Claire turns into a snow globe, attractions, restaurants, parks, and bridges become a stunning photo opp for your Instagram feed. Besides, not everyone has the chance to take photos in the snow! This season, discover the top Instagrammable winter wonderland spots in Eau Claire for your next magical photoshoot.
Dive
One of Eau Claire's most glamorous winter experiences can be found on the second floor of The Lismore Hotel at Dive. This patio and lounge-style cocktail bar turns into a true winter wonderland with heated igloos for a magical cocktail-sipping excursion. Step inside and entertain with your own music, order craft drinks from the bar, and snack on pizza and other appetizers from The Informalist. The igloo rentals are a stunning place to watch the sunset over downtown Eau Claire and are the perfect way to raise a toast to the winter season. Click here to learn more about Dive and reserve your igloos this winter!
Lowes Creek County Park
Looking for the most enchanting place to soak in a fresh snowfall? Lowes Creek County Park is a great place to start. Discover the snowshoe, cross-country skiing, and biking trails this winter, and travel through the wooded paths after a breathtaking blanket of snow. This park is an outdoor recreationist's dreamland in the winter and is a family-friendly adventure during a seasonal getaway. Did we mention you can win prizes for visiting Lowes Creek County Park?! That's right! Sign up for the FREE Geau Outside mobile pass, check in at Lowes Creek, and you'll be one step closer to winning stickers, water bottles, and GRAND PRIZE SWEEPSTAKES entries!
Haymarket Plaza
Find holiday cheer and winter views in downtown Eau Claire at Haymarket Plaza, located right outside the Pablo Center. During the holiday season, visit the festive tree in the plaza for family photos to send to loved ones. While you're there, catch a stunning winter sunset over the Chippewa River, and see the Haymarket and Phoenix Park bridges light up in all different colors. Better yet, get tickets to a show at the Pablo Center this season, and experience the beauty of the plaza following the show.
S Bridge
The beautiful bridges don't stop in Phoenix Park and Haymarket Plaza... Just a few blocks away, the S Bridge slithers over the Eau Claire River near the historic Banbury Place as one of the city's most unique bridges. This bridge is often traveled by bikes and pedestrians exploring Eau Claire's trails and is a stunning scene to capture historic buildings, earthy touches from the river and woods, and a charming bridge, all in one photo! Learn more about the S Bridge here.
Lowes Creek Tree Farm
Some of the best memories of the winter season happen when picking out your family's Christmas tree! At Lowes Creek Tree Farm, you can have a magical, memorable, festive day with hot cocoa, shopping, fire pits, and, of course, tree picking! Plan your family's trip to the tree farm before the season is over, and snap some photos that you'll cherish forever. Click here to view more places to shop for a Christmas tree in Eau Claire.
Downtown Lights
The downtown scene lights up at night with simple yet stunning string lights, and it's a picture-perfect place to walk through in the winter! Barstow Street is decorated with holiday wreaths, the trees are wrapped in warm white lights, and the entire area looks like a beautiful winter village. The Pablo Center's exterior building glows in colorful lights, the bridges in Phoenix Park put on a light show, and the downtown streetlights highlight the festive decorations in the local shops and restaurants. Take a walk through downtown Eau Claire to take in the beauty of the evenings!
UW - Eau Claire Campus
There's a reason it's known as "Wisconsin's Most Beautiful Campus," and the winter season will show you exactly why! The UW - Eau Clarie Campus is located right along the Chippewa River and features bridges, historic facilities, walking trails, mini waterfalls, and more. And during a snowstorm?! The beauty is on a whole new level. It may be cold, but it's worth it for views like this! While you're working towards your degree, you can Earn Your Degree in Eau Claireology with our free mobile pass! It's free, fun, and best of all, no studying is involved!
Beaver Creek Reserve
Unleash your adventurous side this season at Beaver Creek Reserve, and experience the great outdoors at this wildlife facility! Beaver Creek Reserve is home to more than 9 miles of trails through the woods and along the river for year-round exploration. The facility offers snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals to both members and non-members, as well as telescopes for nighttime star gazers. There are beginner-friendly and difficult trails for cross-country skiers on the north side of the reserve, as well as up to 2-mile loops for snowshoers on the southern part of the reserve.
If you're not trekking across the snowy trails, you can meet the wildlife inside the nature center and learn about the animals, insects, and wildlife that inhabit the region throughout the year. Beaver Creek Reserve also offers a variety of crafting workshops, summer camps, guided hikes, recreation classes, and other interactive events. Plan your excursion to Beaver Creek Reserve here!
Garber Bandshell in Osseo, WI
Get your festive holiday photos this holiday season in Osseo, WI in Central Park! In the Garber Bandshell, you'll find a huge holiday tree, cozy chairs, and beautiful decorations to get you in the holiday spirit. Plus, while you're in Central Park, you can wander through the stunning holiday lights decorated throughout the lawn! Click here to plan your day trip to Osseo, WI.