Summer Adventures in the Eau Claire Community
ON CAMPUS
Recreation
From scaling the indoor climbing wall to energizing your body and mind with aerobics classes, University Recreation offers a full program of recreation and fitness center activities throughout the summer. Call (715)836-3377 for schedules and information. If you find yourself in need of a tent, canoe, backpack, or sleeping bag, make The Outdoor Rental Center in Hilltop Center at UW-Eau Claire your first stop. They have the largest inventory of outdoor equipment in the Eau Claire area available to members of the university community at reasonable rates. Call (715) 836-3616 for information.
Concerts and Films
The Music on the Mall outdoor concert series presents live performances by contemporary folk, rock, blues, and jazz musicians at 7 p.m. every Monday during the Summer Session. Classic, contemporary, and documentary films screen at noon and 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in Davies Theatre.
Mid-June through mid-July, the Jazz at Noon concert series offers the best of UW-Eau Claire's student and faculty ensembles. All Summer Session programs are free. Call the Activities and Programs office, (715) 836-4833, for a complete schedule.
All Summer Session programs are free. Call the Activities and Programs office, (715) 836-4833, for a complete schedule or check out their Web site.
OFF CAMPUS
Water sports galore, rental boats
In a place known for clear lakes and rivers, water sports are favorite activities in the Chippewa Valley. The Chippewa River is great for tubing and canoeing, with rentals and shuttle services available. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy Half Moon Lake, Dells Pond, or 250 other lakes in the area as well as the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers. The city and county have dozens of public parks, many with swimming beaches. And some of Wisconsin's most beautiful state parks are nearby.
Scenic river trails great for biking, hiking, inline skating
Those who prefer to stay on shore have plenty of choices, too. Trails are available in and around town for hiking, running, bicycling, and inline skating. The Chippewa River State Trail and Red Cedar State Trail link Eau Claire to Menomonie along a scenic river corridor. Beaver Creek Reserve, Big Falls State Park, and Lake Wissota State Park offer beautiful hiking trails.
Tennis, softball, golf
For competitive spirits, Eau Claire parks have tennis courts, horseshoe pitches, even a flying disc golf course. The Chippewa Valley also has eight golf courses. Participants and spectators alike can enjoy softball and baseball in Eau Claire. Softball leagues in and around town hold games throughout the summer. Also, the Eau Claire Cavaliers, a Wisconsin State League and one of the Midwest's top amateur baseball teams, and the Eau Claire Express, a Northwoods Summer League baseball team, both play at Carson Park Stadium. You can also enjoy all-you-can-eat-and-drink menu with a great view of the game on the Fan Deck, in the right field corner of the stadium.
From floating the river to enjoying a music fest, there's never a dull moment....
FATFAR, French Annual Tube Float and Regalia
The world's largest tubing and floating event. More than 5,000 people will float down the beautiful Chippewa River. Food, volleyball, and musical entertainment will be ongoing at Loopy's in Chippewa Falls throughout the day. June 15, 2008.
Chippewa Valley Country Fest
This annual festival features some of today's chart-topping country music stars. Cadott. June 26-29, 2008, http://www.countryfest.com.
Country Jam
On the festival grounds in the Town of Union overlooking the Chippewa River, country music fans can see and hear their favorite performers at the Country Jam USA music festival. July 17-19, 2008, http://www.countryjam.com/eau_claire.
Rock Fest
Features some of the best rock bands of the '70s, '80s, and today. Each year more than 100,000 fans from all over visit the Chippewa Valley to enjoy outdoor music, great food, and fun at this popular event. Held on the beautiful Chippewa Valley Music Festival grounds in Cadott. July 17-20, 2008, http://www.rock-fest.com.
Pure Water Days
This annual event includes a variety of outdoor fun, from a festival to an organized bike ride. Chippewa Falls. August 8-10, 2008.
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
The fair offers agriculture and home arts competitions, national name state entertainment, commercial and recreational exhibitors, carnival, food, beverage, and games. Chippewa Falls. July 9-13, 2008, http://www.norwisstatefair.com.
Sounds like Summer Concert Series
Concerts begin around 6:30 p.m. every Thursday throughout June, July and August. The outdoor concerts, presented by Volume One Magazine, take place at Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire. http://www.volumeone.org
Eau Claire Farmer's Market
Find the best in locally grown fruits and vegetables at the Eau Claire Farmer's Market in the beautiful Phoenix Park area. Go online for market schedule. http://www.ecdowntownfarmersmarket.com
For more information about summer activities and events in the Chippewa Valley, call the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors' Bureau at (715) 831-2345 or go online at http://www.chippewavalley.net.
