About Eau Claire
A city for exploring
When you attend UW-Eau Claire, you join a vibrant community beyond the boundaries of campus. With a population of around 70,000, Eau Claire celebrates a thriving music and arts scene, miles of waterways and walking trails, an ever-expanding list of unique restaurants and much more.
From campus, you’re within walking distance of two popular shopping districts with coffee shops, art galleries, live music and parks. Movie theaters, athletic clubs and performing arts venues also provide plenty to do and see nearby. Take a look around and see what this city has in store for you!
70+
miles of bike trails
Named one of the
coolest small cities
in the U.S.
Thrillist.com, 2022
350+
restaurants in town
Explore Eau Claire
See what there is to discover beyond the UWEC campus.
Eau Claire Bike Trails
Set down the books and get outside! Eau Claire is home to hundreds of miles of biking and walking trails for you to enjoy throughout the seasons.
Trails to trek
Blue Ox Music Festival
Blue Ox Music Festival is one of Eau Claire’s most popular community events. Participate in a three-day, multi-stage experience featuring food trucks, visual art, over 35 musical artists and more.
Find out more
Eau Claire Farmers Market
Just a short walk from campus in the beautifully renovated Phoenix Park district, the Farmers Market is one of Eau Claire's finest. With local vendors selling fresh vegetables, flowers and foods, you’ll be sure to get a taste of the community feel.
Home-grown fun
Things to do in Eau Claire
There's always something to do here! Check out this event calendar from Volume One, a local organization that promotes and celebrates all things Eau Claire.
Explore Eau ClaireComing soon to Eau Claire
Eau Claire is constantly growing and improving. Learn what facilities are in the works for our university and community to enjoy.
County Materials Complex
The County Materials Complex has a special place in the hearts of all members of the UW-Eau Claire community, made possible by a generous combined gift of approximately $80 million in land and money from UW-Eau Claire alumni John and Carolyn Sonnentag. Project partners include Blugold Real Estate, Mayo Clinic Health System-Northwest Wisconsin, the City of Eau Claire, Visit Eau Claire, and UW-Eau Claire. The County Materials Complex is set to have a major event center, a UW-Eau Claire student recreation facility and a Mayo Clinic Health System clinical location.