Eau Claire’s population is just under 70,000, which makes it the 8th largest city in Wisconsin. Sitting just 90 miles from both Minneapolis and St. Paul, the town is home to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a preeminent public university with a renowned undergraduate research program.

There are plenty of fun things to do in this thriving waterfront gem of a town.

Activities and Events

• 200 Main Art & Wine Gallery
• Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery and Orchard
• Dells Mill Museum
• Children’s Museum of Eau Claire

Fun Facts

As hip and modern as Eau Claire is, it’s also rooted in history. Here are some things to know about Eau Claire, then and now.

• Eau Claire was inhabited by Native American tribes before being visited by European fur traders in the 17th century.
• “Eau Claire” is French for “clear waters.” Legend has it that when early settlers came upon the Eau Claire River, they exclaimed, “Voici l’eau claire!” which means “Here is the clear water!”
• The demographics of Eau Claire skew younger, with the median age being 29.
• Eau Claire’s local arts and entertainment scene are largely carried by The Pablo Center at the Confluence and the Haas Fine Arts Center. The town also hosts multiple music festivals throughout the year, including the Blue Ox Music Festival and Country Jam.