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fireworks over Pablo Center

Living in Eau Claire

Eau Claire is always buzzing. It’s jam-packed with thrilling outdoor adventures and hosts a music and food scene that keeps you coming back.

Explore more about this cool city just steps away from campus.

Intro

Eau Claire is always buzzing. It’s jam-packed with thrilling outdoor adventures and hosts a music and food scene that keeps you coming back.

Explore more about this cool city just steps away from campus.

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Your new home is one of the coolest small cities in the U.S. There’s something for everyone here. Explore scenic parks and trails, be inspired by the arts, and find new dining experiences. It’s all right in your backyard.

Just
the
 facts

Voted Best Place to Live in Wisconsin
Eau Claire was ranked #1 for its mid-sized population, cost of living, commute time, weather, job market, and more as pros.
U.S. News & World Report 2025
A Nationally Recognized City
Fuel your passions inside and outside the classroom. Experience Eau Claire's thriving music scene and unmatched outdoor adventures all while pursuing your degree.
Thrillist's Coolest Small Cities in the U.S.
A Biker's Dream
Explore 264 miles of bike trails in Eau Claire while enjoying stunning river views.
Taste Of Eau Claire
With more than 380 local restaurants, there's something for everyone.
Close To Big City Action
93 miles away from Minneapolis, you're just a short drive away from big shows, concerts, and tasty eats.
Explore The Outdoors at ÌÇÐÄVlog
Students walk down the sidewalk at the annual ÌÇÐÄVlog meets EC event.
Explore Eau Claire, Earn Prizes
Eau Claireology, a free mobile pass offered by Visit Eau Claire, helps you find new places to try great cheese curds, fish fries, coffee, and more. Visit featured locations, complete check-ins, earn points, and redeem them for prizes! Sign up for free and explore our cool city.
Something For Everyone
ice skating at outdoor city rink in Eau Claire
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Every season brings new opportunities to get outside and enjoy the parks and trails in Eau Claire. In the winter, grab some friends to go skating at one of several outdoor rinks in town or head to Pinehurst Park for sledding!
Phoenix Park and the footbridge over the Chippewa River.
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Downtown Eau Claire is not only the location where the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers join. It's also the place where small town vibes meet bigger city arts and entertainment. Be sure to check online sites for event schedules.
students at the Farmers' Market making a purchase
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Having a kitchen is not required to fully enjoy the abundance at the Downtown Eau Claire Farmers' Market, which runs May through October every Saturday. Fresh baked goods, food trucks, coffee vendors and more supplement the produce vendors to create a special weekend treat!
GEOG students at Willow River State Park, 2020
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Eau Claire and campus have their own natural beauty, but just a short drive away in almost any direction from town are county and state parks like Hudson's Willow River State Park, shown here during a visit from Blugold geography students.
A jazz band performing in a cozy, brick-walled venue with stained glass windows, featuring musicians on keyboard, guitar, double bass, and drums.
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Live music is alive and well year-round in the city of Eau Claire. From small venues throughout town to Pablo Center concerts and the abundance of outdoor concerts and Chippewa Valley Concerts, music lovers LOVE Eau Claire, and you will, too.
two students having caricature drawn at student event
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To kick off each fall semester, Activities, Involvement and Leadership joins forces with Housing and Residence to life to host all new students in an evening tour of the downtown area. UW Meets EC is a fun-filled event that allows businesses to show off their offerings, and students get to see the inner-city highlights for themselves. And even pick up a free caricature keepsake!
students looking at vinyl records in Revival Records
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It's not just campus that is very into music; the city of Eau Claire has a vibrant scene for both musicians and music fans alike. Revival Records is a place to frequently find students perusing the stacks of vinyl.
two students in front of one of the downtown murals
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Public art is becoming a real mainstay of the downtown Eau Claire neighborhoods. Murals and sculptures are not just a feast for the eyes, but a great selfie stop as well!
Explore Eau Claire
Group of musicians playing instrument for the Jazz Festival throughout downtown Eau Claire
Jazz Music Takes the Stage — and the Streets
From high school competitions to college master classes with jazz greats, a two-night jazz crawl of shows through downtown EC and headliner shows extraordinaire, Jazz Fest has it all!
An ice fishing event on a frozen lake with participants gathered around tents and parked vehicles, enjoying winter activities in a lively, communal setting
Join in the Winter Fun at the Jigs Up
ÌÇÐÄVlog Recreation hosts one of the area's largest ice fishing contests every February on Lake Wissota. Whether you want to fish yourself, volunteer, or become part of the student directing team. Don’t miss out on this winter fun!
Learn more about Recreation's special events