Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls

For centuries the Eau Claire, "Clear Water", area remained hidden and its only inhabitants were the Chippewa Native Americans. That all changed in 1832 when Frenchman Louis Demarie and his family traveled up the Chippewa River to settle on the banks of the Chippewa where it meets the Eau Claire River. Demarie paid the Chippewa $300 to build him a cabin and to hunt on their lands.

In 1845, Jeremiah Thomas and Stephen McCann claimed the area for the purpose of building a lumber camp. The area was well suited for the lumber industry not only because of the abundant pine, but also the surrounding waters. The Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers were used to travel the logs while Dells Pond and Half Moon Lake made perfect storage ponds for the cut lumber. As many of Wisconsin's early logging camps did, Eau Claire began growing into quite the prosperous town.

As Scandinavian farmers immigrated to the area and the once abundant pine began to disappear, the area's industry began making the change from lumber to agriculture. One farmer, Ellis Huntsinger, discovered that horseradishes thrived in the area and made quite a profitable business from it. That is how Eau Claire became known as "The Horseradish Capitol of the World." Over the years Eau Claire has grown immensely and is now one of Wisconsin's largest agricultural and industrial centers.

Today Eau Claire offers many opportunities to experience its past. To learn more about the historic lumber industry you can visit the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp. At the camp you can make a stop at the Chippewa Valley Museum to learn about the Native Americans who lived in the area over the centuries. Baseball Fans may want to visit Carson Park where Hank Aaron recorded his first minor league hit and see the Hank Aaron memorial. For another look into the past the Anderson Log Home and historic Schlegelmilch House offer a glimpse of what life was like in the mid-1800's.Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven in the Eau Claire area.

Surrounded by lakes, rivers and forests recreational opportunities are almost unlimited. Extensive trails running through the hills and alongside the rivers are great for hiking and cycling in the summer and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. The many waters offer excellent boating and canoeing and even better fishing! Hunters will enjoy hiking into the mature pine forests in pursuit of deer and black bear as well as hitting the lake for a day of duck and goose hunting. The Beaver Creek Reserve is a great place to view and photograph nature with several photography blinds set up on vantage points. With all the modern amenities of the city and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation Eau Claire has something for everyone.