There's an art to creating an aesthetic, compelling, and entertaining photo dump for your social media feed. The best collages consist of photos that are personal, candid, and a balance of cozy and upscale. While you're collecting photos this season for the perfect fall photo dump, Eau Claire has all the ingredients for photos that are trendy, authentic, and full of character. From golden leaves along the Chippewa River to pumpkin patches, coffee runs, and cozy nights downtown, every corner of Eau Claire is ready-made for your carousel. Check off everything needed to create the perfect fall photo dump right here in Eau Claire!
Fall fit check
Start your fall photo dump off strong with your best fall fit posed in front of a dreamy fall backdrop. Let your sweaters, flannels, boots, bags, hats, and scarves shine on this slide, and show off all the textures and patterns that are meant for the autumn season. And shop for your very own fall fashion at Eau Claire's local shops to find this season's latest trends! Find sweaters and accessories at ADC Boutique, Eau Claire Boutique, John Scott Men's Apparel, or the Mustard Seed Boutique, and get the latest handmade jewelry from local shops like Token and Hello Adorn. For more fall fashion shopping spots, check out our complete blog here.
Pumpkin spice latte of the day
Ahhh, the first sip of sweet pumpkin each fall. It's a staple of the season, and it's an important piece of a fall photo collage. With lattes that look picture perfect from Cabin Coffee, Phoenix Coffee, the Osseo Nickel Barn, or Shift, you'll practically be able to smell the spices and sweetness through the phone. And if espresso isn't your thing, Eau Claire's cafe scene can fix you up a mean matcha or cozy chai tea to warm you up this season. Find your favorite pumpkin drink in EC, and add it to the carousel!
The perfect pick
Of course, your trip to the pumpkin patch has to be included! The big, bright orange pumpkins add a fun, nostalgic component to your fall photo dump, as well as some outdoor scenery. Visit the pumpkin patches at Leffel Roots, Ferguson's Orchards, or Bushel & A Peck, and fill your wagon with your favorite picks of the season. While you're here, visit the apple trees for your yearly orchard photos, and don't forget to grab a sweet treat at the farm stores! Check out our pumpkin patch blog to see the complete list of locations in the area.
A moment for the fall colors
The trees are only these stunning shades of orange, yellow, and red for so long. Some say that it's the most beautiful time of the year around here! The fall colors shine around early to mid-October, and it's an absolutely essential piece to an Eau Claire fall photo dump. Sure, you can order pumpkin drinks, wear fall fashion, and celebrate spooky season anywhere, but you can't get this authentic autumn foliage just anywhere. Whether you're strolling through the parks in Eau Claire, hiking or biking through wooded trails, or heading out for a fall colors drive, Eau Claire has magical spots on every corner to see the colors. Add your storybook-worthy photos to the collage to remember exactly how the fall scene feels in Eau Claire! Check out our fall colors page to find the best view spots in town, and see the official fall colors report for the region.
Thrifting finds
There’s nothing quite like scoring a one-of-a-kind find to complete your fall photo dump. From retro jackets that scream sweater weather to quirky antiques that give your feed instant charm, Eau Claire’s vintage scene is brimming with treasures. Go on the ultimate antique hunt this season at places like Seven Suns Vintage, Antique Emporium, The Attic, or Eau Claire Vintage, for a cozy fall activity—the textures, colors, and unique pieces will add some life, character, history, and relaxation to your photo carousel. Discover more antique and thrift shops in Eau Claire here.
Getting your steps in
Add in some healthy lifestyle content to the mix and show your latest walk this fall! Show where you're getting your steps in this season, whether it's a casual walk through Phoenix Park with a coffee or you're setting out through the wooded trails of Wheaton Park. For some of the most spectacular fall color views, take a brief hike at Hoffman Hills near Menomonie and journey up the watch tower for the most epic scenery in the area. You'll be treated to panoramic views of the Chippewa Valley in its prettiest form, and you'll get some exercise, too! For a river-walk loop, head to the trail at River Prairie for an easy, accessible, and enjoyable jaunt around the park.
A local fall festival
Big pumpkins, bigger photo ops. The Ginormous Pumpkin Festival in Altoona is the definition of fall fun, with massive gourds that make the perfect backdrop for your autumn carousel. Snap a selfie next to a record-breaking pumpkin, wander through the festive displays, and soak up the small-town charm that makes this event so special. It's a unique, engaging, and interactive addition to your photo dump, showcasing all the fun activities you're up to this season! Save the date for this year's event on September 27, 2025.
Core memories
Apple pie, apple cider donuts, caramel apples... You name it, Eau Claire's orchards got it. While you can certainly spend an afternoon filling up your apple buckets, the core memories don't stop there. Treat yourself to some of Ferguson's Orchard's famous, fresh apple cider donuts, or raise a toast with Leffel Roots' apple cider. Pick out a caramel apple for a sweet selfie prop, or stock up on apple pantry products at the farm store at Connell's Family Orchard. Make your plans to visit Eau Claire's orchards this season by checking out our complete apple orchard guide.
A stop at the winery
It's not a fall day without a stop at a local winery. Whether you're out for date night or you're having a girls' weekend in Eau Claire, the wineries are waiting to be a staple stop this season. Put on your best fall fit and head out for a winery crawl at River Bend, Dixon's Autumn Harvest, and Infinity Beverages. Find food trucks parked at the wineries on select days throughout the season, as well as live music and entertainment. Head out to the vineyards for fall photos with friends, and share your favorite flavors of all in your photo dump! Click here to see more wineries in Eau Claire.
Fall farmers market finds
Farmers market photos always make a stunning addition to your seasonal posts, but the fall market... Something about it is extra magical. Every weekend of the fall season, the market is packed with families bundled up with sweaters and boots, sipping hot coffee, and shopping around for the year's final fresh produce. Pick out the fresh flower bouquet that speaks to you the most, stock up on fresh veggies to cook a comforting fall soup, and soak up the community and camaraderie at the Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market.
Additions to your vinyl collection
Name something better than lighting a fall candle, spinning your favorite record, and cuddling up on the couch with a warm tea and a good book... It's a fall pastime that so many look forward to every year, and Eau Claire has charming record stores that have just the music you're looking for. Both in downtown Eau Claire, Revival Records and Abraxas Wax have an endless collection of vinyls, new and old, to add to your shelf. Even just browsing around the shops is a vibe on a cool fall day!
Comfort meal date night
Phone eats first, even when it's a mouthwatering, warm, and cozy dinner in Eau Claire. The seasonal dishes at The Good Wives, the fiery pasta dishes at Stella Blues, or the wood-fired pizza at The Informalist—it's all tasty and ready throughout the season. Or when you can't decide between a loaded piece of pizza or a garlicly platter of noodles, get the best of both worlds at Draganetti's. Snap a pic before diving into that photogenic bowl of pasta, multi-layer burger, warm bowl of soup, or other fine dining entrees in Eau Claire. Plan your next dinner date night at Eau Claire's restaurants!
Trying a new hobby
New season, new hobby! Put your creativity to the test, and show off your new skills at workshops, lessons, and activities in Eau Claire. Book a class at Half Moon Clay to try making pottery, or lean into the fall season with hot glass making at The Glass Orchard. Are you a bookworm? Try out a new genre from bookstores like Dotters or Amanita Books, and cozy up with a fuzzy blanket, exploring new worlds in your reads. Or maybe you're getting into yoga and fitness this fall? Try out some classes at Eaum Yoga, Latitude 44, and other pop-up events in Eau Claire.
Cruisin' through the colors
End your fall photo dump on a good note with a scenic biking shot promoting exercise and a healthy lifestyle! Cruise along the scenic trails at Lowes Creek, Northwest Park, or the Chippewa River State Trail, and surround yourself with the season's finest colors throughout the region. But don't just ride along the trails—pull over for a few minutes, feel the fall air, and take in the fall scenery along Eau Claire's trails. If you're in need of a bike, find places to rent equipment while in Eau Claire here.