Summer in Eau Claire doesn't have to come with a big price tag. Some of Eau Claire's best experiences are completely free; you just have to know where to find them.
Spend an afternoon floating the river, wander through an outdoor art gallery, catch live music in the park, or simply relax in a hammock beneath the trees.
For those traveling with kids, as couples, as friend groups, or solo, there are endless ways to explore Eau Claire this season at no cost. Keep reading to see free things to do in Eau Claire this summer!
Find the perfect hammock spot
Sometimes the best summer plans involve doing... almost nothing. Pack a hammock and spend an afternoon reading, napping, or simply listening to the breeze.
Phoenix Park offers peaceful riverside views, while Carson Park's towering trees create plenty of shady places to unwind. River Prairie Park is another favorite, especially if you want to soak in the chirping from the birds! Don't forget a good book and a snack—you may end up staying longer than you planned.
Float down the Chippewa River
Nothing says Wisconsin summer quite like spending a lazy afternoon on the water! Bring your own tube or kayak and float sections of the Chippewa River, enjoying scenic views and plenty of sunshine along the way.
Many folks launch their floats at the confluence of the Eau Claire River and Chippewa River and soak in the surrounding downtown views. Others head just outside of town to Wheaton for a fun day on the water, ending at Loopy's! You can't go wrong with either, especially on the hottest days of the summer.
If you don't have your own equipment, local outfitters offer rentals, but simply enjoying the river itself costs nothing. Be sure to check current river conditions and always wear appropriate safety gear.
Explore the Sculpture Tour
One of Eau Claire's integral pillars of identity includes its many forms of public art. And better yet, most of it is free to experience.
The Sculpture Tour turns the region into the country's largest rotating outdoor sculpture exhibit, with dozens of sculptures lining sidewalks, parks, and public spaces. Every piece has a story, making it just as enjoyable for art lovers as it is for families looking to stretch their legs. And while you're on your sculpture walk, take note of your favorite, as you can cast your vote for People's Choice, which gets added to the city's permanent collection!
But the art doesn't stop there. All over Eau Claire, the outside walls are covered in colorful mural pieces, each one with its own theme, message, and palette. Find big pieces like "Cascade" or "Sanctuary" in downtown Eau Claire, or browse all the ColorBlock pieces in various locations. Click here to view a complete map of all murals in Eau Claire.
Listen to free live music
Music is woven into Eau Claire's culture, and you don't always need a ticket to enjoy it. Throughout the summer, you'll find free concerts in parks and public spaces across the Chippewa Valley, featuring everything from local favorites to regional touring acts. With Kickin' It Country, Tuesday Night Blues, Rock'n on the River, Sounds Like Summer, and live music at The Yard and in downtown Osseo, there are tunes to be heard nearly every day of the week.
Bring a lawn chair, pick up dinner from a food truck, and settle in for an evening outdoors! Check out the full summer music guide here.
Cool off in splash pads
Perfect for days when the temperature keeps climbing, the splash pads are the best way to cool down in the summer!
The splash pad in downtown Eau Claire is located in Haymarket Plaza, right outside the Pablo Center entrance. This pad overlooks the river confluence, lit-up bridges, and Phoenix Park, where a lot of the hustle and bustle of summer takes place.
Over in River Prairie, many families spend an entire afternoon at the splash pad and the kid-friendly river flowing through the park. It's safe, scenic, and the perfect ideal of a summer day!
Play a game of Kubb
If you want a free activity that's something uniquely Eau Claire, grab a Kubb set and head to the nearest patch of grass for a friendly game! Often called "Viking Chess," Kubb is a Scandinavian lawn game that can be enjoyed in any season.
Right here in the Kubb Capital of North America, you'll find casual games popping up in parks, breweries, and backyards across the city. And with the U.S. Kubb Championships that take place each July, the summer season is when Kubb culture is hot and ready to play!
To learn more about the game and its part in Eau Claire's story, click here.
Ride miles of scenic trails
On foot or on wheels, the trails in Eau Claire are not to be skipped. Start downtown and follow the riverfront paths as they wind alongside the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers. Before long, the city gives way to peaceful stretches of forests, wetlands, and open countryside, making it easy to turn a short walk into an afternoon adventure.
Whether you're out for a leisurely stroll, a morning run, or a bike ride, Eau Claire's interconnected trail system makes it easy to explore at your own pace.
Explore Eau Claire's foot bridges
With rivers winding through the city in all directions, crossing a bridge is simply part of exploring Eau Claire. This summer, take a self-guided walk across several pedestrian bridges connecting downtown, Phoenix Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods.
With picturesque, historic bridges like the High Bridge, the S Bridge, the Clairemont Bridge, and more, it's easy to find yourself wandering further than expected.
Check out our page to see all of the bridges, and see if you can make it to all of them!
Spend the day at Carson Park
Few places capture an Eau Claire summer quite like Carson Park. With walks on the trails around Half Moon Lake, an epic playground that every kid loves, a quaint place to set off in a kayak or paddle board, and even train rides through the park, Carson Park covers it all.
The opportunity for play and exploration is endless, and the Eau Claire lore runs deep at other attractions like the Chippewa Valley Museum, Wisconsin Logging Museum, and Carson Park baseball field.
Plan your Carson Park experience in Eau Claire here!