It's the last summer weekend of the year! Finish off the summer with a bang by planning a little getaway to Eau Claire, WI for Labor Day. Book a hotel or vacation rental and experience some of the best things to do in Eau Claire during the early September days. 

Things to Do

A group of three tubing at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers

Tube down the Chippewa River

It's only right that you spend the last weekend of summer in the water (if the weather cooperates, of course). Grab your tubes and head over to Phoenix Park to start your float down the Chippewa River. Find all the tips and tricks of how to float in Eau Claire, including a map of where to get in/out. One more pro tip: if you're floating with a group, use ropes to tie each tube together by the tube handles so no one wanders off while on the water!

Bikers on the Phoenix Park pedestrian bridge in downtown Eau Claire

Take a bike ride on the Chippewa River State Trail

Spend the long weekend on the move! The Chippewa River State Trail begins in Phoenix Park and offers 26 miles of trails for you to explore that will take you all the way to Durand, WI! Along the way, you'll see some of the natural wonders that Eau Claire and its surrounding counties have to offer. Get your bike, get the Chippewa Valley Bike Trail map, and get going! 

Two senior women exploring the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour

Go on a self-guided tour of the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour

Did you know that Eau Claire, WI is home to one of the largest Sculpture Tours in the nation?! That's right! Scattered throughout the city, but mainly in Eau Claire's downtown, are over 80 sculptures created by local and international artists. Hit the streets of downtown Eau Claire to see how many you can spot and pick your favorite one!

A group of three enjoying pints of beer at the Leinie Lodge

Visit Leinenkugel's for a brewery tour

It's not a holiday weekend without a beer or two! If cool breweries and good beers are your love language, take a drive over to Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Co. in Chippewa Falls for a brewery tour and some beer tasting afterward at the Leinie Lodge. You'll get to learn about the entire brewing process from brewing the actual beer to bottling it and sending it out to retailers. Plus, it's always a good day for a Leinie's beer!

Places to Eat & Drink

A group dining outside at Island Parkside in River Prairie

Transport yourself somewhere tropical at The Island Parkside

The Island Parkside in River Prairie is definitely a stop you'll want to make while you spend Labor Day weekend in Eau Claire. The restaurant's ambiance along with its food and drink menu will make you feel like you've transported yourself somewhere far away from the midwest. If that's the vibe you're looking for this holiday weekend, this is your place to be.

Cocktail at Infinity Winery and Distillery

Sip on wine and cocktails at Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery

Well, beer can't be everyone's love language; we get that. So, how about wine and specialty cocktails? If that's what you want to be sipping on during the long weekend, check out Infinity Beverages Winery & Distillery. They create several different wines and spirits for you to enjoy. Once you get a taste for something you love, you can purchase a bottle to bring home with you too. 

Bloody Mary topped with olives, cheese, Laffy Taffy served at Big T's Saloon

Grab a Sunday Bloody Mary at Big T's Saloon

Big T's Saloon... arguably the best place in town for a ridiculously good Bloody Mary. On Sundays, their Bloody Marys are essentially an entire meal served on a stick. It may be just the thing you need on a Sunday after having so much fun in Eau Claire.

Exterior of Foster's Fireside in Osseo

Cruise over to Foster's Fireside for a pizza

Foster's Fireside is located in Osseo, WI, just a short 20-25 minute drive south of Eau Claire. Trust us when we say it is worth it. Foster's wood-fired pizzas are to die for. They have a variety of different pizzas on their menu along with drinks that won't disappoint either. You'll fall in love with this place before you even take the first bite because just the aroma you'll smell as soon as you walk through the door will tell you that this place is the real deal. 

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