The Eau Claire experience doesn't end when the sun goes down. Instead, the city and surrounding region is greeted by an endless sky full of stars. It's a place where cityscape meets the countryside and where you can see the sky twinkle, unlike other metro areas. Discover places to stargaze in Eau Claire, where to rent telescopes, and more activities below!
GREETINGS, PLANETS!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PLANETS CURRENTLY VISIBLE IN EAU CLAIRE
Beaver Creek Reserve
Find one of the best stargazing experiences just outside of Eau Claire at Beaver Creek Reserve. The Hobbs Observatory Astronomical Series programs take place on the third Saturday of the month (except December) at 8 PM in the classroom at Hobbs Observatory. If the skies are clear, public observing follows the program until 11 PM in May, June, and August, and until 10 PM all other months. Telescope rentals are also available at Beaver Creek Reserve, free to members or $30 for non-members. Click here to learn more about stargazing programs at Beaver Creek Reserve!
L.E. Phillips Planetarium at UW-Eau Claire
This hidden gem at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire grants you an out-of-this-world experience to view the night sky above. Step into the L.E. Phillips Planetarium where constellations come alive and stars take over your view, whether it's cloudy, clear, warm, or cold. Public shows take place from September through December, and private shows can be booked during the academic year for birthday parties, scouting groups, team building, and more. Visit the link here to learn more about the Planetarium at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Phoenix Park
The Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society holds observation hours once a month on an evening around the first quarter moon late spring through early fall. These observing parties take place in downtown Eau Claire at Phoenix Park, a collective hub of all of Eau Claire's best facets including bridges, rivers, and trails. Follow along with the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society to see current viewing events and to join the knowledge base.
Hoffman Hills
Get a little closer to the night sky by climbing the observation tour at Hoffman Hills for a look at the stars above! This recreation area is open to the public every day from 6 AM to 11 PM and is located just a short drive outside of Eau Claire. While the views are certainly stunning during the daytime and offer spectacular sights of the surrounding Chippewa Valley, the nighttime is just as magical as you're out of the city lights and have a little better view of the night sky. Click here to learn more about Hoffman Hills, and check this spot off on your Geau Outside free mobile pass!
Town of Union Conservancy
Take a step outside of Eau Claire and explore the trails, wildlife, and rich nature at the Town of Union Conservancy. In the winter months, venture the trails by snowshoeing, and hike to stunning views of the Chippewa River below. At night, take an enchanting walk along the trails and be surrounded by the stars, constellations, and planets above.
SPEAKING OF PLANETS...
Did you know you can walk amongst the planets in Eau Claire? Well, sort of. The Eau Claire Planet Walk is a 5.5-mile scaled model of our solar system located along the Chippewa River State Trail in Eau Claire. Created by the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society, it begins at Phoenix Park with the Sun and continues to Pluto near the Haas Fine Arts Building on the UW-Eau Claire campus. Each station features educational signs with fascinating details about the planets and the scale of the solar system, offering an engaging, family-friendly way to explore both astronomy and the scenic trail. For more information and to explore the Planet Walk for yourself, click here.