On July 15th, we celebrate everything that makes the 715 such a special place to call home. And again this year, we decided to let the community do the talking.
We asked our followers one simple question: "What's your favorite thing about the 715?"
The responses poured in, and while everyone had their own reason for loving this corner of Wisconsin, a few themes came up again and again. From rivers and trails to local businesses and live music, here's what our community says makes the 715 unlike anywhere else.
The outdoors are part of everyday life.
More than anything else, people talked about the outdoors.
The 715 is the kind of place where it's easy to spend time outside, whether that means walking wooded trails before work, paddling the Chippewa River on a summer afternoon, cooling off at a favorite swimming spot, or taking in the fall colors on a scenic drive. With so many parks, waterways, and miles of trails nearby, getting outside doesn't require much planning—it's simply part of everyday life.
No matter the season, there's always another adventure waiting just around the corner.
Every season has something to look forward to.
One of the things locals appreciate most is getting to experience all four seasons.
Summer brings patio dining, farmers markets, festivals, and evenings spent on the river. Fall is known for colorful landscapes, crisp mornings, and some of the most beautiful drives in the state. Winter invites people to embrace snow-covered trails, skiing, skating, and cozy coffee shops, while spring brings fresh energy as the community heads back outdoors.
Not every place is lucky enough to experience all four seasons, and Eau Claire doesn't take its position for granted. Every season has its own personality, which means there's always something new to experience throughout the year.
There's always something on the calendar.
If there was one phrase that perfectly summed up the responses, it was this: "There is always something to do."
Whether it's a community festival, an art fair, a race, a food truck event, or a neighborhood celebration, the calendar is full year-round. Many locals mentioned that they love how easy it is to discover something new, even on an ordinary weekend. Music events make their return each summer, live entertainment takes the stage at the Pablo Center, and sports teams take the fields at Carson Park and The Sonnentag Center for another year of competition.
Be a part of the memories in Eau Claire, and keep an eye on our event calendar to plan your next outing!
Music is part of the culture.
Live music has become one of the defining parts of life in the 715, and it's heard in all forms.
Throughout the warmer months, music fills downtown streets, local parks, brewery patios, and more for summertime traditions. Nearly every night of the week, the parks around Eau Claire are filled with music fans and dancers for Sounds Like Summer, Tuesday Night Blues, and more concert series. And on the weekends, there's a good chance you'll catch live music at local wineries and bars around Eau Claire.
But it doesn't end there. On a larger scale, Eau Claire is known for its various music festivals throughout the summer, catering to fans of all genres. Events like Force Fields, Country Jam, Blue Ox Music Festival, and Campout in the Pines each draw in their own unique crowd and set the tone for the summer season.
It's one of the things that gives Eau Claire its unique personality and keeps people coming back. Follow the beat in Eau Claire, and discover the region's many music festivals here.
Kubb is more than just a game.
What started as a backyard lawn game has become one of the area's most recognizable traditions. Local tournaments and casual pickup games bring people together throughout the seasons, and it's not unusual to see groups playing in parks across the community.
Each July, the Kubb community comes together right here in Eau Claire, the Kubb capital of North America, for the U.S. Kubb Championships. Every year, hundreds of players put their game to the test, as well as celebrate the game in one of the world's most Kubb-friendly cities.
For many locals, kubb is one of those traditions that perfectly captures the welcoming, laid-back spirit of the 715.
Mornings at the farmer's market.
For many locals, a Saturday morning isn't complete without a trip to the Downtown Farmers Market in Phoenix Park.
Fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade products, live music, and friendly conversations all come together to create one of the community's favorite weekly traditions. It's a place to support local growers and makers, catch up with friends, and enjoy a slower pace before the weekend gets underway. It's easy to see why it remains one of the most frequently mentioned local favorites!
Breweries that bring people together.
The local brewery scene earned plenty of love, too—and not just because of the beer. Breweries throughout the 715 have become gathering places where people meet friends, enjoy live music, relax on the patio, or discover a new favorite brew. Each one has its own personality, but they all share the same welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to stay a little longer than planned.
Downtown favorites like the Brewing Projekt and Lazy Monk Brewing offer river views, food trucks, and seasonal events, while Leinie Lodge in Chippewa Falls is a crowd-favorite snapshot of the 715.
For many, they're as much about community as they are about craft beer. Discover some of the top breweries in the 715 here.
The people behind the local businesses.
Many people didn't just mention their favorite places—they emphasized the people who make those places special.
They talked about the shop owners who greet customers by name, the baristas who remember their morning order, and the artists and makers they look forward to seeing at local markets. It's the people who have worked their entire lives to provide Eau Claire with homemade goods, made-from-scratch recipes, and the unbeatable hospitality in all services.
Shopping local in the 715 isn't just about finding something unique; it's about supporting neighbors who genuinely care about the community they've helped build. That personal connection is something people value just as much as the businesses themselves.
After reading through all of the responses, one thing became clear: what people love most about the 715 isn't just a single place or attraction. It's the feeling of living somewhere with beautiful outdoor spaces, four distinct seasons, a full calendar of events, a thriving arts and music scene, and businesses where familiar faces are always nearby. It's a community that values gathering together, supporting local, and making the most of every season.
That's the spirit of the 715, and it's exactly why so many people are proud to call this place home.