What makes the 715 area code so notable? We asked, and you answered. As part of our 715 Week celebration, we turned to Instagram stories to hear directly from you: What do you love most about Eau Claire? The responses came flooding in, full of heart, hometown pride, and a shared love for the people, places, and moments that make this city so special. From our outdoor spaces and thriving local shops to free music nights, food truck hangouts, and the tight-knit community spirit that brings us all together—this is Eau Claire, as told by the people who know it best!
Small-Town Lifestyle, Big-City Opportunities
Life in the 715 strikes a rare balance of small-town charm and big-city pace, and it's a place that unites those who come from each background. It’s where the hometown feel runs deep, but so do the possibilities. You’ll find the charm of a small town around every corner, including family-owned businesses for generations, slow mornings getting inspired at coffee shops, and plenty of events that are the start of a big break.
Homegrown Silver Spring Foods
Rooted right here in the 715, Silver Spring Foods is a shining example of starting small and making it big. What started as a humble family farm just outside of Eau Claire, Silver Spring Foods is now the top horseradish grower and produce in the world. The products are sold in stores around the country and are all linked back to the fields of the 715.
A Broadway Experience at the Pablo Center
You don’t have to travel far for a Broadway-caliber night out, just head to the Pablo Center in downtown Eau Claire. With touring shows like Dear Evan Hansen and Hadestown, state-of-the-art theaters, and an unbeatable riverside location, it’s big-city entertainment with a small-town welcome.
Booming Music Festivals
The 715 is a music lover’s paradise, with festivals all summer long that turn quiet fields into epic stages. From country at Country Jam to bluegrass at Blue Ox, there’s a soundtrack for every kind of fan. Eau Claire's very own, Bon Iver, started out his career singing on stages throughout the city, and now he's a multi-grammy-winning artist who is still referencing his home roots in his music today.
A Flourishing Arts & Music Culture
The 715 is a big fan of Eau Claire's claimed titled of "Art Claire," and seeing the art work for yourself will win you over. This city is constantly buzzing with live music concert series in the parks, new murals being created, and, of course, the impressive sculpture tour. It's a hub for craft makers markets, visual and performing arts, and musicians taking the stage.
The Nation's Largest Sculpture Tour
With more than 130 sculptures on display each year, Eau Claire boasts the largest rotating sculpture tour in the country. The pieces are scattered throughout downtown, creating a walkable outdoor gallery that changes annually. It's a free and accessible way for families to see the city and introduce themselves to the world of art!
Bold Murals on Every Block
The buildings in the 715 double as canvases for talented artists. Colorful murals big and small decorate the city and tell stories for all to enjoy. Some are abstract while some are serene, but all are enjoyed by the locals and visitors that wander the streets of Eau Claire.
Captivating Live Music
From the riverbanks of Phoenix Park to the outdoor amphitheater in Altoona, live music is a staple of summer life in the 715. Series like Sounds Like Summer, Rock'n on the River, and Kickin’ It Country bring free weekly shows to open-air venues and unite music lovers of all ages. Plus, events like the Eau Claire Jazz Crawl and other annual music festivals keep the musical spirit lively year after year!
A Dynamic Outdoors Playground
Ask anyone what they love most about the 715, and chances are the outdoors will be at the top of their list. With a landscape shaped by winding rivers, rolling trails, and all four seasons in full display, this region is a natural playground for adventure seekers, casual explorers, and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re biking, paddling, playing fetch, or just breathing it all in, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the fresh air here.
A Connection of Bike Trails
Whether you're a casual cruiser or a serious cyclist, the 715 has miles of scenic bike trails to explore. The Chippewa River State Trail connects downtown Eau Claire to small towns and countryside views, while mountain bikers can hit the singletrack at Lowes Creek County Park or Northwest Park.
A River City
The Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers aren’t just for admiring—they’re for paddling, fishing, or simply lounging nearby. In the summer, kayakers and tubers float past murals and under bridges in the heart of downtown.
Dog-Friendly Spaces
The 715 is a pup’s paradise. Many parks and patios welcome dogs with open arms (and water bowls), and places like Otter Creek Off-Leash Dog Park and the River Prairie dog park offer plenty of room to roam. Plus, with dog-friendly trails and even pet-centered events, your furry friend is always invited.
Parks for Every Season
From sledding and skating in the winter to splash pads and picnics in the summer, the parks here are built for year-round fun. Hike at Tower Ridge in the fall, snowshoe through Pinehurst Park in January, or catch a concert in River Prairie Park in the summer. Every season brings a new way to play outside in the 715.
Where Families Feel At Home
When we ask what people love about Eau Claire, an answer we hear again and again is how family-friendly the region is. This is the kind of place where kids grow up riding bikes on trails, splashing in fountains, and picking apples straight from the tree. It’s big enough to keep things exciting, but small enough that you’ll run into friends at the park, the library, and the Saturday farmers market. Raising a family here just feels right. And with no shortage of attractions built just for families, it's no wonder why everyone falls in love with this city!
An Innovative Children's Museum
Imagination takes the wheel at the Children’s Museum, where pint-sized scientists, chefs, and adventurers can play their way through interactive exhibits. It’s bright, bold, and right in the heart of downtown. It's perfect for rainy days, spontaneous outings, or burning off some of that endless kid energy!
Water Parks That Make a Splash
Whether you’re chasing thrills or just floating along, Eau Claire’s got you covered. Metropolis Resort is packed with waterslides, an indoor waterpark, and even laser tag for year-round fun. In the summer, Stoney Creek’s outdoor water park is the place to be, complete with a lazy river, splash zones, and plenty of sunshine.
Apple Orchards for All
Fall in the 715? It’s practically a storybook. Families flock to orchards like Ferguson’s and Leffel Roots for apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and cider donuts that taste like pure autumn joy. These orchards and fall attractions start the beginning of family traditions and look forward to welcoming guests each and every year!
Top Parks & Playgrounds
From the imaginative Four Treasures Adventure Park to Carson Park’s lakeside playgrounds, there’s no shortage of places to climb, run, slide, and explore. With splash pads, picnic spots, and wide-open green spaces all over town, families are building memories all over the region!
A Sense of Community
There’s something undeniably special about the way Eau Claire brings people together. Whether it's for an annual event or festival, supporting local businesses, or gathering for free events hosted in Eau Claire, locals and visitors have an unwavering feeling of safety, closeness, and support from their community.
Shopping small & local
In Eau Claire, shopping local isn’t just encouraged, it’s celebrated. Downtown is lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques, vintage shops, and cozy bookstores where every purchase supports a neighbor. Add in the bustling Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market, and it’s easy to see why locals take pride in keeping it local.
Free music brings people together
From warm summer nights at Phoenix Park’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series to live shows at restaurants and lounges, Eau Claire’s music scene has a way of pulling people in. These free events turn parks into dance floors, picnic spots, and community gathering spaces where all are welcome.
Food truck events
What some may view as another night out for dinner, Eau Claire views as a summertime tradition. Food Truck Fridays showcase more than ten different cuisines, desserts, and flavors from different cultures, and foodies gather in Phoenix Park along the Chippewa River for summertime. Plus, food trucks parking outside of Eau Claire's breweries and wineries tie the foodie scene to the widely-loved beer culture in the 715.