Sure, the beer is worth the trip—but why stop there? Summer in the Eau Claire region is packed with ways to keep the good times flowing long after your visit to Leinie Lodge. Spend the afternoon floating the river, hop on a bike and cruise the Chippewa River State Trail, cheer on the Eau Claire Express, dance to live music under the stars, or wrap up the day with a classic Wisconsin fish fry. Make a weekend of your brewery visit and explore more things to do in Eau Claire after your Leinie Lodge tour – You'll find that some of the best summer memories are waiting just down the road.
This blog is sponsored by Leinie Lodge
Catch an Eau Claire Express game
Nothing goes together better than beer and baseball. Located at the historic Carson Park in Eau Claire, the Eau Claire Express baseball team takes the field through the summer for America's favorite pastime. Home games are played regularly from late May through early August, making it easy to catch a game during your visit to the Chippewa Valley. Click here to view the full Express schedule.
Grab a hot dog, settle into the grandstands, and experience the energy and excitement of this lively, family-friendly tradition in Eau Claire. Between themed nights, promotions, postgame activities, and affordable tickets, every game offers something a little different. It's the perfect way to spend a warm Wisconsin night after your visit to Leinie Lodge!
Float the Chippewa River
Trade your pint for a paddle—or a tube—and experience one of the area's favorite summer traditions. Floating the Chippewa River offers a relaxing way to soak up the sunshine while taking in beautiful river scenery and sandy shorelines.
Just down the road from Leinie Lodge, you can put in your river tubes at the Chippewa Falls boat landing and make the float to Loopy's Grill and Saloon. Or, in downtown Eau Claire, the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers is a popular launch point for water activities and offers more views of downtown Eau Claire.
Check out our kayaking or tubing page for floating routes and more information!
Go biking along the Chippewa River State Trail
Stretch your legs and explore the Chippewa Valley by bike on the scenic Chippewa River State Trail. This paved trail offers a beautiful ride between downtown Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, winding through forests, wetlands, farmland, and peaceful river views along the way. At roughly 15 miles one way, it's a popular route for cyclists looking to turn their brewery visit into a full-day adventure. And if you're looking for a ride with a little extra assistance, e-bike rentals are available at the Local Store in downtown Eau Claire.
Stop for lunch, local shopping, or a craft beverage in either community before hopping back on the trail for the return trip. Whether you're an avid cyclist or simply looking for a leisurely ride, it's the best way to get the whole family outside and exploring the region!
Find a fish fry dinner
No trip to Wisconsin is complete without experiencing a classic fish fry. Crispy cod, homemade sides, rye bread, coleslaw, and an Old Fashioned or local beer are staples that locals look forward to every week! Favorites like 4 Mile Restaurant & Bar in Eau Claire have built a loyal following for their Friday fish fry, while nearby supper clubs and neighborhood taverns throughout Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls each put their own spin on the tradition.
There's an entire collection of fish fry restaurants and bars in the Eau Claire region – view them all here, and plan your next bite!
Dance at live concert series
Summer in the Eau Claire region has its own soundtrack, and chances are you'll find it playing somewhere outdoors. With riverside stages in Eau Claire and community parks in Altoona, free concert series fill the calendar with everything from country and rock to blues, jazz, and local indie artists. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, grab dinner from a nearby patio or food truck, and settle in for an evening of live music under the Wisconsin sky.
Check out the complete guide to summer concert series here, and better yet, check out music festivals taking place all summer long near Eau Claire!