4th of July in Eau Claire, WI
Experience the epitome of summer in Eau Claire, WI during the 4th of July! Your long weekend will be jam-packed with fun things to do throughout the city. You'll get to watch the sky light up with fireworks, explore Eau Claire's waterways, and maybe even squeeze in a baseball game in your getaway itinerary too! Here are the top things to do during the July 4th weekend in Eau Claire, WI as we come together to celebrate our independence!
1. Grab your tubes and float down the Chippewa River
There's no better way to beat the summer heat in Eau Claire than with a float down the river. Locals typically launch their tubes at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers in Phoenix Park or at River Prairie. Once you're in the water, you'll enjoy a nice scenic float through downtown Eau Claire and the Water St. District. You can find a river exit point at Hobb's Landing and depending on how fast the current is flowing, launching at Phoenix Park and getting out at Hobb's is approximately a 45 minute-1 Hour float. We're all about the fun, but we can't forget about the safety! Make sure you have personal flotation devices on hand and wear sunscreen. Before you go, get your hands on the Chippewa River Water Trail map that will tell you exactly where to go and how to be safe!
Loopy's in the Town of Wheaton is also home to river floating tubes and shuttle services for the perfect summertime activity. Head to the bar, pick up your tubes, and catch a shuttle ride to the boat landing to float back to the bar and restaurant. Once you're back, enjoy a cold beer at the tiki bar overlooking the Chippewa River.
2. Experience the Eau Claire Farmers Market
The 4th of July weekend is known for grilling, cooking, and hosting some sweet home barbecues. Why not do it using all locally grown products? Get all the ingredients you may need with a trip to Eau Claire's Downtown Farmers Market in Phoenix Park! From fruits to vegetables, to the meat you'll put on the grill, the Farmers Market will supply! Consider having your 4th of July festivities at any of the parks in Eau Claire! Parks like Lowes Creek, Coon Fork Lake, and Lake Eau Claire County Park have grills for their visitors to use as well. Maybe even grab a bouquet of flowers from the farmers market too to use as a centerpiece for your picnic table!
3. Go fishing on the Rivers or Lakes
Half Moon Lake on a nice summer day is the ideal place to cast your rod and do some fishing. This lake near Carson Park is known for Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, and Walleye. If you're up for more adventure, take your boats down the Chippewa River or Eau Claire River, and let the water be your guide! Everything else you need to know about fishing in the Eau Claire waters is all right here.
4. Get tickets to an Eau Claire Express baseball game
The 4th of July and baseball... sounds pretty patriotic to us! The Eau Claire Express will have a game on Thursday, July 4th against the Mankato MoonDogs starting at 5:05 PM at Carson Park. Get your tickets and come on out to the fields to end your 4th of July weekend with a home run!
5. Enjoy a delicious dinner with great views at River Prairie
Party like it's 1776 and head over to any of the River Prairie restaurants for not only a good meal, but a good time. They all offer some form of outdoor seating along with sweet views of the Eau Claire River. You can put the "happy" into Happy Hour at Cowboy Jack's, play games after dinner at 44 North's arcade, or get a caffeinated pick-me-up from Cabin Coffee.
6. Sign up for a 4th of July race
Kick off your Independence Day in Eau Claire with a burst of energy at the f-EAU-rth of July 5K! This festive run is perfect for all ages and fitness levels, offering a scenic course, patriotic vibes, and a lively community atmosphere. It's a fantastic way to start your holiday with a sense of accomplishment and fun. Visit our races page to see more events in Eau Claire!
7. Watch the fireworks
This is one activity you cannot skip when celebrating the 4th of July! Eau Claire's fireworks will take off from The High Bridge on July 4, 2025, at 10 PM and will be choreographed to patriotic music. To discover the best places to view fireworks in Eau Claire, check out our "Top Five Places to Watch The Fireworks" blog. Our neighbors in Altoona, WI will have their Independence Day celebration at Cinder City Park on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Fireworks will start at 10 PM!
Bonus! Hop aboard the 4th of July Chippewa River Trolley
All aboard for a star-spangled adventure through Eau Claire! This Independence Day, the Chippewa River Trolley invites you to celebrate with a festive 90-minute ride filled with hometown charm, patriotic tunes, and rich local history. Departing from The Local Store, you'll journey past historic homes and landmarks, hear tales of the city's industrial past, and marvel at modern developments. The tour is offered throughout the day on July 4, 2025, and will have you back in time to catch the fireworks!