Beaver Creek Reserve
The outdoors are calling, and adventure is waiting! Explore and observe over 400 acres of woods, rivers, and marshes at Beaver Creek Reserve in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Here at the reserve, learn about the natural environment that makes up the Chippewa Valley and Eau Claire area, and get to know the various animals that occupy the region. As the seasons change, become familiar with the nature that surrounds us in Eau Claire— see birds migrate in the spring, watch caterpillars transform into butterflies in the summer, catch the gorgeous leaves change color in the fall, and take on the recreation trails in the winter! Journey through Beaver Creek Reserve, and meet the wildlife that calls Wisconsin "home."
Things to Do at Beaver Creek Reserve
Butterfly House
Every summer, Beaver Creek Reserve turns into a dreamy and whimsical habitat in the Butterfly House! Starting July 5 through Labor Day Weekend, meet the butterflies that inhabit the Chippewa Valley. If you're lucky, a butterfly may land on you for the perfect photo opportunity!
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
If you'd like to explore the region on water routes, Beaver Creek Reserve offers water equipment rentals to venture on the Eau Claire River! Kayaks can be rented by members for $15 or non-members for $40. Canoes are available for overnight camp rentals at Beaver Creek Reserve.
Scheels Discovery Room
Located in the Wise Nature Center, the Scheels Discovery Room is home to various educational animals! Get a peek at the snakes, turtles, frogs, and more animals that live around Wisconsin. Step onto the outdoor observation deck for bird watching and a chance to see animals in the wild!
Stargazing at Hobbs Observatory
Explore not only the nature and animals of the Chippewa Valley but the night sky, too! Throughout the year, Hobbs Observatory welcomes the public to stargaze and observe the vast galaxies above. Public viewing is available on clear Saturday evenings from May through October, and it starts about 30 minutes after sunset. Beaver Creek Reserve even offers free telescope rentals to members or $20 rentals for non-members!
Take the Trails
Here at the reserve, you can journey off on 9 miles of groomed hiking trails for a true wilderness experience! Stroll along a 1/4 mile paved Storybook Hiking Trail to see an illustrated children's book every season, or find longer hiking paths for more advanced hikers on South Campus. Beaver Creek Reserve also rents out Access Ability Wisconsin's All Terrain Outdoor Wheelchair that can be used at the reserve or taken off-site!
Winter at Beaver Creek Reserve
Beaver Creek Reserve doesn't slow down when winter hits; they embrace all-new adventures with the changing seasons! When snow hits the ground, set off on the cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails throughout the reserve. Snowshoes and cross-country skis are available to rent for $3 for members or $10 for non-members (For cross-country skiing, boots skis, and poles are included in the rental). Each winter, Beaver Creek Reserve also conducts an annual bird count around the area, and they welcome volunteers to assist in counting efforts! While the nature center hosts many bird sessions throughout the winter, you can also find events and informational workshops involving beekeeping, maple syrup making, winter animals, cross-country ski lessons, candlelit snowshoe hikes, crafting activities, and more! Keep up to date with activities happening at Beaver Creek Reserve and other events in Eau Claire with our event calendar.
Beaver Creek Reserve General Admission
Children: $3 (Age 15 & Under)
Adults: $5
Under 2 years old: FREE
Membership programs available
Beaver Creek Reserve Hours
Nature Center: Mon-Sat 9 AM - 4 PM, Sun Noon - 4 PM
Observatory: Clear Sat Nights May - Oct, 30-45 minutes after sunset for 2 hours or until 11 PM
Butterfly House: Jul 5 - Sep 4, Mon-Sat 11 AM - 3 PM, Sun Noon - 3 PM