Eau Claire Spring Bucket List 

Locals are out walking the streets, browsing through local shops, enjoying restaurant outdoor patios, and exploring the best parts of spring in Eau Claire. So, it's time you get in on some of this too with a getaway to Eau Claire! It's a beautiful time of year and a new sense of happiness begins to sweep the city, so you won't want to miss out. Explore the Eau Claire Spring Bucket List, and find some of the best things to do in Eau Claire in the spring! 

Sales associate helping a women try on shoes at the Blue Ox Running Store

1. Get your walking/running gear from Blue Ox Running

Blue Ox Running is located in downtown Eau Claire and is the ideal shop to go for runners/walkers who are looking for the right shoes for every step of their way. Warmer weather calls for more opportunities to get active outside so you want to make sure you are equipped with the right gear. You are guaranteed to get quality expertise and premium products because the owners and operators of the store are runners themselves who definitely know a thing or two. 

A large crowd of runners participating in the Eau Claire Marathon

2. Run the Eau Claire Marathon

Speaking of running, this is one event you'll want to mark your calendars for whether you're running or not. Eau Claire Marathon Weekend will take place April 27-28, 2024, and will feature 6 different runs. Learn more about the weekend's schedule of events here, register, and start training! If you're more of a "cheer from the sidelines" kind of person, we need you here too with your cowbells, posters, and positive vibes! 

A family of 4 walking down Barstow Street looking at sculptures

3. Explore The Eau Claire Sculpture Tour

Every May, the sculptures placed all around the city that are featured in the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour get replaced by brand-new ones. A great way to start off the season is by taking a walk around Eau Claire and admiring all of the new public art that lines the streets. Of course, it is sad to see the old ones go, so make sure to vote for your favorite one to stay. The sculpture with the most votes becomes a permanent structure in Eau Claire. Did we mention that this is the largest sculpture tour in the nation?!

A group of people doing yoga outside at the River Prairie Festival in Altoona, WI

4. Go to the River Prairie Festival - Celebration of Art

The River Prairie Festival - Celebration of Art is slated to take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in River Prairie. While you're here, you can celebrate Mom too as it will be a fun thing to do during Mother's Day weekend. Expect live music, an artist market, food trucks,  and SO many more activities for kids of any age and families of any size. Learn more here and mark your calendars!

A group of friends sitting at the bar at Cowboy Jack's watching sports and having drinks

5. Watch March Madness games in a local bar & grill

Calling all basketball lovers! March Madness time is here! This is the tournament that means spring has sprung. Don't stress about where to watch the March Madness tournament; we got you covered! Pick one or multiple bars & grills from the following list to have your taste buds taken care of while you focus on the games. Some iconic Eau Claire places to catch the game are Amber Inn Bar & GrillBig T's SaloonCourt'n House Bar & GrillThe District Pub & GrillDooley's Pub, Galloway Grille, The LiveryMogie's Pub & Restaurant, Cowboy Jack'sStella BluesNorthern Tap House or 44 North. Better yet: check out our blog post "Best Places to Watch March Madness in Eau Claire" here.

A group of three people fishing on a raft in Eau Claire

6. Go Fishing

Opening day for Wisconsin fishing is traditionally the first Saturday in May (Saturday, May 4, 2024). Grab your rods and bait and head out fishing in Eau Claire to celebrate a new fishing season! Now you're probably wondering about the best places to go for certain kinds of fish and maybe have some other questions too. This fishing page will show you everything you need to know to make your day out on the water a successful one. 

Putnam Park Trail

7. Celebrate Earth Day 

There's a special day dedicated to celebrating the earth, but in reality, every day should be Earth Day. April 22 is the official day to show some appreciation for Mother Nature and all that it does. Home to several unique and beautiful parks and trails, Eau Claire is the perfect place to be when you want to enjoy the earth's offerings. This Earth Day, promise yourself to spend some time in our great outdoors and discover some of the best views wherever you go.

A band playing during the Eau Claire Jazz Festival at the Mousetrap in downtown Eau Claire

8. Experience the Eau Claire Jazz Festival

Get ready to watch downtown Eau Claire transform into a New York-esque jazz scene at the annual Eau Claire Jazz Festival! 2024's Jazz Festival is set to take place April 19-20, and the last thing you want to do is miss out on all this fun. Local shops and restaurants host various bands during the Jazz Crawl, but that's not all! Eau Claire's downtown streets come alive with the sound of jazz music as bands play and festival go-ers bust out their best swing dance moves. Learn more about the Eau Claire Jazz Festival here and get your 2024 tickets!

Cowboys Jack's at River Prairie in Altoona, WI

9. Dine Outside

Enjoy the nice weather by dining outside at one of the many restaurants or bars that have outdoor seating options. Soak up the sun while enjoying the delicious food the area has to offer. Plus, some places even allow you to bring your furry friend

A black bird perched on a tree branch

10. Do some bird-watching

If there's anyone that loves warmer weather and spring more than us, it's the little critters that inhabit our city as well! Eau Claire is certified as a Wisconsin "Bird City" meaning that we officially recognize the importance of birds as living components of a healthy community. Not only is Eau Claire certified, but so is our neighboring city of Altoona, WI. Head outside this season and see how many different bird species you can spot! Read this blog to discover some of the best spots to do some bird watching in the Chippewa Valley.

Bonus!

A young girl picking up young chicks at the Govin's Farm spring lambing barn

Govins Lambing Barn & Farm Babies

This event is TIME SENSITIVE so, plan accordingly! Each Spring, Govin's Farm in Menomonie, WI, just a short drive from Eau Claire, hosts their "Lambing Barn & Baby Farm Animals" event! You can hold/pet sheep, goats, baby goats, piglets, alpacas, and so much more! If you're lucky, you may even get to watch the miracle of labor right in front of your eyes! This event is only available the last three weekends of March (16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 29th, & 30th - closed on Easter Sunday) and the first few weekends of April (6th, 7th, 13th, & 14th) from 9 AM - 4 PM You will not want to miss out on this; it's pure cuteness overload!

Spring has sprung in Eau Claire! Show us your seasonal highlights using #CaptureEC.

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