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!
1. 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 26-27, 2025, 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! Refer to our blog to discover the best places around Eau Claire to watch the races and cheer on your favorite runners. If you're in need of running gear this season, stop at Blue Ox Running in downtown Eau Claire for the best gear on the market.
2. Pick out a plant from Down to Earth Garden Center
It's time to enter your gardening era! Down to Earth Garden Center has everything you need, from houseplants to shrubs, flower pots, trees, pots, soil, lawn decorations, and expert green thumbs to help you pick your next plant. Not only is the garden center filled with multiple greenhouses, but the facility also features a coffee shop and boutique with trendy, high-quality fashion pieces! Get a cozy coffee and brunch from Five & Two Cafe, and pick out a stunning spring outfit at the Mustard Seed Boutique or John Scott Men's Apparel!
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?!
4. 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 & Grill, Big T's Saloon, Court'n House Bar & Grill, The District Pub & Grill, Dooley's Pub, Galloway Grille, The Livery, Mogie's Pub & Restaurant, Cowboy Jack's, Stella Blues, Northern Tap House or 44 North. Better yet: check out our blog post "Best Places to Watch March Madness in Eau Claire" here.
5. Play a game of pickleball
Once the snow melts off the courts, it's game on! All around Eau Claire and the surrounding area, pickleball matches are in full swing all season long. McDonough Park is home to twelve courts and overlooks Dell's Pond in Eau Claire. Most days, Owen Park is full of pickleballers, as well as Fairway Park and Altoona City Park in the Altoona. Check out our full blog to see more places to play pickleball around Eau Claire!
6. 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! 2025's Jazz Festival is set to take place April 11-12, 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 2025 tickets!
7. Go fishing
Opening day for Wisconsin fishing is traditionally the first Saturday in May (Saturday, May 3, 2025). 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.
8. Go to the River Prairie Festival - Celebration of Art
The River Prairie Festival - Celebration of Art is slated to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, 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!
9. 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 she 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. With a variety of sustainable shopping experiences like Eau Claire Vintage, attractions like the Children's Museum of Eau Claire, and transportation services like Green Fleet, Eau Claire is on a quest to create an environmentally conscious destination for generations to come.
10. Dine at an Eau Claire fish fry
It wouldn't be springtime without a Friday night fish fry! Bars, supper clubs, and restaurants are crawling with fish lovers this time of year, as peak fish fry season is typically from late February through March/April. 4 Mile is located just outside of Eau Claire, hence the name, and is a hot spot for Friday night fish fries, as well as local bars like Court'n House, Amber Inn, and the District. Maybe play a round of golf in Eau Claire and have a fish dinner at the courses?!
11. Meet the wildlife at Beaver Creek Reserve
As animals are coming out of hibernation in Wisconsin, this family-friendly facility is the perfect place to greet the wildlife and welcome them for another season! Beaver Creek Reserve is the perfect springtime escape for nature lovers to explore the budding trails, spot wildlife, and learn about the nature and animals at the reserve. Click here to learn more about Beaver Creek Reserve and to discover classes, workshops, and other events taking place this season!
12. 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! 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, is hosting the 20th Annual Lambing Barn & Baby Farm Animals event! You can hold/pet sheep, goats, baby goats, piglets, 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 available March 22, 23, 29, 30, April 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, and 19, 2025. You will not want to miss out on this; it's pure cuteness overload!
