Things to Do
Embark on the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour
We are not kidding when we say art is scattered all throughout our streets. The Sculpture Tour in Eau Claire runs between downtown Eau Claire and the Water Street District making it the number one largest sculpture tour in the nation! The sculptures get changed every year and the tour features 100+ sculptures made by local and international artists. Make it a scavenger hunt and see if you can find them all!
Snap a mural selfie
Murals, murals, murals! There is no shortage of those in Eau Claire. Various artists have literally left their mark on our city with their talent and style. While they add a pop of color to our buildings and streets, some even send a strong message to the public. Grab your camera because these are definitely worth an Instagram post. We want to see your mural selfies so tag us with #CaptureEC!
Catch a show at Pablo Center at the Confluence
Pablo Center at the Confluence is a place for far more than just visual arts. The center draws people and performances from far and wide. From Broadway shows and musicals to concerts and vocal performances, Pablo Center always delivers a line-up that sells out tickets. If you want to stick to roaming through visual art galleries, check their calendar for what artists are featured and when.
Visit Eau Claire Art Galleries
No matter if you're a seasoned art critic or a curious visitor with a passion for the arts, the art galleries in Eau Claire welcome art lovers of all levels. Each gallery also seems to offer something different, whether it's the art mediums or the gallery ambiance. Find a list of all the art galleries in Eau Claire here and plan your itinerary.
Take a pottery class at Half Moon Clay
Half Moon Clay, located inside the historic Banbury Place near downtown Eau Claire, is a ceramics studio led by skilled and passionate instructors and offers an incredibly warm atmosphere. Every workshop or session here offers a chance to discover the joy of shaping raw clay into a personalized masterpiece. Browse their website for different classes or sign up for an open studio membership where you can work independently!
Discover the River Prairie Trolls
Three very neat "Troll" sculptures can be found in River Prairie near Cowboy Jack's. Karl Johan Ekroth, the artist and mastermind behind this installation, comes from Sweden! The trolls are interactive - if you touch the right spot, the trolls come to life with beautiful music sounds.
Find live music
There certainly is no shortage of live music here in Eau Claire. During the summer, you can find it almost every single day of the week! Phoenix Park is home to Volume One's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, Owen Park hosts Tuesday Night Blues, and River Prairie keeps your Monday and Wednesday nights busy with Kickin' It Country and Rock'n On The River. Not to mention, there's a handful of businesses around Eau Claire that also serve as music venues and regularly have live music on their schedule.
Mark your calendars for Eau Claire's big annual art events
Eau Claire knows how to have a good time, and with that being said, our calendar is always full. There's a variety of large annual events that are made for art enthusiasts and people who just love a good time. Come party at our annual music festivals like Jazz Festival, Blue Ox, Country Jam, Country Fest or Rock Fest! Browse through a large art market at the annual Banbury Art Crawl in February or be in awe of amazing chalk art at UW-Eau Claire's ChalkFest every July! We can keep this list going' instead, browse our full list of annual events here.
Photo: Grand Avenue Cafe
Places to Eat
3rd & Vine
3rd & Vine crafts exquisite charcuterie boards that come topped with the finest cheeses and meats, sourced directly from producers. Each board in and of itself is a work of art, but 3rd & Vine also has local artwork for sale on their restaurant's walls. While here, pair your charcuterie board with one of their impressive selection of beers too!
Grand Avenue Cafe
This quaint little cafe located in downtown Eau Claire's West Grand District has art hanging all over its walls. When sipping your morning cup of coffee and savoring your bites of delicious bread pudding, scan the room to see if there is anything that you'd like to purchase and bring home with you!
Stella Blues
Stella Blues is known for its cajun-inspired menu and intimate atmosphere. After you finish your plate of jambalaya or gumbo, take a moment to appreciate the artwork hung on the walls.
French Press
The French Press is a haven for brunch enthusiasts and pastry lovers alike. As you indulge in a delicious meal or treat, notice the walls adorned with diverse art pieces that help make the French Press the charming and delightful little place that it is.
SHIFT
Need a place to go for a little creative boost? Try SHIFT. This is not your run-of-the-mill coffee shop. Yes - their coffee bar serves up some of the best brews around, but this place is also a full-service bicycle repair shop. Come here to get some work done, catch up with friends, or just simply be and relax and wait for inspiration to strike.
The Nucleus
Boasting a reputation as one of the best places to get breakfast or brunch in Eau Claire, The Nucleus is a must-stop when visiting our city. Beyond their delectable menu, their artful ambiance creates a cozy and inviting space for all to come and bask in.
Mona Lisa's
As you diners savor the culinary delights of Mona Lisa's, the art on the walls adds a touch of sophistication to this space, creating an immersive atmosphere that combines culinary and visual artistry for an unforgettable dinner. Renowned for its pasta and delectable seafood, Mona Lisa's is for the foodies who are seeking an elevated dining experience.
Goat Coffee House
The Goat Coffee House on Water St. in Eau Claire is widely loved by the students in the city considering its proximity to the UW-Eau Claire campus. Like many coffee shops, people come here to study, catch up on work, or meet friends. But what sets this particular coffee house apart from the others is their "Artist of the Month" series where they feature and sell a different artist's work at their shop.
Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin
Places to Stay
The Oxbow Hotel
The Oxbow Hotel is an art lover's dream. This modern lodge is located right in the heart of downtown Eau Claire giving you easy access to Eau Claire's top attractions and outdoor recreation offerings. Each room at the Oxbow Hotel comes with custom artwork and a record player. Upon checking in at the lobby, check out some vinyl to bring back up to your room!
The Lismore Hotel
If you're looking for a hotel in Eau Claire with a cool vibe, the Lismore is your place to be. Also located in downtown Eau Claire, the Lismore has everything you need right on site. It is home to ECDC - a coffee shop for your mornings, The Informalist, a dinner destination for your afternoon, and the Dive - a rooftop bar for your evenings.
Holiday Inn Express Eau Claire West
The Holiday Inn Express Eau Claire West hotel is conveniently located near many of Eau Claire's attractions and restaurants and is a short drive drive from access to I-94. Click here to learn more and book your stay!