Winter Recreation Path
Looking for ways to stay active this winter season in Eau Claire? This 4-mile winter recreation path is plowed with high priority after snow events making it the perfect route for you to use when you need to get outside for some cool, fresh air. Just bundle up with a good pair of shoes, some toasty mittens, and a good coat and you are to be well on your way! You can walk, jog, or run the route. But, do it all with your eyes wide open! There are lots of iconic places in Eau Claire that you pass by while on this path; keep scrolling to check them out!
Photo: The Nucleus Cafe
Places to Eat Along the Route
Court'n House
Stop into Court'n House for lunch or dinner while on your evening walking along the Winter Route! Court'n House serves some of Eau Claire's best burgers, fish fries, Bloody Marys, cheese curds, and other appetizers.
Dooley's Pub
Located on Water Street, Dooley's Pub is a traditional Irish pub that has been offering a one-of-a-kind experience in Eau Claire since 2005. All year long, stop in for lunch and drinks while cheering on Wisconsin sports teams, taking place in challenges & giveaways, and more fun at Dooley's!
The Goat Coffee House
Want a hot coffee to accompany your walk along the Winter Route? The Goat Coffee House has you covered! This Water Street coffee shop is a hot spot for students grabbing their cup of joe before heading to campus. Be a part of the morning hustle while on your Winter Route walk, and grab some specialty drinks and breakfast from the Goat!
Mogie's Pub
If you haven't noticed yet, the Water Street stretch of the Winter Route is filled with delicious dining options, and Mogie's is one of the best! Mogie's Pub offers a friendly, casual atmosphere and serves some of the best burgers and appetizers in town. Our advice: finish up your cool walk/run on the Winter Route with a basket of warm Spuds O'Plenty at Mogie's!
The Nucleus Cafe & Racy D'Lenes Coffee House
Our idea of a perfect winter day in Eau Claire includes heading to breakfast at The Nucleus Cafe, grabbing a coffee drink at Racy D'Lenes, and hopping on the Winter Route right in the cafe's backyard! Get a good base for the day with breakfast sandwiches, skillets, or crepes at The Nucleus, and have a tasty seasonal coffee for your morning stroll.
Roadside Ice Cream & Diner
Even in the winter season, it's never too cold for ice cream! Even if you aren't feeling a cold treat at Roadside Ice Cream & Diner, this restaurant serves burgers, sandwiches, fries, tacos, and many more diner food favorites, and it is conveniently located right along the Winter Route.
Valley Burger Company
Take a slight detour off of the Winter Route to get a taste of some of the best burgers in Eau Claire! As a matter of fact, the locals would say that Valley Burger Company is the best in town. Luckily, this burger joint is located just off the Winter Route for the perfect lunch and dinner spot!
Photo: Token Jewelry
Places to Shop Along the Route
ADC Boutique
This Water Street boutique has all the trendy clothing items you'll need this season! Check out ADC Boutique for women's clothing and accessories, home decor, and even fresh coffee served at the boutique every day.
Dotters Books
If you're looking for a quiet and relaxing shop to browse through on your winter walk, take a detour across the Chippewa River and explore Dotters Books in downtown Eau Claire! This bookstore is new to downtown Eau Claire and offers genres for readers of all ages!
Token Jewelry
Right off of the Winter Route, you'll find Token Jewelry on West Grand Avenue. Shop for all the jewelry lovers in your life at this beautiful little shop, and snap a photo in front of the mural on the side of the shop's building!
Photo: UWEC Footbridge
Picturesque Stops Along the Route
Owen Park
Seeing Owen Park's giant trees covered in snow is a sight you won't want to miss! Whether you stop in Owen Park to admire the snow or play a game of Kubb, you're sure to take in beautiful winter views at this spot along the Winter Route in Eau Claire. You can even take in the scenery of the icy Chippewa River while strolling through Owen Park!
Phoenix Park Bridge
No matter what time of year it is, you can't beat the stunning sight of the bridges lit up in Phoenix Park. If you're strolling along the Winter Route in the late evening, stop on the trail to see the bridge lit up in rainbow colors!
Sculpture Tour
As you explore the Winter Route, you'll undoubtedly run into incredible art pieces on the Eau Claire Sculpture Tour. This is the largest sculpture tour in the nation with impressive pieces created by local and nonlocal residents. On your winter walk or run, see some of the tour's most iconic sculptures on Water Street, Grand Avenue, Lakeshore Elementary School, UWEC Campus, and more!
UWEC Campus
See Wisconsin's most beautiful campus in its winter glory while on the Winter Route. Get views of the campus and the UWEC footbridge from the north side of the river, or trek across the UWEC footbridge, one of the coldest locations in Wisconsin, and see the snowy campus up close!