Skip to main content
Eau Claire

Eau Claire travel guide

City and county seat of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin

Best time to visitAugust to September
Nearest airportEAU · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population69,421

About Eau Claire

Eau Claire is a city in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is the county seat of Eau Claire County. It is the seventh-most populous city in Wisconsin, with a population of 69,421 at the 2020 census. As of 2026 population signs show an increase to 74,309 residents. The Eau Claire metropolitan area, known locally as the Chippewa Valley, has approximately 176,000 residents.

Places to visit in Eau Claire

  1. Carson Park

    Park

    A peninsula park on Half Moon Lake with a historic baseball stadium, the Chippewa Valley Museum, a logging museum and a small steam railroad, plus lakeside paths for walking.

  2. Phoenix Park

    Park

    A riverfront park at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, home to a seasonal farmers market and summer concerts, with trail connections across the rivers.

  3. Pablo Center at the Confluence

    Entertainment

    A performing arts center on the riverfront hosting concerts, theater and art exhibits. It anchors the revitalized downtown, and its terraces overlook the meeting of the two rivers.

  4. Irvine Park

    Zoo

    In nearby Chippewa Falls, this large city park includes a free small zoo, gardens and walking paths. It makes an easy family outing alongside a visit to the Leinenkugel brewery.

Where to stay in Eau Claire

Popular hotels in Eau Claire, out of 31 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Eau Claire

Best time to visit Eau Claire

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Eau Claire is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 75–78°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 11° – 25° 3
Feb 14° – 33° 5
Mar 26° – 46° 8
Apr 36° – 55° 14
May 48° – 69° 14
Jun 58° – 77° 15
Jul 63° – 80° 13
Aug 60° – 78° 10
Sep 56° – 75° 9
Oct 44° – 62° 7
Nov 31° – 44° 8
Dec 13° – 27° 10

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Eau Claire weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 67° 41° 3%
  • Thu 22 Oct 71° 51° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 71° 52° 3%
  • Sat 24 Oct 73° 56° 16%
  • Sun 25 Oct 60° 48° 16%
  • Mon 26 Oct 48° 35° 13%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Eau Claire

These are the airports closest to central Eau Claire. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • EAU Chippewa Valley Regional Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Eau Claire

Getting around Eau Claire

Like most U.S. cities of its size, all Eau Claire offers by the way of mass transit is a relatively anemic municipal bus .mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] system. The buses have bike racks.

Eau Claire travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Eau Claire?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Eau Claire is August to September, when average daytime highs are around 75–78°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

What is the weather like in Eau Claire?

July is usually the warmest month in Eau Claire, with average highs of 80°F (27°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 11°F (-12°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 165 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Eau Claire?

Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Eau Claire.

What time zone is Eau Claire in?

Eau Claire uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Eau Claire?

Like most U.S. cities of its size, all Eau Claire offers by the way of mass transit is a relatively anemic municipal bus .mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] system. The buses have bike racks.

What are the best places to visit in Eau Claire?

Top sights in Eau Claire include Carson Park, Phoenix Park, Pablo Center at the Confluence and Irvine Park. A peninsula park on Half Moon Lake with a historic baseball stadium, the Chippewa Valley Museum, a logging museum and a small steam railroad, plus lakeside paths for walking.

Where should I stay in Eau Claire?

Popular areas for hotels in Eau Claire include Eau Claire Area and Chippewa Falls. Well-reviewed options include AmericInn by Wyndham Eau Claire and Hampton Inn Eau Claire.

How many hotels can I book in Eau Claire?

Destina Holidays currently lists 31 properties in and around Eau Claire, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.