Winter Thrive Guide 2022

Winter THRIVE guide THRIVE Winter

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Winter THRIVE guide THRIVE Winter

BEEN THERE, DONE FAT

a fatbiking enthusiast gives the skinny on pedaling through the winter

If you already enjoy biking during the warmer months and are curious about how to give winter fatbiking a try, let’s unpack this fatbiking thing.

Fatbikes open up a new world of places to ride (not to mention an entire winter season) because of the extra tire width that rolls right over all the junk you can’t ride over with even a typical mountain bike. In general, fatbike tires are between 4 and 5 inches which gives you extra flotation and traction to confidently ride on really soft surfaces like snow and sand.

Fatbiking during the winter can be a great way to enjoy the outdoor beauty while staying active doing something you already enjoy during the summer months.

GETTING A FATBIKE

If you want to ride anything other than paved and plowed city streets, you really do need a fatbike for biking in the snow. Nearly every bike shop is selling fatbikes in the cold states like Wisconsin, and they’ve come down in price as they become more and more mainstream.

If you’re eager to try a fatbike adventure but aren’t ready to drop the cash, local bike shops are a great place to check for weekend rentals.

WHAT GEAR YOU NEED

Assembling the gear you need for winter fatbiking can look a little daunting, but you probably already have almost all the gear you need right in that haphazard winter bin of yours that’s spilling out of the closet. The three most critical things you need to keep warm are your head, hands, and feet. Do you have warm winter snow boots and thick winter gloves? Great! Now let’s talk about keeping that ol’ noggin of yours warm. You’ll need a warm hat, duh, but most winter hats won’t fit under a helmet. This is where you’ll either need to cut that pom pom off your hat or else find a warm, thin, and windproof hat to fit

under your helmet.

From there, just dress like you would for any other winter sport with bonus points for anything windproof. Wool socks, festive patterned long undies, and the winter coat you already own will all be perfect.

If you want to take it a step further, a good headlight goes a long way in a dark winter, and so do studded tires to keep you from slipping on ice.

WHERE TO RIDE

The easy answer is: anywhere you would normally ride in the summer is going to be fun on a fatbike.

But here are my favorite places to recommend fatbiking:

1. Mountain Bike Trails: A lot of local mountain bike trails are groomed specifically for fatbiking and are delightful to cruise on after Mother Nature has painted the pine trees with glistening snow and the

low evening sun is casting a golden glow in the distance and you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. CORBA is a local mountain biking club that maintains and lists all of the local trails for fatbiking, and my website The Nxrth has a fatbike trail map with every fatbiking trailhead in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula if you’re looking to explore farther out.

2. City Trails: Wintertime in the city can be slightly magical and riding the city trails and side roads can be just as fun as being out in the woods. Even better? You can stop at a coffee shop for some coffee to warm up.

3. Races and Events: Fatbike races are a great way to find a new community and have something on your calendar to look forward to when winter gets depressing. And honestly, who is even actually racing anyway? Not me, that’s who. I

do a few races but mostly just enjoy riding new terrain, meeting new people, and the energy of riding with a group of people and sitting around a fire with hot cocoa afterwards. All that to say, don’t let the “race” part of “racing” scare you. The Nxrth maintains a complete list of all the fatbike races and events in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula if you want to explore something new.

Winter fatbiking is slower-paced than summer biking, but it’s a simple way to find new adventures in new places this winter. Buy, rent, or borrow a fatbike, put on your warmest winter booties, and see for yourself what a great winter sport it is.

Josh Rizzo of Eau Claire is an avid, rear-round biker and founder of TheNxrth.com, which covers gravel, fat, and bikepacking in the Northwoods of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the U.P.

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5 WINTER AIRBNB GETAWAYS AROUND THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY

SOME OF THE COOLEST airbnbs RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARD

HYTTE HOUSE | COLFAX

4.6/5 stars

2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath

$220/night

ors and unique pops of farmhouse detail fulfilling any cottage-seeker’s dreams.

Fitted with an outdoor fire pit near the dock at Elk Creek’s edge, the cottage is situated near the dam too, making for stunning views in the winter when it’s frozen over or flowing with ice. Perfect for a duo or small group of friends, this is the getaway in the Valley’s backyard we’ve all been looking for.

cabin’s land. The cabin sleeps up to four thanks to the loft and futon –although there’s plenty of room for tents to be pitched – has a porch for rockin’ and an outdoor fire pit with a tripod for cooking.

Cell coverage is hit-or-miss and folks will need to bring their own linens, something to hold any garbage since there’s no dumpster on site, and water since the cabin isn’t equipped with its own source.

on top of neighboring homes.

THE SAP HOUSE | MONDOVI

5/5 stars

1 BEDROOM, 2 BEDS, 1 BATH $192/night

THE LILY PAD | CHIPPEWA FALLS

A perfect meeting of intentional rustic and neutral mod, this Nordic-inspired cabin on the lake is a dream getaway for any small group. With almost 70 reviews and an average rating of 4.6/5 stars, this Airbnb has several beds, a screened-in back porch, a driveway fit for about two cars, and is decorated for total chic and cozy comfort.

With lofted ceilings, polished concrete floors, warm decor, and plentiful seating, the home is also a couple of minutes drive from supper clubs, breweries, and just steps from the shores of Tainter Lake.

OFF-GRID KICKBACK | ELK MOUND

5/5 stars

1 bedroom, 1 outhouse $120/night

HiSTORIC COTTAGE ON ELK CREEK |

EAU CLAIRE

4.8/5 stars

2 bedrooms, 3 beds, 1 bath

$200/night

This historic cottage is a true gem overlooking Elk Creek on the edge of town, offering a homey, kitschy vibe that is sure to completely whisk you away from whatever is awaiting you back at home. An almost oddball-style flair greets you inside with warm col-

Looking for a real in-the-woods cabin experience? Look no further!

This tiny home-style cabin is an off-the-grid getaway dream, fitted with solar-powered lights and a gas fireplace, a loft bedroom, and wrapped by a Class 1 trout stream.

The cabin is non-motorized only, meaning folks can park off-site about 200-300 feet away, but not right up onto the

new

4 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2 baths $350/night

A retro dreamscape, The Lily Pad is just 10 steps from Lake Wissota’s shore and allows folks to step into a different time inside. Pink walls line the kitchen and its patent red, diner-style seating, the neutrals-only living room is plentiful with mod seating, and adorably decorated bedrooms and pastel bathrooms finish out the vibe.

Retro meets modern at The Lily Pad, its semi-hidden appliances and amenities fit for the millennium but decorated with retro-deco flair that’ll make just about any nostalgia seeker’s heart sing.

The surrounding property is pretty impressive too, meaning patrons won’t feel like they’re right

With a near 360º view of the surrounding dense woods, this tiny home is in its own little world, making for the perfect peace-and-quiet getaway. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Eau Claire, the Sap House was intentionally placed to offer a calm and quiet oasis, situated down a quarter-mile driveway with no other homes in sight. It also offers two miles of recreational trails, a porch, and a fire pit with the tools you’d need for a campfire meal topped off with s’mores.

The kitchenette is fitted with basics such as plates, cups, silverware, a microwave and sink, and more, while eight feet of windows wrap around the queen-sized bed for stunning views. The full bath has a composting toilet, spacious shower and bath, and a rainfall shower head.

Visit volumeone.org for links to these getaways and visit Airbnb. com to check out these getaways and more.

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WINTER RUNNING AND ... BEER?

It can be difficult for some folks t o get their bodies up and moving about during our frigid Wisconsin winters, especially when there’s a warm couch and cold beer inside to enjoy. The Hash House Harriers have found the answer to that too-easy slump, right here in the Chippewa Valley: They’ve hit the trifecta, meshing beer, exercise, and camaraderie into one.

The local Hash House Harriers group not only gets together monthly to go on a beer-crawl style run but they also host the area’s summer Beer Mile and Annual Snowshoe Beer Mile events over at Fox Run Tavern, their biggest and most well-known events. But the group’s beginnings are humble ones, and after hitting a slump during the initial years of COVID-19 that they haven’t quite recovered from, the Hash House Harriers are hoping to get back to it in the new year.

Started by Tim McManus around 2015, the group grew from word-ofmouth and its Facebook page before McManus moved to Green Bay a couple of years after its founding. Aaron Walczak, a local teacher who joined the Hash House Harriers at its beginning, and Joe Bluma, who joined in 2017 after graduating from UW-Eau Claire, have taken the reins since, leading the group’s Friday runs and events like the Beer Mile.

Folks may be wondering: Why the heck are they mixing beer and running?

Well, Joe makes the duo sound pretty darn logical. “You get thirsty, you’re burning calories and you need to replenish them, so beer’s a good way to do that,” he explained. “If every mile is about 100-150 (calories burned) and every beer is about 100 calories plus electrolytes and carbs, it’s pretty good.”

Really, though, it’s the camaraderie of the group that makes it so fun, Joe and Aaron said. “I think it’s the silliness of the socializing,” Joe explained. “It’s the perfect

mix of the three: socializing, you get some beer and you get exercise.”

Aaron explained it’s really not such a ridiculous idea once you break down their usual routes. They aren’t pounding five beers back-toback and then sprinting a mile, but rather meeting up at a local bar as a group, maybe having one beer to start, and then running to the next bar and ending after about 1.5 miles or so.

“It’s more of an outlet for fun,” Aaron said. “It reminds people there are fun things to do, and it doesn’t have to be over the top.”

The duo is currently gearing up for this snowy season’s Beer Mile, slated for Saturday, Feb. 18. Likely to be held at Fox Run as it has been the past few seasons, the local Beer Mile is free for anyone to sign up for and participate in, with the cost of the beers being the only outright fee. There are a handful of rules to follow, but the chance for a beerfilled shot at glory is one reason participants are eager to take a whack at it.

“We set up tables outside the edge of the course – usually set up by Aaron and myself over at Fox Run – and each person buys their four beers from Fox Run. When the gun goes off to start running, you crack a beer and drink, run a quarter mile, crack another beer, run another quarter mile,” Joe explained. “(By the end) it’s one mile and four beers.”

With running snowshoes strapped on, with a fair share of participants rocking goofy outfits for the winter run, the winter Beer Mile is the quintessential Chippewa Valley event: beer, good company, and some outdoor recreation.

The group does other events too, like the Tower Relay event (inspired by a college drinking game) and more.

Keep up with them on Facebook by looking up Eau Claire Hash House Harriers and sign up for the winter Beer Mile online.

IT DOESN'T GET MUCH MORE WISCO THAN THE E.C. HASH House HARRIERS

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WINTER FUN EVENTS

KUBB DROP-IN Every Monday from Jan. 2 2023 to Feb. 20 2023, 6-7pm • Pinehurst Park, 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • FREE • Ages 15+ • v1ec.com/ev415866 Join EC Parks & Rec for drop-in free Kubb.

CROKICURL (OPEN PLAY) Every Wednesday from Jan. 4 2023 to Feb. 22 2023, 4-7pm • Pinehurst Park, 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • FREE • 6+ • v1ec.com/ ev415869 Join EC Parks & Rec for drop-in free Crokicurl.

91ST ANNUAL FLYING EAGLES INVITATIONAL Jan.7-8 2023 • Mt. Washington Ski Hill, Menomonie St and Mt. Washington Ave., Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • v1ec.com/ ev415882 Celebrate Eau Claire’s longstanding nordic ski culture. Watch the best of the best around the world compete in ski jumping, nordic ski, cross-country, and more. Full schedule, shuttle details, and location information availableonline. No on-site parking. Shuttles leave and return to Carson Park.

MAKE YOUR OWN SNOWSHOES Jan. 7, 9:30am-3:30pm; Jan. 8, 9:30am-3:30pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • Members: $210 Non-Members: $230 •

All Ages • v1ec.com/ev413301 Make your own pair of traditional, wooden snowshoes in this two-day workshop. Choose from one of three styles of snowshoes: Green Mountain bear paw (10” x 36”), Alaskan trail shoe (10” x 56”) or the all-purpose Ojibwa style (11” x 54”).

SNOWSHOE CLINICS Jan. 9, 5-5:45pm; Jan. 18, 5-5:45pm; Feb. 2, 5-5:45pm; Feb. 9, 5-5:45pm • Pinehurst Park, 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • FREE • 6+ • v1ec.com/ ev415872 Join EC Parks & Rec for drop-in clinics to learn how to use snowshoes.

EVENING EXPLORATION Jan. 9, 6:307:30pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $5-7, Register by 1/8 • Children 10-12 (5th-7th grade) • v1ec.com/ ev413310 A BCR naturalist will guide budding scientists through an interactive evening hike. Explore how night time affects senses. Dress for weather.

SNOWBOARDING INSTRUCTION Wednesdays Jan. 11 - Feb. 1, 5-5:50pm & 6-6:50pm • Pinehurst Park, 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • $28 fee, $18 city resident • v1ec.com/ev415859 Learn to snowboard. Bring your own snowboard. Ages 7-12 at 5pm, Ages

13+ at 6pm. Pre-registration required.

CANDLELIGHT SNOWSHOE HIKE Jan. 13, 6-7:30pm, 7:30-9:30pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • Members: $7 Non-Members: $10 Rental Fee: $3 • All Ages • v1ec.com/ev413321 Candles and moonlight illuminate the way as you explore the trail by snowshoe, followed by warm campfire and hot chocolate.

ALTOONA PARKS AND RECREATION CROKICURL LEAGUE Every Tuesday from Jan. 17 2023 to Feb. 21 2023, 7-9pm • River Prairie Park, 1419 Front Porch Place, Altoona • $44 • v1ec.com/ev415877 Open to two-person teams consisting of adults 18+. The number of games played is based on registration. League is limited to 12 teams.

BRAXTON’S BOBBER BASH Jan. 21, 9am-3pm • Menomin Park, Red Cedar St., Menomonie • $30 adults, $20 kids • v1ec.com/ ev415509 Ice fishing tournament. Event t-shirt with registration by 1/6. Prizes in five fish categories, raffle prizes, 50/50 raffle, heated tent, concessions. Proceeds benefit Star Legacy Foundation, dedicated to stillbirth awareness, prevention, research and providing family support to the 26,000 families who are affected by stillbirth each year. Order an event t-shirt for $15 (shipping available).

INTRO TO SNOWSHOEING Jan. 21, 9:30-11:30am • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $10-15 • 8+ • v1ec.com/ev413711 Learn about the history of snowshoeing, styles of snowshoes, and how and where to use them.

FALL CREEK WINTER FEST: ICE FISHING CONTEST & CHILI COOKOFF Jan. 21, 10am-3pm • Keller Park, State Street, Fall Creek • FREE activities, food for purchase & $5 per person fishing contest entry fee • v1ec.com/ev414099 The event will include food for sale, free activities, a fishing contest, raffles and fun for the whole family. Register for the chili cook-off online.

WINTER ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS

Jan. 22, 1:30-2:30pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $9-18 • All Ages • v1ec.com/ev413716 Learn about the winter adaptations of wildlife in WI, followed by an animal-tracking snowshoe hikes.

LEARN TO CROSS-COUNTRY SKI Jan. 25, 10am-noon • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $12-15 • 10+ • v1ec.com/ev413720 Learn the history of cross-country skiing, and discover how to ski in this intro-level class.

CANDLELIGHT SKI Jan. 27, 6-9pm • Red Cedar Depot, 921 Brickyard Road, Menomonie • FREE • All Ages • (715) 2321242 • v1ec.com/ev415131 Three candlelit trails to choose from. One for cross-country skiing, one for snowshoeing and one for walking. Limited ski rentals available in advance from Stout Adventures. Snowshoes provided by Mayo Clinic. Hot chocolate and a warm fire included. The event is held for walking if there is no snow.

WINTER ECOLOGY SNOWSHOE

HIKE

WITH UW-STOUT STUDENTS

Feb. 4, 1-3pm • Colfax Red Cedar Preserve and Recreation Area;, Intersection of 910th Ave & County Rd W, Colfax • FREE, registration required • All Ages • v1ec.com/ev415793 Join UW-Stout, Town of Colfax and Landmark Conservancy for this snowshoe hike guided by UW-Stout students. Learn about nature in the winter season and enjoy views of the Red Cedar River. A bonfire, hot beverages and s’mores will be available after the hike. Reserve your snowshoes during registration.

POWDER KEG FAT TIRE, SNOWSHOE, SKI RACE Feb. 5, start time 9am • $30 • Lowes Creek County Park, Eau Claire • corbatrails.org/powderkeg The Powder Keg race returns in 2023, in-person only. Courses: 5k & 10k Snowshoe, 1 or 2 lap option fat bike, a 5k course for Cross Country Ski.

WINTER SCAVENGER HUNT Feb. 7, 10:30-11:30am • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • Members: FREE Non-Members: $5 • Ages 3-5 • (715) 877-2212 • bcr@beavercreekreserve.org • v1ec.com/ ev414198 A guided scavenger hunt outside to see what you can find. Dress for the weather. Parents/guardians recommended, but not necessary.

VALENTINE’S CANDLELIGHT SNOWSHOE HIKE (21+) Feb. 10, 6-7:30pm, 7:30-9pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $12-15, with $3 rental fee (Reservation ONLY) • 21+ • v1ec. com/ev414204 Explore Beaver Creek Reserve’s trails on snowshoes with a loved one, friend(s), etc. as candles and moonlight illuminate the way.

JIG’S UP Feb. 11, 7am-2pm • The View on Lake Wissota, 17779 County Highway X, Chippewa Falls • $25 per fish ticket • All Ages • v1ec.com/ev411513 An Ice Fishing competition hosted by UWEC Recreation, Blugold Athletics, and Lake Wissota Lion’s Club. and sponsored by Shceels and Eau Claire Ford. Prizes include over $80,000 in cash and prizes values. Weigh in stations are The Edge Pub and Eatery, and The View on Lake Wissota.

NATURE HEART SNOWSHOE HIKE Feb. 14, 4-5:30pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $8-10 (register by 2/10) • All Ages • (715) 877-2212 • bcr@ beavercreekreserve.org • v1ec.com/ev414210 Explore the trails of Beaver Creek while looking for natural hearts in nature. Family friendly, children welcomed.

SATURDAY SNOWSHOE HIKE Feb. 25, 2-3:30pm • Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 County Road K, Fall Creek • $5-10 (rental fee: $3) • All Ages • (715) 877-2212 • bcr@ beavercreekreserve.org • v1ec.com/ev414226 Enjoy the season and snowshoe the trails at Beaver Creek. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Register by 2/22.

POLAR PLUNGE Mar. 4, 8:30am-2pm • Half Moon Beach, 615 Randall Street, Eau Claire • $100 • (715) 289-6643 • ahansen@ specialolympicswisconsin.org • v1ec.com/ ev412125 Jump in some frozen water and raise money for the Special Olympics WI at this long running fundraiser event.

Cross-country ski, Snowshoe, Fat Tire bike Areas

AREA 178 • Fat-Tire Biking • Chippewa Falls • corba.org Diverse waterfront scenery with old oaks and exposed bedrock along the trails. The trails are multi-use so all are asked to be curteous to other types of travelers.

BEAVER CREEK RESERVE • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • S1 Cty Hwy K, Fall Creek • beavercreekreserve.org A few minutes in your car and you can spend an entire afternoon in the quiet beauty of the woods. Beaver Creek Reserve has a number of wooded, groomed trails. Rental equipment is available.

BLUE HILLS • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • Between Rusk County and Rice Lake • facebook.com/BlueHillsTrail If you don’t mind a short drive (about an hour and a half from Eau Claire), check out the Blue Hills winter sports area, named for the blue-tinted forested hillsides when seen through the mist. There are tons of super sweet trails to choose from, for either ski skating or traditional cross-country skiing. Make it into a day trip or spend an entire weekend there.

BRUNET ISLAND STATE PARK • Cross-Country Skiing • 23125 255th St., Cornell • dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/brunetisland There are more than eight miles of hiking trail in this state park, and they are perfect for showshoers in the winter. In addition, there are 4.3 miles of trail groom for classic-style cross-country skiing only. Park admission sticker required.

CARSON PARK • Cross-Country Skiing • 101 Carson Park Dr, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov/ recreation/trails/ski-trails During the winter season Carson Park offers cross-country skiing with several shorter, groomed trails perfect for beginners looking to stay away from steep grades.

CENTENNIAL PARK (FORMERLY OTTER CREEK) • Fat Tire Biking • 3125 Spooner Ave, Altoona For bikers, stay off the groomed trails and on single track trails.

CHIPPEWA MORAINE STATE RECREATION AREA • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • 13394 County Highway M, New Auburn • dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/chipmoraine While not groomed, they are open to snowshoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Three self-guided trails beginning at the interpretive center will give you a look at kettle lakes, hummocks, and other glacial features. Admission stickers required.

CITY WELLS AREA • Cross-Country Skiing • Riverview Dr. , Eau Claire • Located on the east side of Riverview Dr.. About 3 miles of flat trails across from Riverview Park. A good course for beginners.

COON FORK SKI TRAIL • Cross-Country Skiing • County Highway CF, Augusta • eauclaire-info.com Located on Coon Fork Lake County Park, this trail is most suitable for beginner to imtermediate skiers, and offers level areas and rolling hills. It has a total length of 3.2 miles. Only diagonal striding is available as the trails are not wide enough to groom for skate skiing.

FAIRFAX PARK • Cross-Country Skiing • 4200 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • Fairfax Park is a 75-acre park located on the south side of Eau Claire, with accommodations including a baseball field, two Little League fields and walking trails. It can be

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GET OUTDOORS!

accessed from either Golf Road or Fairfax Street.

GUETTINGER WOODS & WILDLIFE AREA • Snowshoeing • Sandberg Road off Highway 37, Brunswick This little-known Eau Claire County Park has been called a “hidden gem.” You’ll find it about seven miles southwest of Eau Claire in the town of Brunswick. The 123 acres are open for snowshoeing, hiking, and wildlife watching, although there are no groomed trails.

HICKORY RIDGE TRAIL • Snowshoeing, Cross-Coutnry Skiing • Fat Tire biking • 225th Ave,. New Auburn A 5K multiuse snowshoe and mountain-bike trail circles what is dubbed the “Great Swamp,” offering great views of scenery and wildlife. The Friends of Hickory Ridge also groom 27 kilometers (about 17 miles) of cross-country ski trails for both traditional and skating-style skiers. No dogs allowed.

HOFFMAN HILLS STATE RECREATION AREA • Cross-Country Skiing • Off-Trail Snowshoeing • 730th Ave., Colfax • dnr.wi.gov/ topic/parks/name/hoffmanhills Don’t overlook the 707 acres of preserved and restored wooded hills, wetlands, and prairie, scribbled with cross-country ski trails for all levels. Glide through the snow while feasting your eyes on spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

IRVINE PARK TRAIL • Cross-Country Skiing • Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls • chippewafalls-wi.gov Woods trails above the zoo area double as ski trails. Loop back down and visit the zoo afterwards. Trails also go past Glen Loch Lake. Trails can also be accessed from small parking lot on Cty Rd S or on the parking lot above the zoo off Erma-Tinger Drive.

LAKE WISSOTA STATE PARK • Snowshoing, Cross-Country Skiing • 18127 County Highway O, Chippewa Falls • dnr.wi.gov/topic/ parks/name/lakewissota The 1,000-acre state park on the shore of Lake Wissota includes 10 miles of snowshoeing trails, 8 miles of cross-country skiing, and more.

LOWES CREEK COUNTY PARK • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • Fat Tire Biking• S. Lowes Creek Rd., Eau Claire • co.eau-claire. wi.us • Just minutes south of Eau Claire, experience 250 acres of cross-country ski, snowshoe, and pet walking bliss. The two-way trail system separates skiers from snowshoers, and has many loops and shortcuts giving you a wide selection of route variety. Trails twist up and down hills, through creek bottoms and white pine forests, and range from easy to difficult, so a trail map is a good idea for those new to the park.

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY PARK TRAIL • Cross-Country Skiing • Fat Tire Biking • 650 Van Es Parkway, Eau Claire Several loop trail options double as mountain bike and ski trails. Some are narrow and steep. From the North Crossing (Hwy 312) head north on Jeffers and turn right away on E. Prairie Lane to Arrowhead Drive to Van Es Parkway. Drive to the end of the street to the small parking lot.

PINEHURST PARK WINTER RECREATION AREA • Snowshoeing • Cross-Country Skiing • 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov 5.5 Acres. Hockey rink (boarded), ice skating, nature trails, parking lot, recreational field, scenic views, shelter, BMX bike park/pump track, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, sledding/ tubing hill, and toilet facilities.

RED CEDAR STATE TRAIL • Cross-Country Skiing • 921 Brickyard Road, Menomonie • dnr. wi.gov Small bluffs with a waterfall will be on one side and the Red Cedar River on the other side. Bald eagles frequently sighted. Going other direction from Dunnville takes you through the

RIVER ROAD CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAIL • Cross Country Skiing • about 2.5 miles north of Cornell • co.chippewa.wi.us Enjoy two separate trails for intermediate and advanced skiers through rolling terrain and along the more-gentle grade of the River Road to the parking area.

TOWER RIDGE • Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing • 955 S82 Ave., Eau Claire • co.eau-claire. wi.us Tower Ridge is a great place to enjoy the snow and workout. There are hilly and flat groomed trails for all levels. There are about 3 kilometers of lighted trails and a warming shelter that allows for night outings, a nice precursor to a warm fire.

Skating Rinks

ALTOONA HOBBS SPORT CENTER 2300 Spooner Ave., Altoona • altoonahockey.com

BLOOMER SKATING RINK 1304 Grove St., Bloomer • www.ci.bloomer.wi.us/parks-and-recreation/pages/winter

BOYD PARK 1202 Fairway St., Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov

CHIPPEWA AREA ICE ARENA 839 First Ave., Chippewa Falls • chippewahockey.org

DEMMLER PARK 524 Putman Dr., Eau Claire • ci.eau-claire.wi.us

DUNN COUNTY RECREATION PARK 620 17th St., Menomonie • menomonie-wi.gov

HOBBS ICE ARENA 915 Menomonie St., Eau Claire • (715) 839-5040

MITSCHER PARK 3507 Sharon Drive, Eau Claire

NEWELL PARK (SHAWTOWN PARK) S122 S. Michigan St., Eau Claire

OAKWOOD HILLS 4433 Oakwood Hills Parkway, Eau Claire • ci.eau-claire.wi.us

PINEHURST PARK 3523 Delbert Road, Eau Claire • eauclairewi.gov

PUTNAM HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY 633 W. MacArthur Ave., Eau Claire

RIVER HEIGHTS PARK 615 24th Ave., Menomonie • menomonie-wi.gov

ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY 908 Folsom St., Eau Claire

SAM DAVEY ELEMENTARY 3000 Starr Ave., Eau Claire

TROLLHAUGEN