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Living in Eau Claire

Eau Claire is always buzzing. It’s jam-packed with thrilling outdoor adventures and hosts a music and food scene that keeps you coming back.

Explore more about this cool city just steps away from campus.

Intro

Eau Claire is always buzzing. It’s jam-packed with thrilling outdoor adventures and hosts a music and food scene that keeps you coming back.

Explore more about this cool city just steps away from campus.

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Just
the
facts

Close To Big City Action

93 miles away from Minneapolis, you're just a short drive away from big shows, concerts, and tasty eats.

One Of The Best Places To Live

It's true. Eau Claire was recently ranked the 2nd Most Livable College Town in the U.S.

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Coffee Near Campus

Find your favorite study spot at one of the eight different coffee shops near campus.

One of the Coolest Small Cities in the U.S.

From art and music to incredible views, Eau Claire has it all. And we're nationally recognized for it.

Thrillist.com

A Biker's Dream

Explore 264 miles of bike trails in Eau Claire while enjoying stunning river views.

UWEC students relaxing on inflatable tubes on a sunny day on the river

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Both campus and community members alike take full advantage of all the Chippewa River has to offer, and tubing might very well top the list for summer fun!

Phoenix Park and the footbridge over the Chippewa River.

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Downtown Eau Claire is not only the location where the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers join. It's also the place where small town vibes meet bigger city arts and entertainment. Be sure to check online sites for event schedules.

students at the Farmers' Market making a purchase

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Having a kitchen is not required to fully enjoy the abundance at the Downtown Eau Claire Farmers' Market, which runs May through October every Saturday. Fresh baked goods, food trucks, coffee vendors and more supplement the produce vendors to create a special weekend treat!

GEOG students at Willow River State Park, 2020

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Eau Claire and campus have their own natural beauty, but just a short drive away in almost any direction from town are county and state parks like Hudson's Willow River State Park, shown here during a visit from Blugold geography students.

A jazz band performing in a cozy, brick-walled venue with stained glass windows, featuring musicians on keyboard, guitar, double bass, and drums.

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Live music is alive and well year-round in the city of Eau Claire. From small venues throughout town to Pablo Center concerts and the abundance of outdoor concerts and Chippewa Valley Concerts, music lovers LOVE Eau Claire, and you will, too.

two students having caricature drawn at student event

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To kick off each fall semester, Activities, Involvement and Leadership joins forces with Housing and Residence to life to host all new students in an evening tour of the downtown area. UW Meets EC is a fun-filled event that allows businesses to show off their offerings, and students get to see the inner-city highlights for themselves. And even pick up a free caricature keepsake!

students looking at vinyl records in Revival Records

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It's not just campus that is very into music; the city of Eau Claire has a vibrant scene for both musicians and music fans alike. Revival Records is a place to frequently find students perusing the stacks of vinyl.

two students in front of one of the downtown murals

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Public art is becoming a real mainstay of the downtown Eau Claire neighborhoods. Murals and sculptures are not just a feast for the eyes, but a great selfie stop as well!

Group of musicians playing instrument for the Jazz Festival throughout downtown Eau Claire

Jazz Music Takes the Stage — and the Streets

From high school competitions to college master classes with jazz greats, a two-night jazz crawl of shows through downtown EC and headliner shows extraordinaire, Jazz Fest has it all!

Get involved with Jazz Fest

An ice fishing event on a frozen lake with participants gathered around tents and parked vehicles, enjoying winter activities in a lively, communal setting

Join in the Winter Fun at the Jigs Up

UWEC Recreation hosts one of the area's largest ice fishing contests every February on Lake Wissota. Whether you want to fish yourself, volunteer, or become part of the student directing team. Don’t miss out on this winter fun!

Learn more about Recreation's special events

Float the Chippewa River

On hot, sunny summer days, cool down with a Blugold tradition. Grab some friends and some tubes, and go for a float down the Chippewa River. Begin at Phoenix Park, float past #WisconsinsMostBeautifulCampus, and end at Hobbs Ice Arena.

Learn more about our #MostBeautifulCampus