Your Travel Guide to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin in the Summer
Ross and I hanging out at Lake Wissota State Park. Click on my photos to pin on Pinterest!
Have you had a chance to visit Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin? This blog will be all about what to do on your visit during the summer. I’ll go over where to stay, where to eat, and my favorite things to do around Chippewa Falls.
Chippewa Falls in the Summer
Chippewa Falls is one of my favorite little cities in Wisconsin. I grew up in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, which is only an hour away. We would often make trips to the Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire area. More recently, my parents moved to Chippewa Falls, so I’ve had the pleasure of spending even more time exploring all around this beautiful city. I’ve watched the city grow and expand, while keeping its charm. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin is such a beautiful place and there’s so many fun things to do in the area!
Chippewa Falls during the summer is my favorite. The weather is gorgeous, typically around 75-85 degrees. Chippewa has a small town feel but is close to everything you need. It’s truly a special place. Here is everything I recommend you check out on your visit to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.
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Camping mugs at Lake Wissota State Park
Lake Wissota State Park
One of my favorite things to do in Chippewa Falls is go camping at Lake Wissota State Park. This State Park is right along the beautiful Lake Wissota with tree covered campsites. There are sites for campers and tents, and even flush toilets and showers. You’re far enough away from the city lights that the stars shine bright at night. It’s very peaceful. Ross and I love to hang our hammock between the trees and hangout and listen to nature. We also like to walk their hiking trails and play Bags and Kubb in the open areas. I always have a great experience when I camp at Lake Wissota State Park. I highly recommend it!
Kayaking on Lake Wissota
Boating on Lake Wissota
Grab your kayaks and pontoons and launch them from the boat landing while you’re at Lake Wissota State Park. Spending a day on Lake Wissota is a must! Lake Wissota is great for all water activities, like swimming, fishing, tubing, you name it! Need to rent a pontoon? Check out these boat rental companies that service Lake Wissota. And if you’d prefer a cabin experience over camping, check out these vacation home rentals all around Lake Wissota. Many rental cabins provide all the lake day essentials you’ll need.
Old Abe State Trail
Another great outdoor activity around Chippewa Falls is biking the Old Abe State Trail. This trail is a 20-mile paved trail that runs from Lake Wissota State Park to Brunet Island State Park. My whole family and I have biked this trail. It’s a fun way to get some exercise and see some beautiful, Wisconsin scenery. Make sure to grab a trail pass before going!
Pondview Lavender Farm
A brand new addition to the Chippewa Falls area is Pondview Lavender Farm. I’m a sucker for flower fields, so of course I love this farm! Right off Highway 29, you can stroll along fields of purple lavender and pick your own lavender bouquet to take home. They also have the cutest little shop where they sell homemade lavender goodies, like lavender lemonade mix and soaps. U-Pick Lavender runs from mid-June to mid-July. They also hold other seasonal events like yoga and lavender mocktail classes. Check out their events here and other fun things to do around Chippewa Falls here. This little city is one of my favorites in Northwest Wisconsin.
Irvine Park & James W Buchanan Park
Right in town, I recommend visiting Irvine Park. I love this park! There are great trails for hiking and viewing waterfalls, a play area for the kids, and even a small zoo! There are a variety different animals, like native birds, buffalo, and even great big tigers. I recommend grabbing some Olson’s Ice Cream that’s right next to the zoo and spend a day relaxing in the park. If you want to cool off, the Bernard F. Willi Outdoor Pool is right next door.
If you’re looking to play some pickleball, right across from Irvine Park are some beautiful new pickleball courts. If those are busy, you can always head over to James W Buchanan Park. They have some great outdoor courts as well.
Styx concert at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair
Northern Wisconsin State Fair
If you’re visiting around July, check out the Northern Wisconsin State Fair! They have great concerts, fun events, rides, cute farm animals, and indulgent fried food. My go-tos are always the mini donuts and cheese curds. They’re so good!
We went to Styx at the Nothern Wisconsin State Fair and had such a good time. Check out the lineup for this year here.
Leinie’s beer flight
Leinie Lodge
Leinie Lodge is probably the most famous Chippewa Falls staple, for a good reason. I LOVE Leinie Lodge! I’ve been there too many times to count and I have a blast every time. You can go to Leinie Lodge and get a tour of the Leinenkugel’s Brewery, grab some drinks from the bar, or attend one of their events! I’ve done all of these experiences at Leinie’s, and they’re all wonderful. I’m not even a huge beer person, but I love Leinie’s, especially their fruity summer flavors. While they keep the classics, the beer selection is always updating and they have fun with their flavors. They even give you the opportunity to try various mixed flavors from the bar and vote on new flavors that go to market. Everyone I’ve interacted with at Leinie’s is always incredibly friendly. It’s just such a great place to have a good time. If you’re in the Chippewa Falls area, definitely make a stop at Leinie Lodge.
Leinie’s beer flight + food from the Tasty Trolley
Not only can you hang out and taste their delicious beers, Leinie’s hosts a whole bunch of amazing food trucks each weekend. We grabbed some pulled pork sandwiches from the Tasty Trolley and they were indeed tasty! Check the schedule each season to see which food truck will be there during your visit.
Blue Marble Pub
Another great bar & grill in Chippewa Falls is Blue Marble Pub. They have yummy wood-fired pizzas and cocktails. It’s right by Leinie Lodge, if you’re looking to hit a few places nearby.
Sheeley House
Sheeley House is also downtown and has delicious food, drinks, and… ghosts! The Sheeley House building has been around for a long time and has been known to be haunted. It’s on Wisconsin’s list of most haunted places! Check it out and say you had dinner with a ghost.
Ice cream at Olson’s Ice Cream
Olson’s Ice Cream
Olson’s Ice Cream is another Chippewa Falls staple. This ice cream shop has been around since 1944! They have delicious, homemade ice cream with a flavor to please everyone. Like mentioned above, they have a little shop by the Irvine Park Zoo, one in downtown Chippewa Falls, and another shop in downtown Eau Claire. Olson’s Ice Cream is the perfect summer treat.
Wissota High Shores Supper Club
If you’re looking for a traditional Wisconsin supper club, look no further than Wissota High Shores Supper Club. They have a great, classic fish fry and my family personally loves it for their salad bar. Overall, this restaurant has great food, great views, and a great atmosphere.
River Bend Winery & Distillery
Visiting River Bend Winery & Distillery in another one of my favorite things to do in the summer. We like to bring a blanket and buy a few glasses of their delicious wine and hang outside in the sunshine. They often have events on the weekends, like food trucks and music. Since it’s a winery & distillery, there’s a wide variety of drink options. There’s a little something for everyone!
Loopy's Grill & Saloon
Loopy’s is such a fun bar & grill to go to. They’re right along the Chippewa River and have a laid back vibe. Not only can you go there for food and drinks, but you can float the river there! Loopy’s offers a full tubing experience, where you can rent a tube, float the river, and they’ll pick you up and drop you off. Canoe and kayak rentals are also available.
Wissota Chop House
Another excellent restaurant to eat at is Wissota Chop House. We like to go here for something a little more upscale. They have a great, unique selection of food, cocktails, and delicious desserts.
Klinger Farm Market
One of my favorite places to shop for flowers is at Klinger Farm Market. Their greenhouse is large, has a wide variety of options, and is so beautiful! I can spend a few hours here for sure. There is also a little petting zoo and play area with a giant jumping pillow. Make sure to check out their market upstairs. In the summer, you can find fresh jams, BBQ sauces, salsas, candy, and more. In the fall, you can find spiced apple cinnamon donuts, candy apples, and a corn maze!
Overall Thoughts on Chippewa Falls
Overall, Chippewa Falls holds a special place in my heart and I’d recommend everyone visit. It’s such a lovely little city with great people and a great community. There’s so many more places to see, and I’ll continue to explore more and more each year. I love Chippewa Falls!
For more information on travel around Chippewa County, pick up a GO Chippewa County 2024 travel guide at Leinie Lodge, Chippewa Falls Area Chamber, or request one here. You’ll see a familiar face on the cover :)
Our cover photo on GO Chippewa County’s 2024 Travel Guide
Camera used to document my travels: Canon EOS 5D Mark III & IV 35mm lens and iPhone
