If you enjoy bicycling, walking, running, in-line skating, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling, then the Chippewa River State Trail is the place for you. The trail is between Eau Claire and Durand, Wisconsin. Much of it lies on the bed of the old Milwaukee Road railroad line that was built in 1882. The railroad line was abandoned in 1980 and is now part of the Wisconsin State Trails network, one of three state regional trails that make up the Chippewa Valley Trail System. It is already connected to the Red Cedar State Trail and will connect to the Old Abe State Trail. Once completed, this trail system will be approximately 70 miles in length and connect together the cities of Menomonie, Durand, Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Cornell.

Enjoy over 11 miles of scenic trails along Lake Wissota’s shores, woodland, prairie, lowland forest and marsh areas. The trails are perfect for hiking or biking. There is also an 11 mile horse trail. In the winter 7.5 miles are groomed for cross-country skiing. In fact, the park sponsors two candle light skis one in January and the other in February. Snowshoeing is also permitted in the park except on the groomed trails. There is 4.75 miles of snowmobile trail connecting the county’s elaborate snowmobile trail system of more than 150 miles.

Lake Wissota State Park, northeast of Chippewa Falls, has 1,062 acres of primarily young, rich forests and open prairie on a 6,300-acre manmade lake. It attracts hikers, campers, recreational boaters and anglers after walleyes, muskies, bass, panfish, northern, catfish, and sturgeon. The park offers secluded campsites and a 285-foot swimming beach. Enjoy, unwind, and savor a quiet country setting with the best of both worlds; hike the woodland paths or try snowshoeing in the winter seclusion only minutes from downtown Chippewa Falls, the university, and great restaurants.