Photo Courtesy of the Chippewa Valley Museum
Explore the history of Downtown Eau Claire
This tour starts with the The Making of a Lumber Capital Tour, when the city was the epicenter of the nations lumber industry, and with the additional 1/2 hour the tour takes you to the entertainment boom in the 1930s.
Eau Claire, during the late 1920s was transitioning from its impressive logging era and was becoming a town that could hold its’ own entertainment wise. This tour covers those special venues and the acts that came to the city during the early 1900s. The first half of the tour follows the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers and covers our early history, while the second half of the tour weaves you through downtown. You will hear fascinating stories about the city’s entertainment venues at the time, as well as, stories regarding places like the Schlegelmilch House, one of the oldest brick houses in the city, some interesting information about Eau Claire’s Library, and our early school history.
If you have the time, you will definitely enjoy hearing about the additional years from 1900 to 1930.
Points of Interest
Photo courtesy of Chippewa Valley Museum
Eau Claire Auditorium, 2nd Best Auditorium In The State
Photo courtesy of Chippewa Valley Museum
Hotel Eau Claire And Its’ Many Famous Guests
Photo courtesy of Chippewa Valley Museum
Schlegelmilch House: The Oldest Brick House In The City
Additional Points of interest
Eau Claire Opera House
Life in 1930
Interesting First Traffic Light Story
The State Theatre
Eau Claire’s Early Years
Scandinavian - American Fraternity Building
Starting Point / Parking
The starting point is the Trust Point sign at 7 S. Dewey Street and with the library temporarily relocated, there is plenty of free parking. You can park in the Library Parking Lot and on the Dewey Street bridge for up to 2 hours for free. You can also park in the Trust Point Building Parking Lot for free Monday through Friday after 5:00 pm.
Route/Vendor Map
*Map key below
Downtown Eau Claire Historic Walking Tour
Price: $7.00
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Distance: 2.6 miles
Type: Walking
Vendor Map Key
We have partnered with some of the best vendors along the route to offer you some great, one time only discounts, so stop in and enjoy some local food, drinks, and shopping. Just mention that you purchased the tour and the discount. Also, purchasing one tour qualifies you for the discounts on all the tours!
Dining
$5 off any $25 purchase
$1 off any drink on the menu
3. Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub
$5.00 off any regular priced entree
Free waffle cone upgrade
