Located at the junction of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers, the city of Eau Claire (French for "clear water") was one of the state's busiest lumber towns in the 1800s; a center of thriving Woodland Indian culture and later an agricultural center. Several interesting local museums explore this varied heritage. Extensive bike trails along the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers offer breathtaking views to both walkers and cyclists in summer, and snowmobilers in winter.

Eau Claire is also an ideal home base for day trips to surrounding communities. Augusta, eighteen miles to the southeast, includes an Amish settlement of more than 150 families. Guided tours of the community are available, and handcrafted Amish goods are sold at the Wood Shed in Augusta. Just north of Augusta is the remarkable Dells Mill, a flour mill built in 1864 entirely of wood, including gears and pulleys.