Timber Trails

Timber Trails in Chippewa Valley
3625 Gateway Drive,
Eau Claire, WI 54701
1-800-344-FUNN

Tall stands of timber, eventually producing billions of board feet of lumber, brought early settlers to the Chippewa Valley. Now, more that 150 years later, this area is a colorful combination of legacies left by wealthy lumber barons, hard-working immigrants and persevering pioneers.

Lumbering dominated the economy of the valley for 40 years, creating opportunities for lumbermen and others. Thousands of settlers poured into the Chippewa Valley, drawn by the lure of good fortune. Proximity to the pineries marked the births of Chippewa Falls and several other towns.

As the 20th century dawned, however, changes were evident; the ``inexhaustible'' pinery had largely disappeared. Today, there are no holding ponds, no sawmills, no loggers braving the winter in the woods. But from the past, springs the future. The lumber industry in the Chippewa Valley provided the roots from which our unique heritage grew, leaving timber trails for everyone to follow...

Museums and Historic Places

Captivating theater performances, historic museums and grand mansions offer today's visitors a peek into the past of the Chippewa Valley. Visit the humble dwellings of Caddie Woodlawn in Menomonie, take a tour of the historic Leinenkugel's Brewery in Chippewa Falls or seat yourself in Eau Claire's Sunnyview School, a one-room schoolhouse that stands as a memorial to the long-gone American way of life. Take a romantic sleigh ride through a snow-covered forest or taste the pure water of Chippewa Springs; around every corner is a subtle reminder of the area's unique past and ever-intriguing present. Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire Counties invite you to explore their sawdust cities - you'll be glad you did!

Tours and Trails

Walking tours and historic downtowns offer visitors a chance to view original architecture, notable landmarks and a variety of scenic landscapes. Year-round recreation takes place on any of the various recreation trails in the area. You'll find easy access to biking, hiking, jogging, skiing and snowmobiling trails, several of which offer excellent sight-seeing opportunities!

Parks

The combination of woods and water was the key to lumbering on the Wisconsin frontier in the mid-1800s. As the 20th century dawned, tourists, not lumbermen, flocked to the Chippewa Valley to enjoy the area's fishing and boating. Today, beautiful city, county and state parks bring you close to the Valley's natural heritage.

Annual Events

Chippewa Valley proudly celebrates its heritage all year round; winter in Wisconsin is no reason to hibernate! From winter carnivals to summer celebrations, we've got fun for the entire family!

Visit the Timber Trails web site for more information at www.timbertrails.com.