This Lakeside Wisconsin City Is A Delightful Destination Full Of Beauty And Fall Colors

Wisconsin waterfront cities with beautiful outdoor scenery have a particular charm. They feel steady, timeless, and quietly self-assured. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is one of those places. Anchored by the Chippewa River and surrounded by glacial lakes, visiting this small city in the northwestern corner of the state feels like releasing a deep breath between busy weeks. It's the kind of place where you can spend the morning hiking through pine forests, the afternoon sipping beer from a historic brewery, and the evening watching the sun sink over the lake.

Downtown Chippewa Falls keeps things classic: 19th-century brick buildings, vintage storefronts, and that friendly, Midwest "hey there" from nearly everyone you pass. You'll find yourself slipping easily into the local rhythm — unhurried, unpretentious, and full of small delights. This is the heart of the Chippewa Valley, and it's every bit as inviting as it sounds.

If flying in, the closest airport is Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (CVRA) in Eau Claire, served by United Airlines. From there, Chippewa Falls is just a 15-minute drive away. For a city its size, Chippewa Falls packs in a lot of nature. A short drive from Main Street, Lake Wissota State Park unfolds across more than 1,000 acres of forest, prairie, and shoreline. Hike one of the park's wooded trails, rent a kayak, or wander down to the dock and watch sunlight skip across the water. Early risers will be rewarded with mist curling off the lake like steam from a cup of coffee.

If you prefer your adventures on wheels, the Old Abe State Trail connects Chippewa Falls to Cornell, tracing the Chippewa River for 20 peaceful miles. The path is flat, tree-lined, and perfect for cyclists and meanderers. The free-to-enter Irvine Park Zoo offers gentle walking paths, picnic spaces, and an assortment of animals. When you're ready to refuel, head downtown. 

Sheeley House Restaurant and Saloon, set in a lovingly restored historic building, serves hearty fare and craft cocktails in a space that's as atmospheric as it is welcoming. Alternatively, head out to the lake and linger over dinner at 1917 Lake Wissota, where the view over the water pairs beautifully with a glass of wine and a long, slow meal. No visit to Chippewa Falls is complete without a stop at Leinenkugel's Brewery, where the family-run operation has been crafting beer since 1867. Take a tour, sample a few pints, and soak up the scent of malt and history.

Life in Chippewa Falls revolves around the water, whether you're paddling across Lake Wissota, fishing at sunrise, or sitting on a weathered dock as dusk paints the sky pink. The days here are pleasant, and the air is sweet with pine and the occasional waft of campfire smoke. Rent a canoe, pull out a paddleboard, or find a quiet cove for a swim. There's no need to rush; the lake insists you take your time.

As night falls, settle in somewhere cozy. The Lodge at Lake Wissota offers lakeside rooms and that perfect mix of rustic and refined. Smaller motels and cabins around the city provide simple comfort and easy access to the water. Wherever you stay, the soundtrack is the same: gentle waves, crickets, and laughter occasionally drifting across the shore. Chippewa Falls has a way of reminding you that rest doesn't have to mean stillness. It's the warmth of a small-town meal, the cool air off the lake, the quiet joy of an unplanned afternoon. You'll come here intending to spend the weekend, and leave wondering how soon you can return.

Want more riverfront adventure? Don't miss the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a gorgeous waterbody that stretches over 250 miles along the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers. Or, head to Wisconsin's Driftless Area, home to beautiful landscapes, farms, and fall foliage.