The Making of a City: An Eau Claire Tour

Find out how Eau Claire became the lumber capital of the nation and the fastest-growing city in Wisconsin, just 35 years after its first permanent resident moved there in 1845. On this walking tour, I’ll show you the city’s downtown core and reveal its fascinating history and transformation up to the year 1900.

Starting near the Dewey Street Bridge, you’ll learn about the city’s first settlers and the Native Americans that came before them, while making your way to Phoenix Park where you'll hear about some of the area’s early manufacturers. From there, you’ll cross over the Phoenix Park Footbridge, pass through the Haymarket Plaza, an outdoor activity space named after the historic district it’s located in, and see the Pablo Center at the Confluence, home to the city’s world-class performing arts building. You'll then follow part of the Chippewa River and enjoy a brief excursion into Downtown Eau Claire, where I'll tell you interesting stories about what the area was like in its formative years. before circling back to the tour's starting point.

Along the way, you’ll also:

• Hear the story behind Wisconsin’s Civil War 8th Regiment, whose pet eagle became the Union Army’s mascot
• See where the Eau Claire Opera House used to be
• Learn the history behind the city’s electric trolley, once a horse-drawn streetcar
• Find out how world-famous violinist, Ole Bull, became the very first act for Eau Claire's Music Hall
• Relive one of the worst floods in the city’s history, the flood of 1884
• Enjoy tantalizing offerings and discounts at Ramone’s Ice Cream Parlor, Houligans Steak & Seafood Pub, the Fire House, and the District Pub & Grill

On this hour-long tour, you’ll have the opportunity to really immerse yourself in what life was like in Eau Claire’s early years with great pictures of the city from over 100 years ago! Check out eauclairetours.com for more information about this and other tours, then join us as we bring the past to life.

Photo Credit:
The black and white photos are courtesy of the Chippewa Valley Museum