Dells of Eau Claire

Located in central Wisconsin, about a twenty-minute drive from Wausau, The Dells of Eau Claire has quickly become one of my favorite parks to hike in, even if it’s “only” a county park. The name is a bit misleading because one thinks of the city of Eau Claire, or the Wisconsin Dells, but it’s neither! The Dells refers to the rapids found amid the dramatic volcanic rock formation… and the water going through this is the Eau Claire river.

Explore both sides of the river!

The trails alongside the river are the most beautiful, the sound of the rushing waters accompanying you as you hike is soothing, and the views incredible, especially right by the waterfall. There are three bridges that cross the river.

The Ice Age Trail goes alongside the northern side of the river, and you can use the trail on the southern side to make a loop (about a mile). To see a video of the campsite at the county park and of the Ice Age Trail portion of this hike, click here!

Park by the waterfall near County Y for a short hike or just to look at the waterfall, or, if you have a parking sticker, park by the beach within the county park for a longer loop! For an even longer hike, use the trails within the park, or do an out and back on the Ice Age Trail (5.2 miles total). Click here for a map.

The trails are intermediate because of the terrain and some ups and down, and there are some steps to deal with by the waterfall.

NB: I took these photographs in the Spring, but the Fall is also a special time to visit the Dells of Eau Claire and see the beautiful colors of the trees.