10 Easy Road Trips Near Eau Claire, Wisconsin (All Outside Eau Claire County)
If you live in or around
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, you already know it’s a great place to call home. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and explore somewhere new for the day.
The good news? Within about an hour or so, you’ll find small towns, river bluffs, vineyards, waterfalls, and quiet back roads that feel a world away—without ever leaving western Wisconsin.
Below are
10 short out-of-county road trips from Eau Claire, all in the surrounding counties of Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Jackson, Pepin, and Trempealeau. No stops in Eau Claire County itself—this list is all about what’s nearby.
1. Alma & the Mississippi River Overlook (Buffalo County)
About an hour southwest of Eau Claire, the tiny river town of
Alma sits squeezed between the bluffs and the Mississippi River. It’s one of those places where you park the car, take a deep breath, and instantly feel your shoulders relax.
Why go:
- Buena Vista Park Overlook – A short drive up a bluff road rewards you with wide-open views of the Mississippi River and the lock and dam below. On a clear day, you can see for miles.
- Riverfront stroll – Walk along the main street, pop into small shops, and watch barges move slowly down the river.
- Bald eagle spotting – Bring binoculars. This stretch of the river is famous for eagle sightings, especially in cooler months.
From Eau Claire, just head south and follow the river roads. The drive itself—curving between bluffs and water—is half the fun.
2. Durand & the Chippewa River State Trail (Pepin County)
If you love biking or easy walks,
Durand is a perfect
close but not too close getaway. It’s about a 35–40 minute drive from Eau Claire, but you’ll be in Pepin County, not Eau Claire County.
Things to do:
- Chippewa River State Trail – Hop on this crushed limestone trail for a bike ride, run, or relaxed walk along the river. It’s flat and family-friendly.
- Riverside parks – Pack a simple picnic (sandwiches, chips, maybe some cheese curds) and eat by the water.
- Ice cream stop – Small-town Wisconsin and ice cream basically go hand in hand. Look for a local spot for a cone before heading home.
If you’re new to bike trails, this is an easy starting point. No steep hills, just peaceful river views and the sound of your tires on gravel.
3. Lake Pepin & the Town of Pepin (Pepin County)
Continue downriver and you’ll hit one of the most scenic spots in the region:
Lake Pepin. It’s actually a wide stretch of the Mississippi River, and it feels almost like being by the ocean—just with fewer waves and more eagles.
Don’t miss in Pepin:
- Lakeshore drive – Cruise along Highway 35, also called the Great River Road, for stunning bluff and water views.
- Marina and beach area – Walk the shoreline, watch sailboats, or dip your toes in the water on a warm day.
- “Little House” country – Pepin is the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder. If you’re a fan of the books, you’ll love the connection.
This makes a great full-day trip: coffee in the morning in Eau Claire, lunch by the water in Pepin, and a slow drive home as the sun sets over the river.
4. Menomonie & Lake Menomin (Dunn County)
Just west of Eau Claire in Dunn County,
Menomonie gives you that college-town energy mixed with lakeside relaxation. It’s an easy road trip when you only have half a day.
What to do around Menomonie:
- Lake Menomin – Walk or bike along the shoreline, cast a line, or simply enjoy the views from a park bench.
- Downtown shops and cafes – Stretch your legs, grab coffee or a burger, and wander around the historic downtown area.
- Scenic back roads – The countryside around Menomonie is full of rolling hills and farms, especially pretty in fall.
If you’ve ever wanted a simple “drive, explore, grab lunch, and head home” kind of day, Menomonie is an easy win.
5. Chippewa Falls & Lake Wissota (Chippewa County)
North of Eau Claire, in Chippewa County, you’ll find
Chippewa Falls, a small city with big charm and easy access to the outdoors.
Highlights near Chippewa Falls:
- Lake Wissota – A large lake great for boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics. On summer weekends, the water buzzes with activity.
- River walks – Look for paths along the Chippewa River for a relaxing stroll between stops.
- Local flavor – Chippewa Falls has that classic northwoods gateway feel, but it’s still close enough for a quick evening drive.
If you’ve ever wished you lived “up north” for a day, Chippewa Falls and Lake Wissota give you a taste without a long drive.
6. Cadott & Rural Chippewa County Back Roads (Chippewa County)
Want something quieter than a lake town or popular river stop? Head to
Cadott and the rural roads around it in Chippewa County.
Why this drive is worth it:
- Classic country scenery – Red barns, open fields, and stretches of road where you might not see another car for a while.
- Small-town stops – Pop into a local bar and grill or gas station café for a burger and friendly chatter.
- Scenic loops – Just pick a route, loop through the countryside, and enjoy the simple joy of an unhurried drive.
On a Sunday afternoon, this is the kind of trip where you roll the windows down, turn up the classic rock or country station, and just go.
7. Black River Falls & the Forest Trails (Jackson County)
Head south into
Jackson County and you’ll reach
Black River Falls, a gateway to forests, ATV routes, and sandy soils that feel different from the farm fields near Eau Claire.
Things to do in the area:
- Public forest lands – Check out the state forest and nearby trails for hiking or just exploring by car.
- Fall color drives – During autumn, the mix of pine and hardwood trees puts on a serious show.
- River views – The Black River itself offers chances to watch the water rush past rock outcrops and shady banks.
If you like the idea of “northwoods lite” without the long trip up Highway 53, Black River Falls scratches that itch nicely.
8. Neillsville & Rustic Road Drives (Clark County)
To the east, in
Clark County, you’ll find
Neillsville, a smaller city surrounded by farm country, wooded patches, and some of Wisconsin’s designated Rustic Roads.
Why Neillsville is a fun day trip:
- Rustic Road exploring – These are officially marked routes that highlight pretty, less-traveled areas. Expect narrow lanes, overhanging trees, and peaceful views.
- Small-town main street – Park the car, walk a few blocks, and enjoy that “everyone knows everyone” Wisconsin feel.
- Country drives – Take a different route back to Eau Claire than you took going out and turn the whole day into a loop.
If you enjoy Sunday drives just for the sake of driving, Neillsville and its back roads are a nice match.
9. Whitehall & the Trempealeau River Valley (Trempealeau County)
Southwest of Eau Claire,
Whitehall is tucked in
Trempealeau County, where gentle hills meet quiet river valleys.
What makes this trip special:
- Trempealeau River scenery – The river here is smaller and calmer than the Mississippi, with peaceful bridges and photo-worthy views.
- Country churches and farms – You’ll see picturesque steeples rising over the hills and tidy farmsteads dotting the landscape.
- Uncrowded roads – If you like to drive without stoplights every few blocks, you’ll appreciate how open this area feels.
This is a great option when you want to avoid crowds and just enjoy quiet back roads and friendly waves from locals.
10. Stockholm & the River Bluffs (Pepin County)
For a slightly longer, but totally worth-it trip, head down the
Great River Road to the village of
Stockholm in Pepin County. Picture a tiny town pressed between tall bluffs and the Mississippi River, with a few charming shops and plenty of small-town charm.
Why Stockholm is a favorite day trip:
- River views everywhere – Many spots in town look right out over Lake Pepin and the bluffs on the Minnesota side.
- Art and shops – Browse local art, pottery, and handmade goods. It’s a fun place to find a unique gift or souvenir.
- Slow pace – This is not a rush-around kind of place. It’s “grab a coffee, sit on a bench, and watch the world go by” territory.
On a sunny day, it’s hard to beat the feeling of standing along the river here, watching boats drift by and listening to the wind in the trees.
Tips for Planning Your Eau Claire Area Road Trips
A few simple pointers can turn a basic drive into a favorite memory:
- Keep it flexible – Pick a direction, highlight one or two must-see spots, and leave the rest open. Some of the best finds are the unplanned ones.
- Pack a simple “car kit” – Water, snacks, a light jacket, phone charger, and maybe a physical map in case signal is spotty.
- Watch the seasons –
- Spring: Rivers are lively and fields turn green.
- Summer: Perfect for lakes, trails, and ice cream detours.
- Fall: Peak season for color along the bluffs and back roads.
- Winter: Quiet towns, snow-covered farms, and cozy café stops.
- Check local hours – In small towns, some shops and restaurants close earlier or aren’t open every day.
Ready to Hit the Road from Eau Claire?
Living near
Eau Claire, Wisconsin means you’re surrounded by small towns, rivers, lakes, and scenic roads that are easy to reach in under an hour or two. Whether you’re craving bluff-top views in Alma, lake time near Chippewa Falls, or a slow day along the Mississippi in Pepin or Stockholm, there’s always a new corner of western Wisconsin to explore—without ever leaving the region.
Have you taken any of these road trips from Eau Claire?
Which nearby town or scenic drive is your favorite?
Share your stories, tips, and must-see stops in the comments below. If you found this guide helpful, please pass it along to friends, family, or anyone planning a visit to the Eau Claire area. Your shares and comments help more people discover these hidden gems just outside Eau Claire County!
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