We used to visit the museum as kids and now take our own kids there. Lots of informative exibits that have been updated throughout the year. The milking parlor was a favorite during our last visit. Take some time to read the placards and teach the kids about the rich logging history of this area.
Chippewa Valley Museum is located in beautiful Eau Claire's Carson Park. Exhibits Like Settlements & Survival, Paths of the People, Farm life, Object Theater, Art & Children Gallery Make for a wonderful time at this Entertaining and Enriching Museum that "Tells Stories" about American History. I really liked "The Glenn Curtis smoot Library" Thousands of Historic Images, Documents and More. The Kids Loved The Historic Buildings and the Ice Cream Parlor that sit on the Museum Grounds.(love the Malts). And they have a Museum Store With Gifts,Cards,Postcards and Photo's. This is a Good sized Museum for a medium sized Town, Come and see,Do that, And Discover Everything, From Exhibits to Ice Cream. Go online to get Museum Hours and Admissions. tell Them Larry sent You!
A group to which I belong held their annual meeting at the museum. I visit Eau Claire very rarely, and had no idea that there was such an excellent museum in the area.Before the meeting we had a buffet lunch. Museum space did not really lend itself to this type of activity; there was a long line, and quite a bottleneck developed. Not a fault of the museum -- the museum wasn't designed for that kind of event. But we did get to eat in the old-fashioned ice cream parlor, which was a delight.Following the meeting, we got to go through the museum. I only had time for the traveling exhibit, "Images from the Civil Rights Movement" and for the permanent exhibit on farm life. The Civil Rights exhibit was small, but extremely well thought out. For an "advanced middle-aged" person like me, many of the images stirred memories, while at the same time, enlightened.The farm exhibit was so accurate that it literally stopped me in my tracks several times; the recollections were so vivid, and apparently so universal. Other times the exhibit made me chuckle with fond memories. There is a 17-minute film about clearing the land, early settlement, and day-to-day farm life. VISITORS SHOULD NOT MISS THIS FILM!!Unfortunately I didn't have time at all for the Ojibwa section of the museum on this visit. Always have to save something for next time!Kudos to the museum curators and directors!
This is located by the downtown area. It offers Midwest culture from around the area. I would visit when all of the outdoor exhibits are open. I visited back in grade school many years ago and not much has changed. When I have hosted visitors from other countries I have brought them here. Staff is mostly volunteer that tend to chat way too much if you let them. You won't see any ancient Egypt or Mayan exhibits here but worth the trip. Young children may get bored.
The Chippewa Valley Museum has more than you'd expect. My husband and I recently took our ten month daughter on National Museum Day, 9.28.13, for which we received free admittance! It was quite enjoyable and will be even more eventful as she enhances her vocabulary and begins to read. Everyone was very kind, the ice cream cheap and we found the exhibits to be informative and interesting. We look forward to returning for years to come to encourage her to learn about Chippewa Valley's history and the different cultures which have made this area unique.
I have lived in Eau Claire for 30 years. Each visit to this museum is enjoyable. On my most recent visit, I was able to explore the history of Eau Claire's rather distinct neighborhoods. which I found enlightening and entertaining. I also ended my visit with a trip to the soda fountain, which was a delight. Great local museum.
It was nice to learn some history about the area. Since it's right next to the Paul Bunyan Museum, you might as well do both
For a "small" museum, there is a lot of good history and interesting exhibits. Very nice. Located inside Carson Park, it is a nice opportunity to see the park too!
I like to take my family for something to do it eats up a few hours and it's a good value. Wish they would change out the items every so often. I feel it's somewhat small for the area.
Thi was awondrful trip to take high schoolers from another state to show a slice of life in Eau Claire Co, There was a n interactive show to watch and hands on activities. And to top it all off-Ice cream cones in the old fashioned parlor!! I should mention my 17yo daughter volunteers at the museum and loves the volunteers and the facitlities.