Attractions

lakes, zoos, breweries & more

Chippewa Area History Center

2 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Fall, Chippewa Falls

The new Chippewa County Area History Center opened in early 2023. Learn about the history of the area’s people, including Native Americans, fur traders, and early immigrants; the role the river played in the region, the history of the local logging industry, farming, military service, and products made in Chippewa Falls.

Local History Attractions

Chippewa Falls Museum of Industry and Technology

21 E. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls

The museum was an idea that sprang from local citizens who wanted to record and preserve the history of important, unique and ground breaking innovations in industry and technology that were developed right here in the Chippewa Valley. It opened in May 1998 and now has a variety of exhibits that include the Seymour Cray Supercomputer Collection, Leinenkugel's, Mason Companies Inc., and other area historic exhibits.

Museums Local History Science Interests Attractions

Chippewa Moraine Interpretive Center

13394 County Hwy M, New Auburn

Exhibits and videos explain the glacial history of the region. Live and stuffed native animals are also on display. Visitors can also hold a snake, pet a turtle, dig for fossils, or snowshoe. Part of the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - FREE (but donations welcomed).

Science & Nature Local History Museums Zoos and Animal Interests Nature Centers Science Interests Attractions

Cook-Rutledge Mansion

505 W. Grand Ave., Chippewa Falls

The Cook-Rutledge Mansion, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the finest examples of High Victorian-Italianate architecture in the Midwest. Extraordinary hand-painted ceilings and walls, ornately carved woodwork, parquet floors, handcrafted silver doorknobs and hinge plates, and crystal chandeliers enhance the beauty of the interior. The grand staircase of carved golden oak provides an elegant setting for the cathedral stained glass window on the landing- Adults $5, 18 and under $1.

Tours Local History Attractions

Irvine Park Zoo and Nature Area

Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls

With over 300 acres of natural and scenic beauty, this FREE park offers a zoo with cougars, bear, bison, tigers and many other wildlife and a petting zoo, scenic dam, museum, picnic shelters, restrooms and historical displays. Take a tour of the Sunny Valley Schoolhouse or Pioneer Norwegian Log Home on the weekends from Memoral Day to Labor Day. Also take in a natural historical marker, the Irvine Park Cave, which is about 20 feet long with natural springs running through it.

Area Parks Parks Volleyball Courts Attractions Parks with Pavilions

Leinenkugel's Brewery Tour

124 E. Elm St., Chippewa Falls

Brewing since 1867, Leinenkugel's is one of America's oldest craft breweries, boasting a portfolio of several distinctive, flavorful beers inspired by its natural Northwoods surroundings. The brand has put Chippewa Falls on the map for its adventurous array of full-flavored brews in small, high-quality batches. Sample award-winning beers, tour vintage brewing equipment, and explore this six generation brewery with a guided tour.

Local History Attractions

Rose & Lily Gardens

1 Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls

See nature’s beauty of over 500 roses, teas, floribunda, grandifloras, miniatures and climbers.

Attractions Nature Centers

Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum

312 N. Front St., Spooner

Featuring displays comprised of canoes and canoe related ephemera, plus a 2500 square foot canoe shop. This eclectic assemblage of boats is exciting in its diversity, and includes significant craft from the golden age of North American canoeing as well as work by important contemporary builders.

Museums Local History Attractions