Fall is the perfect season to embrace the outdoors. Whether it’s hitting the trails, chasing the most vibrant fall colors, or exploring the charm of a new community, there’s something magical about this time of year. I’m excited to share our latest adventure in the stunning Chippewa County, Wisconsin. For the hubby and me, this area holds extra meaning—we first met while working in the Chippewa Valley, so returning always feels like a homecoming. This time, we brought our kids, Harlan and Juniper, along to experience our favorite spots and create new memories. Here’s a peek into our adventure-packed trip!
Thank you to Go Chippewa County for sponsoring this blog post. All opinions are my own.
Outdoor Adventures
1. Fat Tire Biking at Hickory Ridge Trails
- Why We Loved It: We kicked off our adventure at Spring Street Sports in Chippewa Falls to rent fat tire bikes, and honestly, this place is awesome. The staff couldn’t have been more helpful—they got us set up with these ultra-light bikes that handled the trails like a dream. Whether you’re a total pro or just starting out like me, Spring Street Sports has you covered. After riding these, I’m seriously considering getting one of my own!
- On the Trails: We made our way to Hickory Ridge Trails, which offers over 20 miles of scenic terrain. The trails wind through forests and around peaceful kettle lakes, and in October, the fall colors were breathtaking—reds, oranges, and golds everywhere you looked. As we biked through the rolling hills, we hit this perfect spot where the trail opened up to a view of the lake, with the autumn colors reflecting on the water. It was such a picture-perfect moment. This was my first time on a mountain bike trail like this, and I can say without a doubt it’s great for all skill levels—whether you’re out for a relaxing ride or looking for something more challenging. Plus, Hickory Ridge is a year-round destination! In winter, the trails transform into a snow-covered wonderland for fat biking and Nordic skiing. It’s equally magical and gives you a whole different experience of the area.
- Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to chat with the team at Spring Street Sports—they know the area inside and out and can recommend the best trails for whatever kind of ride you’re after. And if you’re planning to visit in winter, make sure you bundle up and check out the winter sports options.
2. Hiking and Fishing at Brunet Island State Park
- Why We Loved It: Brunet Island State Park, located in Cornell, is a gem with its peaceful trails and gorgeous river views. We spent time hiking along the riverbanks and testing our luck at the fishing pier (which was as scenic as it gets!).
- Good to Know: Many campsites were still open, and the park is perfect for a quiet fall retreat. Be sure to check seasonal availability if you’re planning to camp!
3. Goat Yoga at Hidden Timber Soul Sanctuary
- Why We Loved It: Goat yoga at Hidden Timber Soul Sanctuary is exactly as adorable as it sounds! This quirky and fun experience was a hit for both the hubs and I. It’s truly a one of a kind experience and it was so lovely meeting the owner Kristina and her wife and hearing about their dream of opening this place. After the class, we even got to feed the alpacas!
- What to Expect: Expect a lot of giggles and a few playful interruptions from curious goats! It’s a lighthearted activity that’s great for relaxing and connecting with nature. Be sure to follow @hiddentimbersoulsanctuary on social to get a dose of cute goats and yoga.
4. Pickleball at Gower Park
- Why We Loved It: We squeezed in a game of pickleball at Gower Park in Lake Hallie. The 18 courts are well-maintained, and the park is set up with picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for a family-friendly stop.
- Why You Should Go: Whether you’re a seasoned player or trying pickleball for the first time, it’s a fun way to work up an appetite before dinner.
Foodie Finds
1. Lunch at Dylan’s Dairy
- Why We Loved It: Dylan’s Dairy is a charming spot in Cornell that serves up delicious flatbreads, soup, sandwiches, deep fried cheese curds, specialty lattes, homemade desserts, and ice cream. We happened to catch the local homecoming parade while we were there—small-town charm at its best!
- What to Try: Check Dylan’s Dairy’s Facebook page to see all the different specialty menu items they come out with daily. It’s impressive and everything sounds delicious! Make this a pit stop on your bike ride on the Ole Abe Trail which connects two State Parks from Chippewa Falls to Cornell.
2. Beer Tasting at Leinie Lodge
- Why We Loved It: No trip to Chippewa County is complete without stopping at the Leinie Lodge. The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company & Leinie Lodge is a Chippewa Falls staple, and we couldn’t pass up a chance to enjoy a beer flight at their cozy Leinie Lodge. We strolled around the grounds, taking in the fall vibes and catching up with some old friends who happened to be there.
- What to Try: Go for a seasonal beer flight and order a giant pretzel to sample a little bit of everything!
3. Dinner at Old Abe’s Supper Club
- Why We Loved It: This historic supper club in Jim Falls is classic Wisconsin—Friday night fish fry, old fashioneds, and a salad bar that’s a trip down memory lane. Old Abe’s Supper Club is a warm, welcoming spot where time seems to slow down.
- What to Try: Start with the salad bar and order the fried fish fry, of course! It’s what they’re known for. Don’t forget the Wisconsin supper club classic – an old fashioned. I like mine brandy sour.
4. Ice Cream at Olson’s Ice Cream
- Why We Loved It: Olson’s is a local favorite, serving up seasonal fall flavors like pumpkin cheesecake, Leinenkugel’s Oktoberfest, cinnamon, and caramel apple pie. The kids went for whatever ice cream was blue, of course. I went for the cinnamon and caramel apple pie – so delicious! Olson’s is a staple in the community and have been around since 1944.
- Why You Should Go: It’s the perfect stop after lunch or dinner to satisfy your sweet tooth. Olson’s also has a location at Irvine Park & Zoo so grab an ice cream cone and take a walk around the zoo.
5. Dinner at Max’s Bistro & Bar
- Why We Loved It: Max’s Bistro in downtown Chippewa Falls offers a little upscale twist of Mexican and seafood. They have a versatile menu with everything from pasta to crab cake, mussels, and burritos. I went for a special – a crusted seabags that was so delicious. If you need the perfect seafood pairing, I recommend the Cadillac Margarita.
- Pro Tip: Make a reservation if you’re coming during peak dining times—it’s a popular spot!
6. Casual Lunch at River Jams
- Why We Loved It: River Jams in Lake Hallie was a surprise hit with its mouthwatering smash burgers and half-price cheese curds (during the Badger game). Plus, their s’mores cocktail was a fun, interactive treat. It’s got a beautiful river view, excellent craft cocktail menu, scratch kitchen food options, and live music. The ambience was great and we’ll definitely be back here again!
- What to Try: Stop in on Monday for their Board & Bottle special – $20 bottle of wine paired with a bruschetta board. On Fridays, take advantage of Fish Fry which includes cod, walleye, shrimp, and coconut shrimp.
Local Gems & Fun Stops
- Why We Loved It: The fall colors alone make Irvine Park worth a visit, but the free zoo and playground were perfect for letting the kids burn off some energy. Irvine Park Zoo is open year round from dawn to dusk. Animals vary from season to season but the most memorable animals include a Siberian tiger, hyena, and an eagle that was rescued. Harlan and Juniper loved finding red maple leaves, playing on the playground, and exploring the creek area.
- Why You Should Go: It’s a low-key way to spend a couple of hours and enjoy the vibrant autumn backdrop.
- Why We Loved It: You can’t leave without grabbing a sweet souvenir! We picked up some old fashioned candy and chocolates to take home from the Chippewa Candy Shop — it was the perfect way to wrap up our weekend in Chippewa County.
- Pro Tip: Check out their huge selection of nostalgic candies!
Scenic Fall Color Drive
Brunet Island Tour
- Why We Loved It: We couldn’t visit Chippewa County in the fall without taking a scenic drive, and the Brunet Island Tour was the perfect choice since we were already exploring the State Park. This 18-mile route takes you through the Chippewa County Forest, into Brunet Island State Park, and even features a section designated as a Rustic Road—a rare treat! The fall colors along this route were absolutely breathtaking, and we made a few stops along the way to take in the views and snap some photos.
- Pro Tip: Make time to explore Brunet Island State Park on foot or by bike, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of this fall scenic gem.
Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn & Suites
We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Chippewa Falls, and it was perfect for our family. Our suite had tons of space, which was a lifesaver with two young kids. There was a cozy couch area where we could relax, and plenty of room for Harlan and Juniper to play. The beds were super comfortable, making it easy to rest up for our busy days.
The hotel’s breakfast was another highlight! We brought our breakfast up to the suite (pumpkin spice waffle batter, anyone?) and enjoyed sausage, eggs, cereal, fruit, and juice. The seasonal waffles were a fun fall twist, and the kids loved having breakfast in the room before heading out for more adventures.
Why We Love Chippewa County
There’s just something special about this corner of Wisconsin. Whether it’s the stunning fall colors at Hickory Ridge, or soon a snow-covered peaceful trail at Brunet Island, or the charm of a local supper club, Chippewa County has something for everyone. For us, it’s not just the beauty of the place but the memories we’ve made here over the years. It makes my heart so happy to come back to the Chippewa Valley and explore it with our kids, creating new memories together.
No matter when you visit Chippewa County, you’ll discover endless activities with a mix of outdoor adventure, local flavor, and plenty of family-friendly fun. We can’t wait for our next visit—and maybe we’ll see you there! Plan your next trip to Chippewa County now: Go Chippewa County.
Thank you to Go Chippewa County for sponsoring this blog post.