The Urban Nature Adventure Tour

You’ve never seen Eau Claire quite like this! Embark on an a remarkably woodsy adventure (considering it’s right in the heart of the city!) with our Urban Nature Adventure Tour, a partnership with the expert Naturalists from Beaver Creek Reserve. Guides will escort you off the trolley on short hikes into four hidden urban forests filled with plant life, rock formations, birds, butterflies, mammals, and more. You’ll hear surprising natural histories, fascinating facts, and maybe even a bird call or two as you explore hidden trails and access points unknown to the vast majority of locals.

We’ll traverse concealed trails high above the Eau Claire River near native pollinator habitats, discover low-lying trails near small waterfall rapids along the Chippewa River, explore the new Half Moon Lake Boardwalk Trail to identify wetland and riparian native species, and summit a key peak of local elevation overlooking the historically crucial Dells Pond waterway. Between each point, enjoy open-air trolley transportation with bonus narration, trivia, and more.

Whether you’ve been to any of these guided locations before or not; seeing, hearing, and experiencing them through the eyes of Naturalist educators will open you up to new level of understanding and appreciation.

IMPORTANT TOUR DETAILS:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & WAIVER
The Urban Nature Adventure Tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours. Participants must sign a waiver before departure, have a reasonable fitness level, and be able to keep up with the group while hiking on some uneven single-track terrain, including some large steps uphill. Ages 10 and up only, and those unable to participate in a strenuous walk should not participate.

FOOTWEAR & ATTIRE
Appropriate footwear must be worn (no flip flops) and as well as layers appropriate for the weather (the tour is rain or shine). Tall socks or pants may be a good idea as poison ivy may be alongside trails. If trails are damp, surfaces can be slippery, so please keep this in mind.

FOOD & WATER
Bring your own closeable water bottle, and any snacks must be consumed while off the trolley on trails. Snacks (granola, chips, chocolate, etc) are also available for purchase at the Local Store before the tour.

RESTROOMS, BUGS, & BINOCULARS
There is one bathroom break opportunity approximately 2.25 hours into the 3.5 hour tour, please go immediately before departure. Binoculars and/or ID books for birds, plants, etc are welcome. Bug spray applied before the tour may be advisable.

*Final tour locations may change based on conditions, events, or other reasons).

Now, let’s explore!