Chippewa Valley Swimming Holes
Favorite Chippewa Valley Swimming Spots
There’s something about putting your toes against the tide to make you feel a sense of freedom. As summer is upon us it only seems appropriate we review some of the Chippewa Valley swimming holes. If you currently reside or you’re planning a trip to the Chippewa Valley here’s a review of each Only In Your State (OIYS) swimming hole recommendations to consider and a few of my own!
I got my toes in the water, and booty in the sand.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY RIVERS
The Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers pass through Downtown Eau Claire, which is popular for floating with a group of friends, or FLEAUT as the locals like to call it.. With many get on and off points you can choose the length of float and everything is within walking distance. There isn’t much for beaches, so just swimming may be difficult, but grab a raft, a beer and a group of friends and you’ll definitely have a blast.
ALTOONA BEACH
The second recommendation was Altoona Beach, and are they right! Altoona Beach is one of the BEST beaches I have ever experienced in the Midwest. The sand isn’t too rocky, the water is clear with sandy bottoms and there is plenty of room to space yourself away from the other beach bums. With a grassy area, charcoal grills, playgrounds and other park amenities this is definitely a place you can spend the day. Head down their on a Wednesday and check out the Ski Sprites Water Ski show! Altoona Beach is family friendly, in other words you won’t come across a bunch of college students day drinking, typically they go to Ray’s Beach for that…
LAKE WISSOTA – RAY’S BEACH
Ah, Ray’s Beach, not mentioned on Only In Your State and for good reason. It’s not really a beach. Located on Lake Wissota, Ray’s Beach is more of a grassy area that leads to Lake Wissota. Sure, there is a bit of sand, but not enough to call a beach in my opinion. Although if you have access to a boat their are some great secluded spots out on Lake Wissota to dock and enjoy! Keep in mind, Lake Wissota can be known as a party lake, so if you’re looking to let loose, this is the place to do so this summer.
OTHER CHIPPEWA VALLEY SWIMMING SPOTS
A few other great swimming holes in Eau Claire include, Big Falls, Mount Simon and County Road AA. Big Falls is just as it’s called – waterfalls. With shallow beach bottoms and rocky areas to sunbathe, it’s a popular hot spot for the adventurous swimmer. You can swim and hike all in one place! Mount Simon is known for it’s cliff jumping into Half Moon Lake. And lastly, County Road AA, not many people know of this spot. In fact I just found out about it. There is a cliff you can jump from, the water is shallow in places and there is a waterfall you can swim under. A great place for an intimate swim.
Have you dived into other Chippewa Valley swimming holes? If so, share them with us by commenting below.
Happy Swimming!
