Dells of Eau Claire County Park
Discover a hidden gem with stunning waterfalls, unique rock formations, and peaceful woodland trails along the Eau Claire River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful nature sounds
Dells of Eau Claire County Park
Best Time
Peaceful nature sounds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden gem with stunning waterfalls, unique rock formations, and peaceful woodland trails along the Eau Claire River.
"This park is a hidden gem! Fantastic magical place with falls, river, and beautiful woodland trails."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rough and rocky, especially near the river. Wear good hiking shoes for safe exploration.
💧 Embrace the River Rocks
Walking on the river rocks is a highlight! Just be mindful of slippery surfaces and supervise children closely.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 478 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Dells Waterfalls
Main viewing area
Expansive falls and dramatic rock formations create a stunning natural spectacle, easily accessible from the parking lot.
River Rock Exploration
Along the Eau Claire River
Walk out onto the cool rocks in the river for unique vantage points and a refreshing experience, especially popular with kids.
Ice Age Trail Segment
North side of the river
A well-maintained hiking path offering peaceful woodland scenery and a smoother alternative to the rougher river trails.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Trail Smarts for a Smooth Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Talk to me about Wisconsin
Hello, fellow trippers. I've been road tripping for a long time, but this one is stumping me. Originally, we were going to fly into Minneapolis and hit Voyageurs and Isle Royale National Parks in late May or early June. However, we have now had Milwaukee added to our list…
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rough and rocky, especially near the river. Wear good hiking shoes for safe exploration.
💧 Embrace the River Rocks
Walking on the river rocks is a highlight! Just be mindful of slippery surfaces and supervise children closely.
📸 Capture the Magic
The falls and rock formations are incredibly photogenic. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds.
🧺 Picnic & Play
Enjoy pavilions, picnic tables, and a playground – perfect for a family day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Trails can be rough and rocky, especially near the river. Wear good hiking shoes for safe exploration.
💧 Embrace the River Rocks
Walking on the river rocks is a highlight! Just be mindful of slippery surfaces and supervise children closely.
📸 Capture the Magic
The falls and rock formations are incredibly photogenic. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds.
🧺 Picnic & Play
Enjoy pavilions, picnic tables, and a playground – perfect for a family day out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Dells of Eau Claire County Park, calling it a 'fantastic magical place' and a 'hidden gem.' They love the beautiful falls, river, and woodland trails, with many appreciating the ability to walk on the rocks. While peaceful on weekdays, it can get busy with families on weekends.
"I did the part of the Ice Age Trail as listed on the AllTrails app, but I also drove through the park and found it to be well kept, clean, and beautiful. The restrooms I visited were all good.
"The trail at the Dells of the Eau Claire County Park was really awesome. Woods, rushing water, cool rocks.... and it was a beautiful morning. Could not ask for anything more!"
I got there early and I was one of three people there, but by 10 AM, the rocks in the river were crawling with kids and adults.
Still great listening to the sound of the water, and on the trail it was pretty peaceful."
Leslie Smith
"11/15/2025. This park is a hidden gem! How do more people not know about this fantastic magical place?? The falls, the river, beautiful woodland trails. There are pavilions and Picnic tables and a kids play area."
Cindy Puzio
"What a beautiful area! Love that you are able to walk out onto the rocks. Gives such a great vantage point."
Christie Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located near Aniwa, Wisconsin. It's accessible by car, and many visitors use GPS navigation to find the entrance. It's often mentioned as a beautiful stop in Wisconsin's natural areas.
Yes, there is parking available, including a viewing platform area that's easily accessible from the lot.
The park is designed for vehicle access to parking areas, allowing visitors to easily reach the main attractions like the falls and trails.
The park is near Aniwa and is often listed alongside other Wisconsin attractions like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and various state parks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entry fees is not consistently mentioned, but it's generally considered a well-kept county park, suggesting potential for minimal or no entrance fees. It's always best to check the official county park website for the most current information.
While specific hours aren't always detailed, county parks are typically open from dawn to dusk. Early visits are recommended to avoid crowds.
The park offers pavilions and picnic tables, which are great for families. It's advisable to contact the county parks department to inquire about reservations for pavilions, especially for larger groups or during peak seasons.
Access to the trails, including the Ice Age Trail segment, is generally included with park entry.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main trail along the river offers stunning views of the falls and rock outcroppings. The Ice Age Trail segment provides a smoother, more maintained hiking experience on the north side.
Yes, visitors love walking out onto the rocks in the river for unique perspectives. Be cautious as they can be slippery.
Restrooms are available and generally reported as clean and well-maintained, adding to the park's appeal.
Absolutely! The park features a playground, and the accessible viewing areas and river rock exploration are big hits with kids.
Expect beautiful woodland trails, rushing water, impressive rock formations, and expansive falls, with some comparing the landscape to the Canadian Shield.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The main viewing platform offers a great overview of the falls. Walking on the river rocks provides unique angles, and the woodland trails offer serene nature shots.
Early mornings are ideal for softer light and fewer people, minimizing distractions in your photos. Golden hour light can also be beautiful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive falls and landscape. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water and rocks.
Capture the power of the falls, the texture of the rock outcroppings, and the peacefulness of the woodland trails. The contrast between the water and rocks is particularly striking.
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