Putnam Park State Natural Area
A diverse wilderness area with native trees, plants, animals, and birds, featuring well-maintained trails for hiking and biking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shaded trails offer cool respite
Putnam Park State Natural Area
Best Time
Shaded trails offer cool respite
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A diverse wilderness area with native trees, plants, animals, and birds, featuring well-maintained trails for hiking and biking.
"So peaceful to bike in here, and when outside is cooking hot, here's super cool."
🚶♀️ Respect Shared Trails
Hikers, bikers, and cars share the path. Yield to uphill traffic and stay to your side. :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Choose Your Parking Wisely
UWEC offers more parking. Putnam St has a playground nearby. 🚗
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 161 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Pond Wildlife
Near the wooden path and bridge
Observe diverse wildlife in a tranquil pond setting, often featuring a charming wooden path and bridge.
The Tunnel Under State St
Underneath State Street
A unique feature, this tunnel offers a cool passage and connects different sections of the park's trail system.
Upper Trail to UWEC
Connecting to UW-Eau Claire campus
An elevated path offering a different perspective and convenient access to the university.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Shared Use
Parking & Access Points
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Respect Shared Trails
Hikers, bikers, and cars share the path. Yield to uphill traffic and stay to your side. :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Choose Your Parking Wisely
UWEC offers more parking. Putnam St has a playground nearby. 🚗
Random Request- Putnam Park
I know this is a huge shot in the dark but I'm crossing my fingers someone can help me out! On the Putnam Park trail is this bench. It's a spot that became meaningful to my boyfriend while he was in college there and I want to get the location coordinates of it engraved on a…
does anyone know any cool secret places to explore in ec? I know some sunset spots, one tunnel, the train bridge, etc. just looking for new places to explore
Putnam Park feels like it's a magical.
🌳 Embrace the Nature
Look for diverse trees, plants, animals, and birds. It's a true wilderness experience. 🐦
🌉 Admire the Bridge
The wooden path leads to a bridge, a scenic spot for photos. :camerawithflash:
Recommendations while visiting Eau Claire
Hey y’all !! I’ll be in Eau Claire for just about 24 hours in early august (on a Sunday) and I’m hoping to make the most of my time in town :) if anyone has any recommendations of somewhere I can swim and enjoy nature, eat the BEST cheese curds in WI, and maybe enjoy a cocktail…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Respect Shared Trails
Hikers, bikers, and cars share the path. Yield to uphill traffic and stay to your side. :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Choose Your Parking Wisely
UWEC offers more parking. Putnam St has a playground nearby. 🚗
🌳 Embrace the Nature
Look for diverse trees, plants, animals, and birds. It's a true wilderness experience. 🐦
🌉 Admire the Bridge
The wooden path leads to a bridge, a scenic spot for photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Putnam Park for its beautiful natural setting, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails suitable for walking, biking, and family outings. The park offers a peaceful escape with unique features like a scenic pond and a tunnel, though shared trail use requires awareness.
"Lovely trail with lots of animals and nature. The main trail is one straight line, although there are a few paths and stairs on the way. It took maybe a little over an hour at a leisurely pace going back and forth. Beware that cars and bikes do come through as well. Depending on where you park, there is a small area to park at one end whereas the other end of the trail goes to UWEC where you'll have more parking spaces."
PC Xy
"So peaceful to bike in here, and when outside is cooking hot, here's super cool"
Marytere Farell Sultan
"This is a beautiful hike any time of the year, with a few different features. There is an upper path that connects to some nearby streets. Also a pond that has plenty of wildlife, and a wood path and bridge. The path seems to be made from old pallets but thankfully the bridge is not, ha. There is the tunnel that goes underneath State St, and an upper level of the path that goes from that point to UWEC. Easy to access from Putnam St with a park/ playground nearby."
Hank Zane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Putnam Park State Natural Area is accessible from multiple points. You can park near Putnam Street, which also has a playground, or utilize the more extensive parking options available at the UW-Eau Claire campus. The main trail is a straightforward path, but there are also connecting paths and stairs to explore.
Yes, there are parking areas available. One option is a small area at one end of the trail, while the other end, leading to UWEC, offers more substantial parking spaces.
Absolutely! Putnam Park is a popular spot for biking, with a nice wide path that's great for cycling.
Yes, it's a very nice trail for walking, jogging, or biking. The path is wide and well-maintained, making it enjoyable for all.
While the main trail is a straight line, there are a few connecting paths and stairs that offer variations. An upper path also connects to nearby streets and the UWEC campus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Putnam Park State Natural Area is a public natural area and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to access and enjoy the trails and nature.
As a natural area, Putnam Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours may vary slightly, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours.
There is no admission fee to enter Putnam Park State Natural Area. You can explore its trails and natural beauty without any cost.
Putnam Park is a natural area and does not require reservations for general access. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
While generally open, it's always a good idea to be aware of local regulations regarding park usage, especially concerning pets, fires, or overnight stays. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Putnam Park is home to numerous native trees, plants, animals, and birds. You can expect a diverse wilderness experience with plenty of opportunities for wildlife observation.
Yes, many visitors find Putnam Park to be a very nice trail to go on with kids. The trails are well-kept, and the natural setting is engaging for children.
Restroom availability can vary. While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, facilities might be present near parking areas or the playground. It's advisable to check local information or come prepared.
While it can get busy, especially on weekends, visiting on weekday mornings can offer a more peaceful experience. The park's size allows for finding quieter sections away from the main path.
The terrain is generally easy to moderate. The main trail is wide and relatively flat, but there are some paths with stairs and inclines. The wooden path and bridge offer a unique surface.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic pond with its wooden path and bridge is a popular spot for photography. The tunnel under State Street also offers unique photo opportunities. The diverse flora and fauna provide endless subjects.
Absolutely! With its variety of native trees, plants, animals, and birds, Putnam Park is an excellent location for nature photography.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park and local ordinances. It's recommended to check with the park authorities or local government for specific rules regarding drone operation in natural areas.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. The shaded trails can also be pleasant during hotter parts of the day.
The pond with its bridge, the tunnel under State Street, and the scenic views from the upper trails are notable landmarks for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit