This is a beautiful park east of Eau Claire.
When I went in 2019 it was free, but their website says there is a fee now. Hike around for an hour or so and then have a picnic. I went around 6pm after work one day and had a wonderful time. We only saw about a dozen people and during our picnic we had the place to ourselves!
This is a 135 acre park, so there’s plenty to do. The falls are beautiful and if you cross the rapids there are sandy beaches on the other side. People swim here as well. Once we parked, we followed the trail to the main area with the falls. Then we headed left and just hiked along the left side of the falls area. The views were pretty and the sounds of the waterfalls were calming.
600 Big Falls Forest Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54703
For more information, head to the Eau Claire County parks department website. Unfortunately no pets allowed at the park.