Chippewa Falls, WI – We love bicycles, breweries and stops in-between!

During January, in Chippewa Falls, WI, our winter enthusiasts are thrilled with the arrival of snow storms.  They can’t wait to hit the trails to go skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, etc.  More power to them – let their engines (and legs) roar!!

There are those of us, though, who prefer warmer weather with clear roads for walking, running, or strolling down our main streets.  Some local activities are done best at a leisurely pace.  Slow enough to pause, admire our local shops, restaurants, and breweries.  So many great places along the way to stop and warm up!

I have to admit to the snow lovers…’Yes, okay, already, our recent snowfall is a gorgeous view.’  Guess you have to be here to appreciate it???  But, it doesn’t stop me from dreaming of warmer weather, green grass, and dry roads…and bicycles.

We, locals, know the snow won’t last.  In just a few short months we’re home free to hit the roads once again.  As we switch from skis and boots to running shoes and flip-flops, our downtown streets will transform, too!  Streets and corners will be swept in preparation for being decorated!?!

Wait, what?  You Chippewa folks decorate your street corners?

Yes, we decorate our streets and corners!  Our Chippewa Falls Main Street organization spearheads all sorts of events to liven up the scenery and decorate our downtown area.  Our Christmas decorations are stored away, and we’re preparing for the next conversion.  In February, things will start popping with color – red, to be exact, in our Paint the Town Red event.

In April we’ll have a spring clean up – getting streets and corners ready for hanging flowers and planters.  Then we’ll roll onto the street corners with the change of seasons by adding some fun with a dominant theme of bicycles.

If you’re in the area of Chippewa Falls, during the summer months, stop downtown, take a walk around and see how many bicycles you can count.  We are a bike-friendly city, even if the corners on the main streets say ‘no bicycles’.

That doesn’t stop us from decorating with bicycles…We have a bicycle path around the perimeter of the city for all the bicycling fans.  There is signage everywhere so you can navigate your way around town with ease.  Feel free to stop at a bench or two while you’re at it.  Take a break and enjoy the scenery.

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Bicycling fans come from near and far; you’ll see many vehicles hauling bikes as you walk around downtown.   The path around town takes you past many of our local restaurants and shops.  You’re welcome to grab some refreshment at the end of your trip at our local breweries.  On one end of town, you’ll find Chippewa River Distillery & Brewster Bros.  I missed seeing their bike the day we walked around.  No worries, they are on my ‘must stop at’ list this year. I’ll make sure to see their decorated bike and, of course, taste their beer & spirits!

The day we walked around we stopped at the other end of town, at Leinie’s, for a tasting.  It’s a great place to stop and shop around their visitor center, and if you’ve got the time, take them up on their tour, too!

My husband and I took a walk downtown this past summer to see how many bicycles we could see.  I’m still amazed at how many bicycles we saw when we set out to discover them.

Intermission break…tour is about to begin…I’ll wait here while you go grab a cup of something warm…you know, to sip on as you join me for a peek at how our town went all bicycle last summer.

Great – glad you’re back – ready, set, let’s roll…I hope you enjoy our walking bicycle tour!

Look close as you walk (or bike) around, you might just find some other surprises – smiling out at you.The first bike we saw was sitting on the corner by the 4:30 am Coffee Shop – Open at 4:30 am during the week and are closed on Sundays.  Their coffee is delicious – make sure you stop by to grab a cup of java and check out their friendly and welcoming smiles!

I had to smile at the location of this bike…right next to the No Bicycles sign.

Our Chippewa Falls Main Street location is a great place to stop if you’re interested in learning more about our mission for downtown properties as well as upcoming main street events.

Don’t forget to look up as you walk around!

We may be a small town, but we’ve got a high tech store on one of our corners!

Make sure to take a peek in the windows of the shops – go ahead, stop in to shop while you’re at it – treasures you will find!  The Bridge Street Brew coffee shop was new to downtown this past summer.  They are open on Sunday’s, serving breakfast, lunch, and, of course – COFFEE.  You’ll find welcoming smiles there, too! 

Lacey’s Lingerie shop opened in December 2017.  They joined in on the corner bike decorating as they prepared for the opening of their shop.

Keep an eye out for the paintings on the walls and buildings.  Our Harmony Court holds a special place in the hearts of our locals.

As we ended our tour, we spotted a bicycle decorated outside of the Leinie’s Lodge…  Oh, and when you go inside for a tasting of their beers, or to shop, (you should do both), make sure to look up!  

No overnight parking allowed, but during business hours, go ahead, rack your bikes, park, and head inside to taste their beer!  They’re open year-round, so you don’t have to wait until summer…hint, hint…!  

Cheers to you, hope you enjoyed this flashback to warmer weather!  You’re always welcome in Chippewa Falls, WI; Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, you’ll find someone hitting the streets, roads (or trails) and welcoming smiles wherever you go!

#GoChippewaFalls