As winter arrives, snow cover ascends on our quaint town of Chippewa Falls, WI. Legend has it weather doesn’t stop locals from doing what we love to do. It doesn’t stop visitors willing to venture here either. We all love to discover the beauty of Wisconsin’s changing seasons.
All side roads lead to our main attractions. – Chippewa native
As seasonal runners (aka, joggers – you know the type, we run to maintain health, not win races), my husband and I love to run outside. With the arrival of snow and ice, we’ve adopted the safe route (treadmill) until the roads clear. It doesn’t stop us from throwing on our Columbia boots, grabbing the camera, jumping in the Durango and heading out (4-wheel drive makes us extra brave!) to enjoy local attractions.
If you, on the other hand, are a hardcore runner (there are many around here) – all you have to do is add Yaktraxs to your shoes and hit the road.
By land or by car, we love cool fresh air and venturing out into the snow cover. Country roads, city streets or parks, you name it, you can run on it in Chippewa Falls. As you venture out, take time to notice how life here carries on with the changing seasons.
Turn right or left, you pick, no matter where you turn, you’ll find something to see.
At this time of year, most cornfields cut and only stalks remain. Curious…I wonder why this cornfield was abandoned from the harvest? The dormant weeds created eye-catching (well, to me it did as we drove by) contrast. Not so much in black and white though…?
Heading south on Hwy K, if you take a right and head west you’ll find our state park. Walking or running through is free! Or go a bit further south on K, take a right to the west, and you’ll find Kamp Kenwood. I have special memories from this summer where the first ever Bridging Memories event was held.
After capturing corn & weed pictures, I turned to get back in the car. Traffic was coming pretty fast, so I paused before clicking a picture of the road. Zoom, they whizzed right by me. Burr…the sudden blast of cold air reminded me of another reason I don’t run outside in winter. As the milk truck went by it left a huge gust of snow rolling across the road and field – chilling me to the bone. Thankfully, I was already in the ditch and didn’t have to jump in it! I admire you runners who persevere and run throughout our winter! More power to ya!!
You may even see wildlife as you venture out. Deer in this neck of the woods love unharvested cornfields and shelter of pine trees in our forests!
This past spring, a torrential downpour of rain cursed the area. Waters climbed high on banks, washing away ground under many trees and roads. I bet the owner of this canoe was happy it didn’t float away. It will remain here, alone for the winter. Repairs to this curved road turned out beautiful. I’ll hit it with my running shoes in the spring.
We take our time here. To plan, to build (rebuild), and to relax. Unfortunately, this building burned and hasn’t been rebuilt yet. Maybe in the spring it will be cleared and renewed? A route to revisit next year.
The history and legends of those who built our town are fun to discover. So many places to visit in Chippewa Falls – all inviting in unique ways.
Wherever you go, you’ll find we’re a warm bunch of folks!
The generous Irvine family began funds to build the park where our treasured main attraction at Christmastime is on display. Volunteers help set up and take down each year. Bless their bravery as they ascend ladders and place thousands of lights throughout the display. Of course, donations are always welcome!
Visitors and locals love this main attraction – going strong 30 years. If you’ve never been or are in the area, grab your boots, leg warmers, jackets, hats, scarfs, and mittens and take a stroll through the park. Drive if you’d prefer – all modes welcome, even horse and buggy.
The magical display is pretty in color and black and white!
Enjoy side roads leading you here-you’re always welcome in Chippewa Falls, WI!
Daily Post Photography Challenge: Ascend
Thank you, Chris! Your take on the ascend challenge is beautiful. https://chrisbreebaart.wordpress.com/2017/12/16/ascend-when-the-musics-over-turn-off-the-light/ Thanks for stopping by to see my post and for sharing the link to yours! Much appreciated!!
Wonderful post. 😀 😀
Thank you, Cee! I’m looking forward to your next week’s challenge!