Located just outside of Eau Claire is a Nature Reserve that has existed in one form or another since 1947.
Beaver Creek Reserve has 400 acres with nearly nine miles of hiking trails. Bordered by the Eau Claire River and with two small streams running through, there’s a wide array of habitats throughout the Reserve that are home to all kinds of different flora and fauna.
In addition to the hiking trails, there’s a Nature Center, a Citizen Science Center, a seasonal Butterfly House as well as a youth camp, an obstacle course, a charter school and Hobbs Observatory.
There’s so much to see, do and learn at Beaver Creek!
No matter what you are looking for, the Beaver Creek Reserve has something to see, do and learn. Start your visit at the Nature Center to learn about the property, find out about activities and get your visit started. There are interactive exhibits right here to get your little ones excited and involved.
The Reserve is open year round and there are awesome winter activities, so don't count them out in the cold months. From April - November they're open Mondays - Saturdays 9 am - 4 pm and Sundays 12 - 4 pm. In December - March, they're open Tuesdays - Saturdays 9 am - 4 pm and Sundays 12 - 4 pm. Admission for the trails is just $5 for adults and $3 for children 15-3. Children under age 2 are free
Make your visit extra special by planning around the schedule at the Hobbs Observatory. Beaver Creek keeps an astronomer on staff and being away from the city gives great views of the sky and stars.
There's so many things happening at Beaver Creek and the public is invited to observe. Learn about beekeeping or see how the Reserve bands owls for research and tracking.
The Reserve is open year-round, meaning winter snow-showing or cross-country skiing on the trails, a whole different type of learning, candlelit hikes and more.