Great Outdoors Month: 5 Local spots for health and healing
June is Great Outdoors month! Spending time in nature can do wonder for your mental health, and with warmer weather finally here, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some nature-induced healing. Fortunately, the Chippewa Valley offers an abundance of beautiful outdoor destinations to explore.
Our providers regularly incorporate these scenic spots into their work, so we asked them to share some of their favorite recent outdoor escapes. Here’s what they came up with:
Big Falls
Big Falls was a favorite spot of mine from my youth, so I feel both the nostalgia factor and the “my surroundings in this moment are amazing” factor. I always seem to forget that something this cool and beautiful is so close by. If you’re in an adventurous mood, Big Falls is a great place to get your exploration on. Just remember to plan accordingly, as you’ll have to wade through the water at some point to reach anywhere cool.
Hoffman Hills
A popular spot for autumn day trips due to the colorful foliage, Hoffman Hills in Menomonie has a lot to offer in the summertime as well - over 9 miles of trails, 3 picnic areas, and a 60-foot observation tower. If you’re good with heights, this is the perfect spot for some seriously mesmerizing views.
Elk Mound Hill Castle
If a 60-foot climb is not appealing to you, the Elk Mound Hill Castle might be more your speed. A visit here includes beautiful scenery and an interesting history. Legend has it, Sioux and Chippewa tribes used this hill as a lookout. In 1934, rural letter carriers from Dunn County planted a tree on the hill with soil from each carrier’s route, along with a plaque honoring the "deceased rural letter carriers of Dunn County." Three years later, the county built the “observation tower,” AKA the castle. Today, you can go to the top and take in the scenic views.
Lake Eau Claire County Park
If water is healing for you, try Augusta’s Lake Eau Claire County Park. With plenty of shelter, a playground, and spots for horseshoes and volleyball, you can make it a social affair and enjoy nature with your crew. Or if you prefer a solo trip, you can “whoosah” to your hearts content in solitude by the water - it’s spacious enough to find a spot all your own.
Putnam Park
If you reside in Eau Claire, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy Putnam Park. A natural arboretum, the park is owned by UWEC. It spans residential neighborhoods and part of the Chippewa River. The 1.3 mile trail is ideal if you’re feeling more like a stroll than a hike. And there’s no better cure for a bad day than a leisurely walk along the river.
If you are looking to add some nature activities to your self-care routine, check out one of these local spots. (They all come highly recommended!) This month, take time to celebrate both the outdoors and your well-being.
