It's the 2023 Ginormous Pumpkin Festival in River Prairie!
River Prairie is about to be swarmed with giant pumpkins, fall foods, and various vendors... It's the 2023 Ginormous Pumpkin Festival! This Saturday, come out to River Prairie Park to see some seriously huge pumpkins and more fall festivities. Starting off in the morning, see the Pumpkin Weigh-Off, The Great Pumpkin Races, including a 5K run/walk, 1/4 mile run, & tiny trot for kids, and even a Pumpkin Dessert Contest. Throughout the day, explore the Artist Market, Pumpkin Costume Contest, and Pet Costume Contest. But wait, it gets better! You won't want to miss the Ginormous Pumpkin Drop in the park and see a giant pumpkin fall from the air & explode with candy! This event is totally free to attend and is one of the greatest fall experiences in the Eau Claire area. Visit the link for more information and to register for events throughout the day. Details »
Things To Do
Get a Taste of Fall Comfort Food in River Prairie
These will make your mouth water! This season, get a taste of fall flavors and ultimate comfort foods at restaurants in River Prairie! Try creamy Mac & Cheese at 44 North, a Smoked Pork Sandwich at Cowboy Jack's, or a Coffee of the Month at Cabin Coffee. Click the button to see our complete blog of the best comfort foods to heal your soul this season in River Prairie! Learn More »
Our Apple Orchard Picks This Season
Apple orchard season is in full swing in the Chippewa Valley, and we have so many to "pick" from! Bring your family out to Ferguson's Orchards in Eau Claire for a full, fall day in the orchard, visiting the animals, playing apple sling-shot, and so much more. Take your fall date to Leffel Roots for a corn maze adventure and glass of apple cider. Head to the Chippewa Falls area for the perfect apple orchard country by exploring at Connell's Family Orchard, Niblett's Apple Shed, and more! Click "Learn More" to see all the beautiful orchards to choose from this season. More »
Take on the Eau Claire Curd Crawl
Don't forget! The Eau Claire Curd Crawl is still active, and curds around the Chippewa Valley are waiting for you! Download the free Curd Crawl mobile pass and visit some of the best places for cheese curds like The District, Northern Tap House, and even Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery in Menomonie, WI. Check-in at participating locations, earn points, and win prizes just for eating cheese! Visit the link for more information and to get started today.
Get "Fired-Up" in Wheaton 
This Saturday, the Town of Wheaton is throwing their annual party at Wheaton Park and Wheaton Fire & Rescue! On September 23, 2023, come out to the park for Wheaton Fired-Up Day at 3:00 PM for live music, food, beverages, kids' games, safety demonstrations, raffles, and a firework display at dusk. Visit the link for more information. 
A Horror-Holiday Escape Room
This year, Tactical Escape 101 is taking over the Schlegelmilch House for another year of creepy holiday escape room challenges! Take on Krampus, the demon of Christmas, starting September 30 through October 29, 2023. Bookings are available on Wednesdays and Fridays-Sundays for various team sizes. Click "Read More" to book your reservation this spooky season!