Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for Historic Preservation has called it one of the United States' top 10 “Distinctive Destin-
ations.”
Sights
InNorthWoodsWisconsintaverns,thebeerofchoiceisindisputablyLeinie's(never“Lein-
enkugel's”ifyou'retryingtofitin).The Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company (WIS124
N, 715/723-5557, www.leinie.com , tours 9am-5pm Mon.-Thurs. and Sat., 9am-8pm Fri.,
11am-4pm Sun., free) has been using the crystal-clear waters of Chippewa Falls to brew
beer since 1867. It went from one brand of beer (400 barrels) its first year to nine premium
brands, today sold throughout the region. No reservations are necessary for the tours, but
it's a good idea.
You can actually view the pure gurgling springs at the as-small-as-a-phone-booth Chip-
pewa Spring House (600 Park Ave., 715/723-0872), one of the oldest landmarks in the
valley and the community's first structure, built in 1836. Across the street is the Chippewa
Water Company bottling plant, started by poet Ezra Pound's grandfather and still in op-
eration after more than a century.
Chippewa Falls' modern history is partially chronicled at the Chippewa Falls Museum
of Industry and Technology (21 E. Grand Ave., 715/720-9206, 1pm-5pm Tues.-Fri.,
10am-3pm Sat., $5 adults). People are fairly surprised how important Chippewa Falls has
been to the computer revolution; Cray Computers, builder of the world's most powerful
supercomputers, was founded in Chippewa Falls. Note that in low seasons this museum is
occasionally open by appointment only.
Food
The family restaurant of choice is absolutely M Olson's Ice Cream Parlor and Deli (611
N. Bridge St., 715/723-4331, 11am-8 or 9pm daily, $2-5), a landmark since 1923 for its
“Homaid” ice cream. Ice-cream aficionado magazines have rated this place in the top 10 in
the United States; you can observe the ice cream-making process through large windows.
Candlelight dining and even cruise dinners ($75 per couple) are found at High Shores
Supper Club (17985 Hwy. X, 715/723-9854, 4pm-10pm Mon.-Sat., 11am-10pm Sun.,
$6-20). As fine as the cuisine are the splendid lake views of Lake Wissota from a garden-
side deck table.
Or, right downtown, world fusion food at a great bistro: Duncan Creek Wine Bar (213
Bridge St., 715/723-7000, dinner Tues.-Sat., $7-15).
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