Golf Buddy Trips - The 5 Best Places to Golf, Eat and Stay in the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin Area
The Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls area is an ideal Wisconsin golf buddy trip destination for an easy driving trip from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota: five highly rate public-access courses, great food, and enough lodging variety for both value-focused groups and upscale weekend trips.
Top 5 Public Access Golf Courses
1. Wild Ridge Golf Course — Eau Claire
Wild Ridge is the championship anchor of the trip, marketed with Mill Run as part of the Chippewa Valley’s premier 36-hole public golf facility. The course is described as a links-style championship layout with multiple tee options.
2. Mill Run Golf Course — Eau Claire
Mill Run pairs perfectly with Wild Ridge for a 36-hole day. It is part of the same Wild Ridge/Mill Run public golf operation and gives groups a more relaxed second round.
3. Hickory Hills Golf Course — Eau Claire
Hickory Hills is an 18-hole executive-length course located on 100 acres just south of Eau Claire. It is geared toward recreational golfers and has been voted best golf course in the Chippewa Valley by local publications for 19 years.
4. Lake Hallie Golf Course — Chippewa Falls
Lake Hallie Golf Club features 18 public holes, plus a bar and restaurant, making it a strong Chippewa Falls round and post-round stop.
5. Lake Wissota Golf Club — Chippewa Falls
Lake Wissota Golf & Events is an 18-hole public course near Lake Wissota with wooded, rolling terrain and a lakeside setting. The course also publishes current public daily rates online.
Top 5 Restaurants
1. The Lakely — Eau Claire
A signature downtown Eau Claire restaurant and cocktail lounge connected to The Oxbow Hotel. Visit Eau Claire notes Food & Wine recommendations including The Lakely.
2. Mona Lisa’s — Eau Claire
A long-running seasonal Italian restaurant and one of Eau Claire’s most recognized dinner spots. Food & Wine calls Mona Lisa’s one of the city’s essential restaurants.
3. The Informalist — Eau Claire
Located inside The Lismore, The Informalist is a polished downtown choice for dinner, cocktails, and brunch after golf. Visit Eau Claire lists it among Food & Wine’s Eau Claire recommendations.
4. Wissota Chophouse — Chippewa Falls
A strong steakhouse pick for the Chippewa Falls night of the trip. OpenTable lists Wissota Chophouse among the top Chippewa Falls restaurants with a 4.7 rating.
5. Wissota High Shores Supper Club — Chippewa Falls
A classic Wisconsin supper club experience near Lake Wissota. OpenTable lists it at 4.6 and notes its Lake Wissota supper-club history dating to 1936.
top 5 Places to Stay
1. Residence Inn by Marriott Eau Claire
A top-rated extended-stay option for golf groups; Hotels.com lists it with a 9.8 guest rating.
2. Fairfield Inn & Suites Eau Claire Chippewa Falls
A convenient, high-rated golf-trip hotel between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. Expedia lists it with a 9.6 rating.
3. The Lismore Hotel Eau Claire
Best downtown stay for groups that want walkable nightlife. Hilton describes it as a downtown boutique-style DoubleTree near Phoenix Park, the Farmers Market, UW-Eau Claire, and the Mayo Clinic, with a rooftop bar and restaurant.
4. The Oxbow Hotel
A boutique downtown Eau Claire hotel connected to The Lakely, with dining, cocktails, live music, and bike access.
5. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Chippewa Falls
A strong Chippewa Falls option; Hotels.com lists it as a kid-friendly hotel with a 9.4 guest score, indoor pool, hot tub, and breakfast.
Recommended 3-Day Golf Buddy Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Eau Claire Arrival + 36 Holes
Morning: Wild Ridge Golf Course
Afternoon: Mill Run Golf Course
Dinner: The Lakely or The Informalist
Stay: The Lismore or The Oxbow for downtown nightlife
Day 2: Chippewa Falls Golf + Supper Club Night
Morning: Lake Hallie Golf Course
Afternoon: Lake Wissota Golf Club
Dinner: Wissota High Shores Supper Club or Wissota Chophouse
Stay: Country Inn & Suites Chippewa Falls or Fairfield Inn & Suites Eau Claire Chippewa Falls
Day 3: Casual Final Round Before Heading Home
Morning: Hickory Hills Golf Course
Lunch: Mona Lisa’s, The Nucleus, or a quick Eau Claire stop before departure
Trip style: Easy final round, shorter course, lower travel stress.
For the best buddy trip flow, stay downtown Eau Claire on night one, shift toward Chippewa Falls on night two, and finish with Hickory Hills on the way out.
